A bathroom remodel helps create a beautiful and functional space to relax and unwind after a long day. It is also an excellent strategy to enhance your everyday life and increase your home’s value. However, a bathroom revamp is costly, with a complete vanity redo setting you $10,000 to $30,000 back. With such a huge price tag, getting everything right the first time is vital to avoid spending more than you intended. If you are considering splurging on a complete bathroom remodel, here are seven mistakes you should avoid to ensure an incident-free project.
Failing to compare estimates
Working with a bathroom renovation contractor is critical to a smooth renovation project. However, most homeowners base their choice of a project contractor solely on price, so they opt for the person with the cheapest estimates. This often results in regrets in the future because you may be stuck with a design you do not like.
Be sure to compare the details of the estimate you receive. Sometimes contractors may accidentally leave a crucial detail in their estimates resulting in significant differences in their price ranges, so comparing the estimates can ensure you catch omissions on time and make the right decision. You should also determine how long a contractor has been in business, read online reviews, and request recommendations from neighbors, family, and friends to hire an experienced, reputable, trustworthy contractor. Alternatively, click here to find a well-equipped bathroom renovation contractor to handle your renovation project.
Not having a budget
One of the most significant mistakes most first-time homeowners make is failing to plan costs before the bathroom renovation project begins. This causes substantial issues down the road, including overspending or, worse, the inability to complete the project. For this reason, it is essential to establish a reasonable revamp budget before the project starts.
To create a realistic budget for your bathroom renovation project, start by listing everything you need to repair or replace. This includes faucets, doorknobs, cabinetry, shower walls, and mirrors. If you intend to replace tiles, determine the required square footage.
You should also incorporate the cost of the tools and equipment you will purchase or lease if you intend to renovate the bathroom yourself. However, if you will hire bathroom renovation contractors, remember to add labor costs to your budget. You should set aside an additional 20% to cater to unanticipated expenses. This will ensure you do not get stuck in the middle of the project due to a lack of adequate funds to complete it.
Squeezing too much in
In an attempt to bring your dream bathroom ideas to reality, you could end up cramming too many fixtures and fittings into the space. For instance, you could pick features and fixtures that are too prominent for your bathroom. This does not only make the vanity uncomfortable to use and compromises its appeal. It could also result in violating your local building codes, which might lead to legal suits and paying hefty fines.
Be sure to consider the room’s square footage before purchasing any bathroom fixtures and features. Before including any element in the room, consider its dimensions to avoid compromising the bathroom’s functionality.
Skimping on lighting
Most people often neglect bathroom lighting because they use less time in the vanity than in other rooms. However, proper lighting is critical to safety during self-pampering and grooming sessions in the vanity.
Bathroom light fixtures should be adaptable to cater to the different bathroom uses, from where you get ready for the day and the space you wash to the area you relax and unwind at the end of the day. To achieve this, you should aim at incorporating layers of light. For instance, you could add wall lights on either side of the mirrors to avoid casting shadows across your face and ambient light fixtures to illuminate the entire space. You could also install LED light strips under the cabinets to provide a serene mood for your vanity.
Investing in poor-quality fixtures and finishes
Failing to give much attention to the quality of fixtures and finishes before purchase will significantly impact the functionality of your space. Installing low-quality materials will result in frequent repair and maintenance, which could dent your pocket.
Be sure to purchase fittings and fixtures with the highest quality finish and those that can withstand frequent exposure to moisture. Bathroom materials should also be easy to clean and resistant to stains and rust.
If you are experiencing difficulties choosing quality fittings and finishes suitable for your lifestyle, you could consider seeking a specialist’s help. A specialist can enable you to pick appropriate materials that add value to your home without blowing your budget.
Overlooking ventilation
The bathroom is one of the most humid spaces in your home, so you should prioritize ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, moisture could get trapped in the space creating a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth. This causes metal, paint, and grout to deteriorate, compromising your bathroom’s visual appeal.
Mold and mildew could also compromise your family’s health and cause illnesses such as asthma and allergic reactions. Install a correctly-sized exhaust fan in your bathroom to ensure proper ventilation. If you already have one, ensure you vacuum the vent to eliminate dirt, dust, and debris.
Failing to account for storage
Most homeowners focus so much on the bathroom’s aesthetics that they overlook storage. Without adequate storage, your bathroom could become dominating and clunky, making navigating difficult. If your bathroom does not have space to tuck away everyday essentials like toiletries, cleaning products, and towels, it becomes cluttered and messy, detracting from the overall aesthetics and harmony.
For this reason, you should invest in smart storage solutions, such as shower recesses and mirror cabinets, to maximize your space. Installing vanity drawers and open shelves can also keep you from spending more money on retrofits a few months after renovations.
Endnote
You do not need to break your bank to give your bathroom a revamp. Hire the right contractors, create a budget, avoid neglecting lighting and ventilation, add adequate storage, and consider your bathroom’s size to cut costs on your remodel.
