Bathroom renovation is perhaps the trickiest home improvement project there is. It takes a lot of planning and combining expertise to put so many elements into a usually very confined space. Not to mention all the water that is just waiting to burst out. And its impact is oftentimes underestimated. Although the smallest room in your home, bathroom contributes to a great extent to the comfort and quality of life of you and your family. If done properly, the remodelling will result in a smart-looking and functional space. Otherwise, it will be an ever-repeating nightmare. To prevent this, have a look at the following list of 5 bathroom-remodelling mistakes most people make and try to avoid them.
1. Do not try to DIY
We are all trying to cut down the costs whenever possible, but trying to save money on professionals is not the right approach in this case. Bathroom renovation is not just about setting the new tiles. (We say ‘just’ like tile setting is a simple job. Do you know how hard it is to lay them evenly?). In addition to a skilled tile setter, you will also need to find a plumber, an electrician, a cabinet maker, etc. Finding a good plumber in Sydney can be challenging since you need to separate the sheep from the goats. Ask your friends and neighbours if they can recommend someone and meet with at least three contractors before you decide whom to hire.
2. Do not cheap out on materials
A skilled tradesman is a job half done, but not even the most skilled among them can perform miracles. Cheap and poor quality material will stay poor in quality no matter what you do with it. While lighting fixtures are not the most important element in a bathroom, you should not skimp on faucets, tiles, or suites. A motion-activated toilet lid is probably an unnecessary luxury. However, a durable faucet that will resist even the most aggressive bathroom cleaners and the harshest of scouring pads will definitely make your life easier.
3. Do not forget the planet
Most bathroom fixtures today are ecologically-friendly. This means that they control the use of water and keep your water bills from going up. You can find water-efficient solutions even in the mid-price range, so keeping the costs low is not an excuse here. Also reconsider installing multiple shower heads, body sprays, or double sinks. These popular trends are not very sustainable and require certain upgrades that can add thousands to your renovation budget. Simple solutions are usually the smartest investments.
4. Do not forget the storage space
While kitchen remodelling cannot go without new cabinets and countertops, these elements are easily overlooked in bathrooms. But all those skin and hair care products, medications, makeup, perfumes, detergents, etc. need to be stored somewhere. If there is enough room, instead of a double sink, go for a single sink with a large surface area to put toiletries down. Find room for at least one closed cabinet where you can store the things you wish to hide from curious guests.
5. Do not go wild with colours
Bathroom suites come in almost all colours imaginable, but do yourself a favour and opt for simple white. There are two main reasons: aesthetical and functional. If you are guiding yourself by the latest color trends, remember that they will soon be replaced by newer trends while your toilet and bath will remain green, blue, or whatever the color of the moment was. Secondly, white bathroom suites are super low-maintenance. You can add color with details like soap dispensers, or shower curtains.
Do you have any other tips to share?