Don’t Make These 11 Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

Don’t Make These 11 Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

A bathroom remodel always sounds like a good idea, until you actually start to get into the nitty gritty of it. Bathrooms are huge selling points for buyers, so even if you’re not selling your house right now, you never know when that could change. So, it’s definitely that one part of the house where I absolutely recommend you hire a pro to help you with your remodel if your changes are extensive.

For instance, if you’re looking to swap out your mirror, cabinet hardware and fixtures (and you consider yourself to be pretty handy), you can totally tackle that yourself and see a big impact on your bathroom. You might even be able to make those changes to a rental bathroom if you ask your landlord first. But if any part of your plan to refresh your bathroom involves plumbing, or demo, or electrical – phone a friend! And by friend, I mean a licensed professional.

I went ahead and made all the mistakes and all the “firsts” for you guys with my first bathroom remodel years ago. As a result, I have more bathroom remodels under my tool belt than I can count (okay, I could probably count them if I took a minute or two… but you get the picture!). Now, I’m going to tell you everything I wish I knew before I swung a sledgehammer. In the second installment of my Things I Wish I Knew series, let’s talk all things bathroom remodel!

 

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Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

1. How important is it to start with your “Why?” before remodeling the bathroom?

(before any purchases or demo)

First, let’s call it like it is: I’m a planner. I plan as much as I can and things STILL go wrong. In construction, the only constant is change, but planning definitely helps cut down on some of the “uh oh” moments. Understanding why you’re remodeling can also be really helpful.  Are you remodeling for more space? For an updated aesthetic? Are you selling and trying to remodel on a budget, or is this your “forever” home? Is your bathroom structurally compromised (leaks, rot, etc.) or does it just need a facelift? Going through these “why” questions on your own and with your contractor, before you ever even start, will make your project go smoother. I promise!

 

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2. What’s the first thing you need to consider when updating this room?

The first thing to consider when updating a bathroom (after the “why”) is what your “WOW” is going to be. Is it going to be the shower?  The tub? The mirror? The vanity? I would suggest that all of these shouldn’t be the “WOW,” but just one (maybe two) of them. If all of them are the statement, your bathroom will feel overdone. Pick one “WOW” and let the rest complement that feature. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub, consider that (and maybe a really cool chandelier above it) your “WOW”. Then, let your shower tile, vanity, and bathroom mirror all be neutral enough to let the tub shine.

3. What’s the most timeless or classic material you could use in a bathroom?

That’s easy: white porcelain! A good enameled toilet doesn’t go out of style and neither does a nice clean white sink. We’ve all seen a pink sink in our day and even though it might be funky, it’s not timeless.

 

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4. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve seen when people attempt a bathroom remodel?

The biggest mistake I see homeowners (and designers) regularly make when updating their bathroom is trying to be too trendy. There’s nothing that dates a bathroom quicker than trying to do what’s “in” during the renovation. Don’t be afraid to keep it neutral and add your style with accessories like fun mirrors, towels, and bath mats. If you must, add a fun removable wallpaper. Keep the tile timeless, though!

5. What’s the WORST material to use in the bathroom that *seems* like a good idea but isn’t?

Carpet! Not sure if this seems like a good idea to anyone, but I’ve seen it often enough that I have to say it. The other thing that seems like a good idea but actually isn’t is wall sconce lighting. Wait! Before you stop reading, I’m not saying not to use a wall sconce – I love a good wall sconce! But make sure it’s either bright enough, or install can lighting as well. Nobody wants a dark bathroom.

 

cant-reverse-that-change

 

6. What’s a “can’t reverse that” change people should know before they remodel?

Plumbing is one of those things that isn’t always easy to change. If your home is built on a concrete slab, changing the plumbing on a first-floor bathroom is expensive and tough. Before you move any plumbing, think about “why” and make sure it’s absolutely necessary.

 

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7. Why is it important to consider resale value in the bathroom?

Bathrooms sell houses. It’s that simple. If you ignore resale, especially when redoing your primary bathroom, chances are you will regret it. I personally promise you can make a bathroom that you like, but that also appeals to prospective buyers. I’m not saying you have to sell your house, but isn’t it nice to know you can if you wanted or needed to?

 

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8. If you had to tell us ONE thing a homeowner should definitely leave up to the pros and not attempt on their own, what would it be?

DO NOT PLUMB YOUR OWN BATHROOM. JUST DON’T. SERIOUSLY. Call a plumber and pull permits. Skipping either of these things will burn you in the end. It’s happened to me and it’s happened to my clients. NOT WORTH IT!

9. If someone could only make one change to a bathroom, which one would have the biggest impact?

Switching out the faucet and the mirror (okay, that’s two changes, but come on!) are the easiest ways to update in a bathroom remodel. If you can, changing out the countertop can also make a HUGE difference.

 

common-problem-ordering-materials-bathroom

10. What’s the most common problem you’ve run into with ordering materials for the bathroom?

If you’re doing a bathroom remodel, chances are you want to replace the shower fixtures. But STOP AND READ THIS before you order! You need to buy new fixtures (that’s the thing you turn the water on and off with) that go with the valve that’s already in the wall. Who knew?! Ask your contractor or plumber which brand valve is in the wall (or if it’s easy to replace, which will really open up your options) so you can buy the correct pieces and not waste money.

 

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11. Anything else you want to add?

I usually don’t buy the traditional towel holders for next to the sink.  I really like using fun towel rings instead. This is a great opportunity to add a little personality to your bathroom. Here are a few of my faves:

 

Click for more info about Hexagon Towel Ring Click for more info about Eliza Towel Ring Click for more info about Brass Circlet Towel Ring

Hexagon Towel Ring // Eliza Towel Ring // Brass Circle Towel Ring

23 comments

  • Interestingly, you suggested, rather than focusing on every wow aspect throughout the bathroom renovation process, choosing only one to prevent the area from becoming overdone. I was thinking of remodeling my house piece by piece, beginning with the bathroom, because I want to accomplish it next month. I’ll have this advice in mind when I hunt for a contractor to work with shortly on redoing my bathroom.

    Elle Jones

    on January 31, 2024

  • I like how you suggested focusing on just one wow factor instead of incorporating them all into the bathroom renovation project to prevent the space from feeling overdone. I was thinking of remodeling my house piece by piece, beginning with the bathroom, because I want to do it next month. I’ll bear this advice in mind as I hunt for a contractor to work with shortly on remodeling my bathroom.

    Elle Jones

    on January 31, 2024

  • Interestingly, you mentioned that choosing white porcelain will give our bathroom a classic, timeless look because it’s a good enamel that never goes out of style. I’m looking for contractors to hire for the project soon because I want to remodel our house gradually, starting with the bathroom next month. I’ll make sure to keep this advice in mind as I search for bathroom remodeling companies to contact right away.

    Elle Jones

    on January 31, 2024

  • You made a great point when you suggested that white porcelain is the best choice for creating a classic, timeless look in our bathroom because it’s a good enamel that never goes out of style. I’m looking for contractors to hire for the project soon because I want to remodel our house gradually, starting with the bathroom next month. I’ll make sure to keep this advice in mind as I search for bathroom remodeling companies to contact right away.

    Elle Jones

    on January 31, 2024

  • I informed my family that I wanted to remodel the bathroom to raise the house’s value before selling it because my family is moving to a condo in the city to be close to my husband’s workplace. You mentioned that you probably won’t regret remodeling your main bathroom without taking the market into account, which intrigued me. I suggest that they read this article so that we can all agree that a bathroom remodeling contractor is needed for the house.

    Elle Jones

    on January 31, 2024

  • I had a mold problem at home two weeks ago, so I was thinking it might be time to give my bathroom a remodel to ensure the same issue won’t happen again, especially since the bathroom we have at home looks quite worn out with age now. It caught my attention when you recommended that we use white porcelain for our bathroom since this material can help our fixtures look timeless and clean without going out of style. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a remodeling contractor to hire for the bathroom project I need for my home in Omaha soon.

    CLARE MARTIN

    on January 31, 2024

  • It offers a practical guide to avoiding common bathroom renovation mistakes, ensuring a smoother and more successful remodeling project.

    Fort Worth Bath Remodeling

    on January 31, 2024

  • I want to give the bathroom in my home in Sun Prairie a new look soon since it’s quite worn out now with the wall paint peeling and the mold problem I had to deal with last week. I am thankful for your suggestion when you told us to consider using white porcelain as a material for our bathroom remodeling project since this one is known for its classic beauty, which makes it the most timeless option to consider. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a contractor to hire for this bathroom remodeling project soon.

    Clare Martin

    on January 31, 2024

  • I truly appreciate your recommendation to consider white porcelain if our aim is to bestow a timeless and enduring charm upon our bathroom. Its enduring enamel finish is renowned for its unfading appeal. Our household renovation endeavor is poised to commence, with the bathroom earmarked as the inaugural project slated for next month. In my current quest to secure the services of adept contractors, I’m diligently embarking on the process. Rest assured, your advice regarding white porcelain will be indelibly etched in my memory as I endeavor to identify and engage proficient bathroom remodeling contractors in the imminent future.

    Bathroom Remodeling Houston

    on January 31, 2024

  • I was thinking of remodeling my bathroom this summer after the whole fiasco with mold growing last week that I had dealt with immediately to ensure it doesn’t happen again. It was a helpful suggestion when you recommended that we use white porcelain for our bathroom if we want a timeless and classical aesthetic since they never go out of style. I’ll keep this in mind while I call a remodeling contractor soon for my bathroom project.

    Elina Brooks

    on January 31, 2024

  • We had a mold problem in our bathroom last week, so to avoid this issue from happening again, I was thinking of having the place renovated this summer. It was a helpful tip when you told us to go for white porcelain if we want to give our bathroom a timeless and classical look since it will never go out of style. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a contractor to hire for our bathroom renovation this summer.

    Elina Brooks

    on January 31, 2024

  • Thank you for sharing this insightful article! I found it incredibly helpful and informative. It’s great to have these 11 bathroom remodel mistakes highlighted to avoid potential pitfalls. Your expertise and guidance are greatly appreciated. Keep up the fantastic work!

    John Christ

    on October 15, 2023

  • Greetings! This article is so gonna help me a lot because I plan to refurbish my shower room this summer. You were kind enough to remind us not to put any carpentry inside our bathroom so there will be less moisture. I’ll try to keep this tip in mind when contacting a contractor to manage the project.

    Sam Andrews

    on May 02, 2023

  • Hi,

    These ideas are so inspiring! I can’t wait to incorporate some of them into my own bathroom remodel.

    Soli Surf

    on April 24, 2023

  • Informative post & very helpful as well to all the readers who are planning to remodel their homes. Keep sharing such helpful posts with the readers.

    Emma Clemantine

    on April 24, 2023

  • Thanks for mentioning that you should never attempt to DIY bathroom plumbing. My husband and I have hated our master bathroom since we moved in five years ago. I think we’ll remodel this summer to make it more modern and more usable.

    Eve Mitchell

    on April 24, 2023

  • When it comes to remodeling our bathrooms, many of us make mistakes without even realizing it. From small errors to larger design oversights, these mistakes can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs down the road. To prevent any unnecessary stress or expenses, I’ve identified some of the most common mistakes people make when remodeling their bathrooms. One of the most common mistakes is not having the right tools or materials. For instance, if you’re planning to install a new showerhead, you’ll need to have the right tools for the job. If you don’t have the right tools, you’ll need to purchase them, which can add unnecessary costs to your project.

    Crystal C

    on March 20, 2023

  • I found your suggestion helpful when you told us to pick one wow factor to put focus on during the bathroom remodeling project rather than making it all of them to avoid making the room feel overdone. I want to remodel my house next month, so I was thinking of doing it bit by bit, starting with the bathroom. I’ll keep this suggestion in mind while I look for a contractor to hire for bathroom remodeling soon.

    Elina Brooks

    on December 23, 2022

  • My family’s moving to a condo in the city so we can be near my husband’s office so I told them about wanting to remodel the bathroom to increase the house’s value before selling it. Thank you for acknowledging that if you renovate your main bathroom without considering resale, you probably won’t regret it. I will tell them to read this article so we can all agree that the house needs care from a bathroom remodeling contractor.

    Taylor Abrams

    on December 01, 2022

  • In this blog post, you have mentioned some of the most common mistakes that we can make while remodeling our bathrooms. I have become very alert and I will surely avoid these mistakes while remodeling my bathroom. Thank you.

    Emma Clemantine

    on November 27, 2022

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