Common bathroom remodeling mistakes

While the kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home. Modern homes are designed with the bathrooms as a haven, not just a place to freshen up. Many homeowners find that these modern bathrooms are a great place to unwind, and can be peaceful spaces in their home.

 

Bathrooms need to be both functional and beautiful to create a calm and inviting space. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom , there are some common mistakes you need to avoid when designing your space. These common mistakes can make your space less functional, make the remodel more stressful, or even lead to a less enthusiastic final result.

 

1. The biggest mistake homeowners make when remodeling their bathroom is going over budget. Overspending on your bathroom remodel can be stressful, ending in debt rather than a peaceful finish product. Be realistic with yourself about your budget, what you can afford and create a plan to stick to this budget. When acquiring quotes for your bathroom remodel, ask for itemized quotes from the vendors, and make sure that all associated costs are included in these quotes. A common way homeowners go over budget is with unexpected costs associated with the project. Leave wiggle room in your budget for delays, unexpected issues that may arise. Many resources recommend leaving 20% of your budget unspent to cover unexpected costs and add-ons. This 20% is a great way to cover emergency costs you may accrue along the way. When you plan for the unexpected you are able to stay on budget, and the project will not become a source of stress
2. Don’t forget a theme. While you may be thinking you do not want a themed bathroom that is very different from choosing a theme for your space. This theme can be a color, a feeling, a piece of art, or even a plant. This gives your bathroom the defining focus and can make the space feel more harmonious and complete. We often recommend homeowners choose a theme that goes with the architecture or style of their home and makes the space feel connected to the rest of the house. When working with a remodeler or designer, tell them about the theme so they can help keep the space consistent. Mood boards are a great way to achieve a cohesive finished product. The colors, tile, lighting, and other features can be put on a mood board to show the overall look of the bathroom before it is completed. A mood board can create a curated style for your bathroom. Bathroom themes do not have to be cheesy but can help the room feel thought out. A great example of a theme but not a themed bathroom is spa inspired. A spa inspired bathroom has cool inviting colors, soft textures, and luxurious fixtures.
3. Remember that functionality is just as important as form in a bathroom. Just because the bathroom looks beautiful doesn’t mean it doesn’t have to function for your lifestyle. A bathroom needs to meet all of your needs. A beautiful bathroom without a place to store towels, make up, or other toiletries is more of a nightmare then you may realize.  Storage space, easy to utilize sinks, and functioning tubs and showers are very important parts of any bathroom. Aesthetics and functionality must go hand-in-hand in the remodel.
4. Ventilation is a huge part of any bathroom and should not be overlooked. Your beautiful bathroom remodel will be inundated with mold and mildew very quickly if ventilation is not included. Bathrooms are humid and wet by nature and a fan or window is important for keeping the room dry and mildew and mold free. Many ventilation fans now include Bluetooth speakers, and can add to the design of the room with sleek lines and unique styles. Ventilation fans do not have to be an eyesore. Over time a bathroom that is not ventilated properly can cause structural damage to the home.
5. Storage, storage, storage. Storage can be overlooked when planning a bathroom remodel but bathrooms with large storage areas are so much more enjoyable. When planning your bathroom remodel you want to consider storage space for toiletries, other daily use items, and towels. Some of the storage solutions for bathrooms include drawers, cabinets, coverage, closets, open, shelving, hanging racks, and other hangers. A custom cabinetry shop can help maximize your bathroom space by creating custom cabinets to fit your space perfectly.
6. Don’t skimp on high-quality fittings. The quality of the fittings and finishes in the bathroom can impact the longevity of the space. Low quality fittings are more likely to leak or damage the bathroom. Frequent repairs can increase the cost of your bathroom remodel and maintenance. Investing in high-quality finishings and fittings protects the investment in your new bathroom.
7. Lights camera action. Lighting is a vital part of any bathroom. Make sure you add enough lighting to get camera ready in your space. Applying makeup, shaving, and skin care all require good lighting. Add dimmer switches, and multiple zones to allow you to lower the lighting when needed, but ramp it up when you need to see more detail. Many designers choose a layered design with multiple lighting fixtures and styles to highlight the different parts of the bathroom. LED lighting is great for under cabinets for a night light. Accent lighting is also a great way to make your space inviting.
8. Location, location, location. The water fixtures in the bathroom need to be aligned properly to ensure quick drainage. Tubs and showers that do not drain quickly can cause water stains and even damage to the fixtures. In addition to fixtures being placed properly, positioning of towel bars and hooks is very important for functionality. Location is important for mirrors as well, they need to be aligned properly so they are not too low or town high. Well thought out placement improves the functionality of the space. 

Sweetwood has been creating custom bathrooms and cabinetry for many years. The knowledge that comes with time allows for beautiful, peaceful spaces that are cohesive and functional. The team at Sweetwood has experienced all different styles and designs of bathrooms and can help you choose the right design for your space and lifestyle. While their focus is custom cabinetry they understand the importance of functionality and can help with storage solutions and ideas for creating a peaceful and functional bathroom. The team at Sweetwood can help with layout and much much more. If you are ready, discuss your custom bathroom remodel, sweet wood would love to talk with you.