4 Mistakes Bathroom Remodeling Newbies Make and How to Avoid Them

A bathroom remodel is one of the most challenging projects you can take on for your home. But if you do it right, the rewards can be staggering. Unfortunately, novice remodelers often encounter the same problems when starting a project, which can lead to delays, additional costs, and disappointing results if not handled properly.

Here are the most common mistakes newbies make on bathroom projects, as well as tips on how to avoid making them yourself. This includes photos of a beautiful bathroom when used correctly.

1. Not Creating a Budget

Many inexperienced renovators don’t spend enough time planning their costs before bathroom renovations begin. This can cause major setbacks later on – including not being able to complete the bathroom.

It’s crucial to budget for a retrofit as accurately as possible before work begins. Create a list that lists exactly what you’ll be replacing or repairing, such as shower walls, faucets, mirrors, and cabinets. If you plan to replace any tiles, you will also have to calculate the square footage required.

Add the cost of the subcontractor you need. If you’re going to do anything yourself, include the price of any tools you need to buy or lease.

I’d recommend adding about a 10% buffer to your budget to cover any unexpected costs that pop up – because there’s a good chance they’ll happen.

2. Replace Everything

I strongly advocate repairing rather than replacing as much as possible. Some novice renovators are a bit fond of demolition and want to replace everything in the bathroom, which can cost a lot of unexpected money and time.

If your dresser is a bit outdated but otherwise in good condition, paint it and install new hardware. You may be pleasantly surprised by this shift, and it all costs less than the cost of replacement. Look for other features that can be easily refreshed or restored.

3. Adopt Low-Quality Work and Surface Treatment

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found people make is trying to take shortcuts by not using high-quality professionals or products. Retrofitting isn’t cutting corners, and it’s not about looking at flowers in the fog – there is no room for bad finishes or unsafe practices.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, you don’t want unstable waterproofing. Trust me, when it comes to your budget, this is where you should invest. Work with a trained and certified waterproofing contractor to get things right the first time.

When it comes to finishes, buy the best you can afford. They will make your finished bathroom look and feel more luxurious and more durable than a very cheap one.

4. Not Having Enough Storage Space

Just like the other rooms in the house, good storage space is essential if you want your bathroom to function well and keep it clean and tidy. You need space to store items like makeup, medicines, hairdryers, towels, etc., depending on the number of people sharing the bathroom.

The key is smart storage, which can give you a home to store what you need without taking up too much valuable space in your bathroom. Consider incorporating different sized drawers into your dresser to accommodate items of all shapes and sizes.