Avoid the common pitfalls of a bathroom renovation with our practical tips for first-time homeowners.
Renovating a dated bathroom for the first time can be an exciting thing. It’s your chance to leave behind the avocado-green tiles and outdated fixtures of your home’s previous life and create something modern, functional, and—most importantly—yours. But without experience, it’s easy to overlook key details that can derail your plans (and your budget).
Here are five common mistakes first-time homeowners make during bathroom renovations and how to avoid them, so you can go from from unsure to unstoppable in your bathroom upgrade without breaking a sweat.
1. Thinking You Can DIY It All
The Mistake: Underestimating the complexity of bathroom renovations and attempting to handle everything yourself. Sure, there are plenty of DIY tutorials online, but bathrooms require precision work—especially when it comes to plumbing, waterproofing, and leveling. Even small mistakes can lead to costly repairs down the line.
The Solution: Invest time in finding the right team of professionals. Here’s why:
Plumbers and Electricians: Bathrooms are packed with utilities that need to work flawlessly. A licensed plumber ensures your fixtures, pipes, and drains are properly installed (no leaks or funky smells later). And not only will a professional make sure that everything is installed well, but they'll also be sure to use materials designed specifically for bathroom environments like waterproof drywall, high-quality grout and non-slip tiles. But it doesn't just stop at finding the right plumber. Hiring an electrician is also a good idea and will ensure that lighting, fans, and outlets are safe and up to code.
Contractors and Designers: A reputable contractor will coordinate all the moving pieces—timelines, materials, and labor—keeping your project on track. And if you want your bathroom to look cohesive and reflect your style, hiring a designer to help you choose everything from tile and grout to fixtures and paint will ensure your dream bathroom comes to life the right way!
How to Find the Right Professional:
Do Your Research: Check online reviews, ask for references, and look at portfolios. A glowing recommendation from a friend or neighbor is always a good starting point.
Ask Questions: Meet with a few candidates and ask about their experience with bathrooms specifically. Do they know the building codes? Have they worked on projects similar to yours?
Get It in Writing: Always sign a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and costs. This protects both you and the contractor.
Hiring the right professionals might feel like an investment, but it’s one that pays off by saving you stress, time, and costly repairs down the road. Remember, when it comes to a bathroom, cutting corners is never worth it.
2. Skimping on a Solid Plan
The Mistake: Diving in headfirst without a clear game plan. You might think, “We’ll just swap out the vanity and paint the walls,” but renovations often uncover surprises, like outdated plumbing or less-than-stellar waterproofing. Without a detailed plan, these issues can cause delays and budget overruns.
The Solution: Start with a solid plan. Take measurements (and check them twice!), decide on a layout, and set a realistic budget that includes a buffer for unexpected costs (think 10-15% extra). Be sure to plan for all elements—storage, shower niches, fixtures, flooring, and even plumbing—before any demolition begins. A cohesive design ensures the finished bathroom flows together seamlessly, without mismatched elements.
Don’t forget to prioritize your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves.” That freestanding tub might be dreamy, but is it worth sacrificing counter space? A clear plan not only helps you stay organized but also ensures you spend your budget on the elements that matter most to you.
3. Choosing Style Over Function
The Mistake: Falling in love with a trendy design without considering how it fits your lifestyle. That stunning freestanding tub might look like the perfect statement piece—until you realize you never take baths, and it eats up half your floor space. Or maybe you choose glossy tile that looks fantastic in photos but turns into a slip hazard when wet.
The Solution: Strike a balance between form and function. Start by listing your daily habits. Do you need double sinks for those busy mornings, or will one do just fine? Do you prefer showers to baths? Thinking practically about how you use your bathroom can help guide your decisions.
Timelessness is key. Opt for neutral colors and classic finishes that won’t feel dated in five years. You can always add personality with accessories like decor, towels, or wall art—items that are easy (and inexpensive) to swap out as trends change.
4. Overlooking Storage
The Mistake: Forgetting about storage in favor of clean, minimalist designs. While sleek lines and open spaces look great, they don’t magically store your towels, toiletries, or that collection of face masks you swear you’ll use someday.
The Solution: Plan for storage from the start. Opt for vanities with built-in drawers or cabinets, consider adding recessed shelving in your shower, and don’t overlook vertical storage like floating shelves or tall cabinets. Designers are masters at sneaking in storage solutions that keep your space clutter-free without sacrificing style.
Plan carefully for what you’ll need to store and where you’ll need it. A poorly placed shower niche—or forgetting to install one altogether—can lead to frustration later. When planning your bathroom, think not just about where your items will go, but how you’ll use them day-to-day.
5. Ignoring Ventilation
The Mistake: Treating ventilation as an afterthought. Sure, it’s not as exciting as choosing tile patterns or light fixtures, but without proper ventilation, your bathroom can turn into a mildew magnet. That lovely new paint job? It won’t last long if humidity has its way.
The Solution: Prioritize ventilation early in your planning. A high-quality exhaust fan isn’t just practical—it’s essential. Make sure your fan is properly rated for the size of your bathroom, and if possible, vent it outside (not into your attic, which can lead to even bigger problems). Proper ventilation also protects the materials you’ve carefully chosen, like grout and drywall, ensuring they last longer.
If your bathroom has a window, make use of it! Natural ventilation can be a great complement to a fan. But remember, a window alone won’t cut it for long-term moisture control—so don’t skip the mechanical help.
Pro tip: Look for fans with a humidity sensor. These automatically turn on when the moisture level rises, saving you from having to remember to flip the switch (and from dealing with those dreaded “why does it smell damp in here?” moments).
The Most Important Thing to Remember: Call in the Experts
Renovating your bathroom doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead, balancing style with function, and knowing when to call in the pros, you can create a space you’ll love for years to come. And if you’re feeling a little unsure, our design team is here to help.
We’ve tackled a renovation or two, and we specialize in turning first-time homeowner projects into success stories. From helping you choose the perfect layout to ensuring your bathroom works for your needs and your style, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Because your bathroom should be more than just a room—it should be a retreat. Let’s make that happen together.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments