Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Bathroom
Not budgeting for the entire project
When you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, of course you know you’ll have the cost of your new flooring, a vanity, new shower, updated lighting, and all those pretty things you notice when you walk in. But be sure to include all the little things you purchase for a bathroom such as valves, fittings, other things of that sort and a (not so little) waterproofing system -(more on that a couple points down). You also need to take into account any parts of the remodel that may need hired out. Are you moving any major plumbing? Are you moving lights fixtures around or simply switching out fixtures? You may need to hire a plumber or electrician to make any major changes and you’ll want to receive estimates from those individuals and know the going rate for their services before you start shutting off your water and tearing out your shower.
Underestimating the value of lighting
We’ve seen people do entire bathroom remodels and not think about light fixtures till the very end and then rush out and just grab something new real quick. But the lighting in a room has such a bigger impact than you might realize and should be given a bit more attention. Poorly planned lighting can lead to harsh shadows, a cluttered looking bathroom, or an unattractive design. Make sure to research and plan the lighting carefully.
Choosing inappropriate materials
When it comes to bathrooms, there are some materials that you just should not use. One example of this would be normal drywall. You don’t want to put the same standard drywall in your bathroom that you would put in your living room. Bathrooms are extremely humid and deal with a great amount of moisture and you want to make sure you use mold and mildew resistant drywall. Another material you want to keep out of your bathroom is any laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is essentially compressed cardboard and after a short while, with water getting on it, it will puff up and expand with the water and become unsightly and a moisture collecting mold hazard. Caleb recommends using tiles or at least 5 mm thick luxury vinal plank flooring in bathrooms. You need to have a waterproof membrane behind any tiles you put in a bathroom, and a very vast majority of LVP options come already waterproof.
Neglecting ventilation
This area can get neglected in a lot of DIY remodels, especially, because it gets forgotten, overlooked, or the individual remodeling the bathroom thinks the vent fans look ugly. While it’s true that a lot of vent fans do look ugly, you can get nicely designed ones and neglecting to properly ventilate any bathroom is arguably one of the worst things you can do to your home. A vent fan’s job is to suck remaining moisture out of the air and send it away. If you have the ability to, the healthiest option for your home (and your family in terms of minimizing the risk of mold growth and exposure) is to make sure that your vent fan is routed to deposit all the humid air it’s carrying outside as opposed to into your attic. A lot of vent fans are only moving air to the attic which means that yeah maybe your bathroom isn’t storing up extra moisture and becoming a good cozy environment for mold to grow but your attic very well may be.
Trying to cut costs on waterproofing
There are many places you can wiggle your budget and cut some costs but don’t let waterproofing your bathroom be one of those places. As stated in some of my previous points, we know bathrooms deal with a lot of water and a lot of moisture, making them the prime location of some potential water damage disasters. From avoiding rotting structural support beams to the infestation of toxic mold, you have good reason to use a system you can trust. We use and trust Schluter Shower Systems. Tile and grout are not waterproof. The membranes from Schluter that you put behind them are! Follow this link to check out their website and look over how their system is set up and check out this YouTube video for a good instructional video on installation.
In conclusion, remodeling mistakes can be very costly, both financially and emotionally. It is therefore important to plan in advance and research potential issues in order to ensure a successful remodeling project. With some forethought, knowledge, and organization, homeowners can avoid many of the pitfalls common with remodeling projects and have a successful and enjoyable experience.
Call Caleb for a free estimate, email Jess with blog post questions and ideas!
Caleb - (417)-844-5011
Jess - jess@shipleyremodel.com
