Top 5 Rookie Bathroom-Renovation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
A renovation expert reveals the five blunders most first-time bathroom renovators make, and how to steer clear of them
A bathroom renovation is one of the most challenging projects you can take on for your home. But if you do it right, the rewards can be amazing. Unfortunately, many rookie renovators run into the same issues when they start their project, which can lead to delays, extra costs and a disappointing result.
Here are the five most common errors first timers make with bathroom projects – plus tips on how you can avoid making them yourself accompanied by images of bathrooms that evaded these blunders.
Here are the five most common errors first timers make with bathroom projects – plus tips on how you can avoid making them yourself accompanied by images of bathrooms that evaded these blunders.
Add in the cost of any trades you’ll need, and if you’ll be doing some of the jobs yourself, include the price of any tools you’ll need to buy or hire.
I’d recommend adding in a buffer of about 10 percent to the budget to pay for any unexpected costs that crop up during works – because chances are, they’ll happen.
Renovating your bathroom? Find a specialised bathroom designer near you on Houzz to make it happen
I’d recommend adding in a buffer of about 10 percent to the budget to pay for any unexpected costs that crop up during works – because chances are, they’ll happen.
Renovating your bathroom? Find a specialised bathroom designer near you on Houzz to make it happen
2. Replacing everything
I’m a big advocate of repairing over replacing where you can – especially with bathroom vanities, which don’t come cheap. Unfortunately some rookie renovators get a little demolition-happy and want to replace everything in a bathroom, which can cost you a tonne of unexpected money and time.
I’m a big advocate of repairing over replacing where you can – especially with bathroom vanities, which don’t come cheap. Unfortunately some rookie renovators get a little demolition-happy and want to replace everything in a bathroom, which can cost you a tonne of unexpected money and time.
If your vanity is a little dated but otherwise in good condition, apply a fresh coat of paint and add some new hardware. You might be pleasantly surprised at the transformation, and all for a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement.
It’s not just the vanity in a bathroom that you can transform with a paintbrush – you can paint the bathtub, sink and tiles with specialist paint too.
It’s not just the vanity in a bathroom that you can transform with a paintbrush – you can paint the bathtub, sink and tiles with specialist paint too.
3. Poor quality work and finishes
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to cut corners by not using quality trades or products. Renovating is not about cutting corners or smoke and mirrors – there is no room for shonky finishes or unsafe practices.
When it comes to a bathroom renovation, you do not want dodgy waterproofing – trust me, when it comes to your budget, this is where you should invest. Do it right the first time by using a certified waterproofing professional, and ensure that you are provided with a waterproofing certificate and warranty after work is completed.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to cut corners by not using quality trades or products. Renovating is not about cutting corners or smoke and mirrors – there is no room for shonky finishes or unsafe practices.
When it comes to a bathroom renovation, you do not want dodgy waterproofing – trust me, when it comes to your budget, this is where you should invest. Do it right the first time by using a certified waterproofing professional, and ensure that you are provided with a waterproofing certificate and warranty after work is completed.
When it comes to finishes, buy the best you can afford. They will make your completed bathroom look and feel more luxurious, and are more likely to last the distance than very cheap ones.
4. Outsourcing everything
This one sits on the other end of the spectrum to the last mistake. There are jobs that you, the renovator, can do perfectly well yourself, such as painting and styling. Some people don’t play to their strengths and think outsourcing everything will be the most efficient way to complete a renovation, but it can end up taking longer and costing more.
This one sits on the other end of the spectrum to the last mistake. There are jobs that you, the renovator, can do perfectly well yourself, such as painting and styling. Some people don’t play to their strengths and think outsourcing everything will be the most efficient way to complete a renovation, but it can end up taking longer and costing more.
I suggest researching the tasks you think you can manage yourself, and learning how to ace them. There are so many DIY tips available online and in books nowadays – with a bit of research, you’re bound to find all the guidance you need to master certain jobs and will become a pro in no time.
Browse more exquisite Australian bathrooms
Browse more exquisite Australian bathrooms
5. Not enough storage
Just like every other room in the house, good storage in a bathroom is essential if you want it to function well and to keep it clean and uncluttered. You’ll need space for cosmetics, medicines, hairdryers, straighteners, towels, and maybe even more, depending on how many people will be sharing the bathroom.
Just like every other room in the house, good storage in a bathroom is essential if you want it to function well and to keep it clean and uncluttered. You’ll need space for cosmetics, medicines, hairdryers, straighteners, towels, and maybe even more, depending on how many people will be sharing the bathroom.
The key is smart storage that will give you a home for everything you need to store, without swallowing up too much precious space in your bathroom. Look to incorporate different-sized drawers in your vanity to accommodate items of various shapes and sizes, such as mirrored shaving cabinets with shelves, generous towel rails, and recessed wall nooks for extra storage.
Your turn
Is there anything you’d do differently in your next bathroom renovation? Tell us in the Comments below, like and save this story for easy reference, save the images to an Ideabook and join the conversation.
More
Planning a bathroom renovation this year? Don’t miss this Renovation Education: Cost of a Pretty White Narrow Bathroom Reno
Is there anything you’d do differently in your next bathroom renovation? Tell us in the Comments below, like and save this story for easy reference, save the images to an Ideabook and join the conversation.
More
Planning a bathroom renovation this year? Don’t miss this Renovation Education: Cost of a Pretty White Narrow Bathroom Reno
Many inexperienced renovators don’t spend enough time planning their costs before the bathroom renovation starts. This can cause major setbacks down the track – including not being able to finish a bathroom.
It is essential to establish your renovation budget as accurately as you can before works start. Create a list of exactly what you’ll be replacing or repairing, such as shower screens, tapware, mirrors and cabinetry. If you’re planning on replacing any tiles, you’ll also have to work out the square metreage you’ll require.