Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
A bathroom renovation seems daunting —from picking the right flooring to capturing the latest design trends. As necessary as it is, many people push this all-important project aside for several months or even years due to its intimidating nature.
But no need to worry! You’re in the right spot. This guide will become your ally, for you are either deep inside the planning process or it’s just dipping its toes. You deserve a bathroom that feels nice to be in and well suited for your style and needs.
With the expertise of an interior designer and a focus on optimizing storage space, we’ll transform your bathroom into a soothing and relaxing haven. Let’s dive into the bathroom design world and ensure your space is practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing the Right Tiles
Functional and aesthetic considerations must be at the forefront of your mind when selecting the best tiles for your bathroom renovation. Although white subway tiles and grey marble-look tiles are classic statements that can provide timelessness, feel free to add personality by checking our website for unique and trending tile ideas.
Do: Pay Keen Attention to Tile Design
Look through imaginative and trendy tile ideas for a fresh take on designs.
Think about the overall style and color of your bathroom. Large-format or functional rectified tiles with good clean lines and little pattern generally look sleek. Want a great traditional look? Consider an intricate pattern or mosaics.
Consider durability and maintenance. The most popular materials for tiles are porcelain and ceramic, which are so because of their high durability and low maintenance. Although natural stone tiles look very attractive, they may require more maintenance.
Use tiles to create focal points or accent areas. A focused dramatic statement area could be a shower wall or a backsplash with a bright and bold tile.
Do: Consider the Size and Layout of Your Bathroom
Large tiles are perfect for small bathrooms because they provide the optical illusion of a bigger space and, due to fewer grout lines, help keep your bathroom from looking too busy.
Use extensive and small-sized tiles to create separate zones and keep visual interest alive in a more oversized bathroom.
Do: Mix and Match Tiles
Mixing different kinds of tiles here can give a unique and individual appearance. For example, one can use a dramatic pattern on the floor with plain walls or just in the opposite way.
Some tiles with patterns, even as borders or accents, should be used to relieve monotony from large areas of plain tile. With all these other variables in mind, consider your style in the selection of the tiles so that together, they will make a beautiful bathroom whose look is destined to last through the practice and durability turbulence of years in the future.
Don’t: Use Cheap, Non-Durable Flooring
Avoid choosing low-end, poorly durable options for wet zones, including LVT. While LVT can certainly be less costly upfront in installation, it is often also inferior in durability and water resistance.
Go for long-lasting, aesthetic, and durable products, including porcelain tiles impervious to water and wear. Porcelain tiles would react well in an environment similar to the bathroom.
Don’t: Forget About Slip Resistance
Safety should be a priority in wet areas. Choose tiles with a textured surface or a high slip-resistance rating for the floor to prevent accidents, especially in the shower or near the bathtub.
Flooring Considerations
The flooring you choose for your bathroom renovation plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. While Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) may seem like a cost-effective option, it falls short in durability, especially in a bathroom setting. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do: Heat Your Floors
You might even want to consider heated flooring underneath your tiles for added comfort, especially in colder seasons. That will give the bathroom a luxurious and homely feel, making chilling winter mornings easy to bear.
Modern systems can be leveraged from the comfort of your smartphone, automating different temperature settings. A smart thermostat can schedule to control and manage temperatures correctly without wasting energy.
Do: Choose Durable Materials
Opt for materials specifically designed for the greater humidity in a bathroom. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are excellent, as they are challenging and impervious to water. They come in an enormous array of styles, so you can get the exact look you want without sacrificing practicality.
You might also want to consider the stone tiles if you are more into something natural, especially marble, granite, or slate. Durable and with elegance, these materials will boost the beauty of your bathroom. One has to seal natural stone regularly so it does not wear off quickly and become damaged by water.
Do: Ensure Proper Installation
Proper installation is highly important for making bathroom flooring last long and maintain top performance. Adequate preparation is required for the subfloor since an uneven surface or improper preparation can cause tile cracking and other issues.
Protect water infiltration with waterproof membranes or underlayment. Water can seep through and damage the subfloor, which can become a breeding ground for molds. These factors should be considered when making decisions on a bathroom floor, and the right choice of material and professionals will ensure the beauty and endurance of this floor for the longest time.
Do: Consider Slip Resistance
Safety, especially in wet areas like the bathroom, always has to be considered. This calls for installing materials with a high safety rating against slips and falls; this should be very efficient in the flooring, for example, to avert accidents. Some of these safety measures include setting textured surfaces or fitting matt-finished tiles in place of slippery, shiny surfaces.
Don’t: Overlook Maintenance Needs
Maintenance requirements: Both porcelain and ceramics require little maintenance and are easily cleaned. Natural stone, however, requires more care and regular sealing. Make sure you know what is needed to maintain your preferred type of flooring to make an educated choice that will work best for your style of living.
Don’t: Hire Just Anyone to Do the Job
Your bathroom renovation project is primarily based on the goodness of the person hired. One should ensure that the tile setter/contractor is known to be reputable, has references, and has all proper documentation. A professional will ensure that flooring is installed correctly, and that will prevent future cracks or water-related issues.
Look for certifications and affiliations with professional organizations, which will show that the contractor is credible and highly experienced. Feel free to request a portfolio of past jobs or even visit projects to do a quality check firsthand.
Lighting and Storage Solutions
Proper lighting and adequate storage are essential elements of a functional and visually appealing bathroom. When planning your lighting and storage solutions, consider both practicality and aesthetics.
Do: Plan for Sufficient Lighting
Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space.
Opt for energy-efficient LED fixtures, and dimmer switches for versatility.
Don’t: Overlook Storage Solutions
Use smart storage, such as built-in cabinets, floating shelves, or vanity organizers, to make the most of limited space.
Consider your storage needs for toiletry, towels, cleaning products, and other significant bathroom paraphernalia.
Choosing Quality Fixtures
Other than being hardy and functional, high-quality fixtures usually do most to make your bathroom look good. It would only be prudent to spend time choosing the best fixture that would complement your design and serve some pragmatic purposes.
Do: Invest in Quality Fixtures and Fittings
Opt for high-quality fittings—a showerhead and hardware that are highly durable and have excellent longevity.
Choose finishes that align with your design scheme and maintenance requirements, for example, brushed nickel and matte black.
Do: Prioritize Accessibility and Safety
Add grab bars, curbless showers, and slip-resistant flooring in your renovation since you are also doing it for your elderly or disabled loved ones.
Create designs that all users can accommodate without losing style or function.
Don’t: Neglect Ventilation
Include only those ventilation solutions necessary to maintain a healthy bathroom environment and prevent mold and mildew.
Eco-Friendly Considerations
There is just a tiny bit of an eco-friendly touch to the bathroom renovation that could shrink your footprint and save a bundle in the long term. Here are a few of the do’s and don’ts of an eco-friendly bathroom renovation:
Do: Choose Sustainable Materials
In bathrooms, use eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled glass to make fixtures, countertops, and accessories.
Look for environmental-friendliness certification, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for wood products or GreenGuard certification for low-emission materials.
Do: Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Replace old faucets, showerheads, and toilets with water-saving models designed to work excellently and save water.
Installing a low-flow showerhead and a dual-flush toilet can cut water use and reduce utility bills.
Don’t Use Harmful Chemicals
Avoid paints, adhesives, and sealants that contain volatile organic compounds that are likely to emit toxins into the indoor air.
It would be best practice to choose cleaning products that are friendly to the environment, natural, do not contain harsh chemicals, and are biodegradable.
Don’t: Waste Water
Fix all leaks and drips in fixtures, whether plumbing or regular, at once to save on water and other expenses.
Install faucet aerators that restrict flow without restricting pressure and encourage water-saving behavior, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Conclusion
While remodeling a bathroom can be very exciting, it can also sometimes prove to be a daunting task. This guide ensures you get it right by following the featured dos and don’ts. Every detail, from selecting the best tiles and flooring to hiring competent professionals while maintaining safety and ensuring functionality, counts toward realizing a dream bathroom. Proper planning, investing correctly in quality materials, and essential aspects like ventilation and lighting will all work together for a successful renovation.
When in the mood for a bathroom that metamorphoses into a beautiful, functional space, one thinks of Volcano Builders. Volcano Builders is a leading home remodeling and construction company in Seattle and Bellevue. With years of practice, skill, and superb craftsmanship, Volcano Builders maintains a high standard of quality in every project.
Let Volcano Builders help you start planning your new dream bathroom renovation today. Visit our website or call us to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you design a bathroom that combines beauty, functionality, and lasting value.
FAQs
Q: What are some key considerations for planning a cohesive bathroom design?
A: Designing a well-coordinated bathroom includes several essential considerations to ensure a well-coordinated, visually pleasant space. Start by determining your design style and aesthetic preferences: contemporary, traditional, modern, commercial, eclectic.
Think in terms of color schemes, materials, and fixtures that complement and harmonize with your style. Consider the cohesive look of the room’s lighting, hardware, and accessories.
In addition, think about functionality and practicality. Layout and design decisions should be based on meeting daily needs and enhancing the usability of space. The more concise and thoughtful planning you do when designing your bathroom, the more cohesive and balanced the results will be with your lifestyle and personality.
Q: How long does a bathroom renovation typically take?
A: several elements in the project scope determine the length of time a bathroom renovation may take. Some of these include, though not conclusively, the bathroom size, planned renovation level, and any unforeseen complications. In general, a bathroom renovation could take an estimated two to six weeks to complete.
Q: What is the average cost of a bathroom renovation?
The cost of a bathroom renovation would vary depending on the size of the bathroom, the materials used, and the extent of the renovation itself. Typically, a mid-range bathroom would cost between $10,000 and $20,000, while a high-end renovation could escalate to $30,000 or more.
Q: Do I need permits for a bathroom renovation?
A: Permits for bathroom renovations are based on the scope of work in local building codes. Small renovations, like replacing minor fixtures and reinstalling some finishes, do not need permits. Major renovations may contain structural changes, plumbing, electrical work, and configuration changes. It is best to contact your local building department to find out what permits will be necessary for your project.
Q: How can I maximize space in a small bathroom?
A: I am designing a small bathroom, using space-saving fixtures, and making it look like there is more space. If possible, install a corner shower to open the central floor area, a wall-hung sink bracket, and mirrored cabinets. In most space-saving bathrooms, you would then look at a wall-hung toilet, a compact vanity, and light colors with natural light to bring out that sensation of bright and more open space.
Q: How can I make my bathroom more eco-friendly?
A: Make it environment-friendly with sustainable materials, water-saving fixtures, and energy-efficient lighting. Examples include bamboo or reclaimed wood for the cabinets and countertops, low-flow toilets, and aerated faucets. Install LED lighting or CFL bulbs for energy savings. You could also include indoor plants, among other natural elements, to boost indoor air quality and enhance the indoor space’s sustainability.
