Earlier this year, LBM Journal reported on a survey performed by Zillow Research. That survey revealed that half of all homeowners were considering a bathroom remodel. Indeed, bathroom upgrades continue to be popular year after year because they add so much value and convenience to your home. But to truly enjoy your new space, you’ll want to avoid one of the 6 pitfalls listed below.
#1. Too Much or Too Little Lighting
Bathroom lighting is a tough one to get just right. Overhead lighting can be unusually bright, especially in very small bathrooms. At the same time, it can leave dark shadows in certain other areas. Further complicating matters is the fact that there is only a limited amount of space for fixtures.
Our design team can help you find workarounds for any lighting dilemma. We recommend recessed or accent lighting, when appropriate, to ensure no corner of your bathroom is left in the dark.
#2. Not Fully Maximizing Storage Space
There are plenty of ways to maximize storage space, even if you have a tiny bathroom. For example, a recessed mirror can provide a place for toiletries, while open corner shelves would be perfect for holding linens. Don’t forget to make good use of empty wall space by adding a few additional shelves or cabinets, as well.
#3. Choosing the Wrong Tile for the Wrong Surface
Beautiful tile can give your new bathroom incredible ambience. However, that doesn’t mean you can put any tile wherever you want. Instead, you must consider a few things, such as:
- How resistant the tile is to heat and moisture
- Whether or not the tile becomes slippery when wet
- Maintenance requirements such as sealing, grout repair, etc.
Have your eye on a certain tile pattern but not sure whether or not it will work? This is something we would be happy to advise you on during your consultation.
#4. Not Setting Realistic Expectations
Many people renovate their bathrooms because they are fed up with them. Perhaps you too have grown weary of the same old fixtures and are longing for something brand new. If so, you may be hoping for a complete overhaul.
Changing the layout of a bathroom is considerably more challenging than rearranging a living room, dining room, or kitchen. Plumbing and electrical lines were already determined when the home was built, and moving their location is not always a cut-and-dried process. That doesn’t mean it isn’t possible, just that you should expect your project to take much longer than usual if that’s what you are looking for.
#5. Not Considering Future Needs
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, many homeowners are simply looking for a light refresh. But if you’re mostly happy with your layout and fixtures, you may want to consider switching them up anyway. Think about how long you plan to remain in your home and the types of changes your family will likely go through during that time. Then decide if it is also time to consider other upgrades such as a walk-in tub or shower too.
#6. Trying to do Too Much Yourself
Bathroom renovations are complex projects that require many different skill sets. You may think you are saving by completing the work yourself, but unless you have the right knowledge and experience, you may be costing yourself dollars. Rather than leave things to chance, it’s best to go with an experienced builder like T&K Contractors. Give us a call today to schedule your in-home consultation.