A bathroom remodel is one of the smartest decisions you can make - both in terms of quality of life and home value improvement. However, it’s also one of those projects where a small mistake today creates a whole lot of headaches tomorrow.
For this reason, it is absolutely critical to know what these mistakes are and where they stem from - not just so you can avoid them (although that is the point of this article), but also to give yourself additional flexibility, peace of mind, and far, far better end result.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when remodeling a bathroom?
The first thing to understand is that the majority of remodeling mistakes do not come from bad intentions. For the most part, they stem from trying to cut corners, especially during the planning and budgeting phases of a bathroom remodel.
1. Rushing the planning phase
Yes, the biggest mistake is typically made right at the beginning - and it influences everything downstream. Too many homeowners rush straight into the demolition phase without waiting for plans to be finalized, in hopes that the work will go faster. In reality, all rushing does is open the door for an exponential curve of mistakes that can (and will) be incredibly taxing in the long run. Therefore, take your time, plan and prepare, familiarize yourself with the bathroom remodeling process and timeline, and rest assured that the results will show.
2. Choosing form over function
It may look gorgeous, ethereal, divine; it can be made of gold and unicorn horns, and cost more than an annual budget of a small country - none of it matters if the bathroom fails to meet basic practicality needs. This is THE most used area of the home and, as such, it must be functional first and stylish second.
3. Skimping on waterproofing
You know that adage, “Everything you save in quality today, you’ll pay in repairs later?” Well, it shines here. Improper waterproofing, especially behind tiles and shower/bath assemblies, often stays hidden until it becomes a serious problem. Aside from being incredibly costly to fix, moisture accumulation can lead to hidden mold growth, which can cause or exacerbate health issues. Therefore, proper waterproofing - non-negotiable.
4. Hiring contractors based solely on price
We understand just how tempting it may be to go for the lowest bid or “too-good-to-be-true” offer, especially in this economy. But, if you think quality is expensive, just try repairing shoddy workmanship. You’ll pay more than money - you’ll pay a good amount of nerves and sanity.
The lowest bid often means inexperienced labor, cutting corners, subpar workmanship, or even shady business practices. This opens you up to costly repairs or even full reworks within only a few short years - and that’s never worth the initial savings.
5. Not having a contingency budget
Even with all the planning and preparation, some problems cannot be revealed until the actual work starts. Things like hidden water damage, outdated wiring, damaged subfloor, pipes in need of replacement, and similar issues are relatively common during bathroom remodels, and not having a financial buffer to cover them can result in delays and overspending. Therefore, be sure to have a contingency budget built into your project from the start.
How much extra budget should I set aside for surprises?
Industry best practices show that you should set aside:
- 10-15% of the total project cost for newer homes or cosmetic updates with minimal-to-no structure/infrastructure changes.
- 15-25% of the total project cost for older homes or projects involving layout changes, electrical/plumbing updates, or wall removal/additions.
Who should I entrust with my bathroom remodel to ensure no mistakes are made?
If you want veritable professionals who know what they’re doing and never cut corners, then Kitchen Magic is the obvious choice. For 45+ years, we’ve been serving clients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware, rendering their dream bathrooms real with the utmost reliability. Today, our collective expertise stands at your disposal - so don’t wait. Get in touch with us today, and let’s make your vision happen!
