Every homeowner’s nightmare is having a renovation turn out poorly. No matter how big or small your project is, it is important to have a plan in place so you don’t make costly mistakes. Hiring a pro to assist will help minimize any roadblocks before, during and after the renovation. Read on to learn about mistakes to avoid when renovating your bathroom.
DIY Waterproofing
When it comes to renovating your bathroom, there are a few steps that you do not want to DIY. For starters, your bathroom is a place that is prone to moisture and lots of water. Attempting to DIY your waterproofing, or not hiring a certified professional, can result in having to redo your entire reno and possibly cause damage to other areas of your home. Plus, having to constantly repair leaking showers or toilets can be expensive. Hire a certified waterproofer to complete this task the first time and prevent any issues in the future.
Poor Ventilation
Since bathrooms are generally a moist environment, installing proper ventilation is key to prevent the growth of mold. The last thing you want to experience post reno is finding black speckles beginning to grow or paint beginning to bubble. Low budget fans most likely aren’t performing properly, which leads to a moist environment. Everyone is looking to save money where they can, but investing in a proper fan, with a timer as a bonus, is important. It is suggested that your bathroom fan should be running for 15 minutes after a shower in order to reduce condensation in the room.
Installing Trendy Fixtures
It is common when completing a home renovation that you research what is trending for that particular space. While this is appropriate in some aspects, when it comes to your bathroom, moving away from installing trending fixtures, and sticking with more classic options is the way to go. Bathrooms have a long life-span, unlike trends. So, when you happen to install the trending bathroom vanity at the time, two years from now your bathroom may be considered dated. Avoid having to renovate your bathroom as trends change, and stick with more simple fixture designs.
Tip: In order to stick with the times, decorating, rather than installing, your bathroom with trendy items is a way that you can still create the up-to-date look without it remaining permanent.
Using the Wrong Materials
When it comes to choosing the materials for your bathroom, sticking to waterproof materials is wise. Using non-waterproof materials can lead to swelling, rotting, and discolouring of the material over time — which can lead to the growth of mold. If you happen to use a porous stone or hardwood, make sure they are sealed to avoid moisture collecting. Double-check with a pro to ensure you are using bathroom appropriate material and avoid having to reinstall fixtures, flooring, or walls.
Unsuitable Lighting
Lighting a bathroom can be tricky since it’s a smaller space. You do not want to overlight it, but you also don’t want to have the space too dim. You need the necessary lighting to tend to daily pampering. A few tricks are to install pot lights in your shower, as they are great for lighting the area without taking away any of the already limited space. Next, after you have placed your mirror, installing wall sconce lights on either side is great for casting fewer shadows on your face. Plan ahead about where you are placing your bathroom lights in order to achieve the best results.
The bathroom is a space where you spend a lot of time. You want it to be a well functioning and good looking space that you don’t need to be constantly updating. Don’t make any of these common mistakes during your bathroom renovation and hire a bathroom pro to get it done right the first time.
