The bathroom is one room in particular you can easily grow to hate over time. That tile gets old and grimy, or it just begins to look outdated and worn down. You can do wonders with a remodel, and if you ever think you would sell your home in the future, it can be a good investment as well. Remodeling is a big undertaking, and there is no limit to the potential snafus you may encounter. But, educating yourself on some common bathroom remodeling mistakes may save you some heartache and cash down the line.
Not Budgeting Enough
No matter how carefully you plan for a bathroom remodel, it is always possible you will go over budget. There is always the possibility of problems, or issues crop up that you did not even consider. But, this does not mean you cannot come up with some realistic numbers. Not budgeting enough is a common mistake with a bathroom remodel. The bathroom is a really wet part of the home, and you should prepare for the possibility you may have water damage, or even mold. If your house is older, you may need to replace the original pipes with copper or PVC. When formulating your budget, estimating on the conservative side of things can lead to big sticker shock, and/or spending money you really do not have right now.
Being Too Trendy
Like clothes, interior design and home remodeling are subject to trends. While you want to create a fresh and modern look, be careful of going overboard on all the latest trends in bathroom design. Some touches here and there are fine, but the overall theme of the remodel should be neutral, simple, fresh and clean. You will never go wrong traveling this road, and it is the best bet for increasing home value and appeal to potential buyers should you ever sell. Also, unless you have the funds to gut your bathroom every few years, it would be a pity to spend all that money on a look you will end up hating in the near future.
Not Hiring a Professional When Warranted
Remodeling is expensive, and a DIY job can save you a whole lot of money—provided you know what you are doing. That last part is important and one too often overlooked. Too many people take on a bathroom remodel themselves, and get in way over their heads. There is just too much that can go wrong and end up costing you more than if you had hired a bathroom remodeling company in the first place, like botching up the rewiring or plumbing, or improperly installing a shower door. There may be small things you can do on your own to save some bucks, like removing the wallpaper or old tiling yourself. But, unless you really know what you are doing, save the meat of the remodel for the pros.
Lack of Storage Space
While fashion is an important part of the bathroom remodel, function is the primary concern. No matter how pretty a space, you will end up very dissatisfied if you sacrifice a great deal of functionality. Lack of storage space is a common mistake in the bathroom remodel. This may not be so much of a problem for your guest bathroom—if you really love that pedestal sink, go for it. But, if you are remodeling a bathroom that sees action every day, think carefully about a design that cuts back on storage. You may not think now you will mind now having to haul in your hair dryer and make-up from another room every morning, but chances are you will at some point.
About the Author:Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who enjoys blogging about all things home décor.