Since bathrooms are one of the busiest rooms in the house, they are also the space that gets updated the most. However, if you decide to do this task on your own, there are many ways your bathroom design can turn into a huge failure and a waste of money. At Columbus Bath Design, we want you to succeed and expose these common mistakes, so that you end up with a design that looks and performs as expected.
Big dreams, small budget
Bathrooms are usually the smallest room in the house. You would think it would take a few hundred dollars just to wear it. However, most bathroom renovations need more than a quick coat of paint. Fixtures, plumbing, electrical, flooring and tiling all add up.
Get a full estimate with a low and high option to create an affordable renovation plan before you start tearing down walls.
There is no place to store linen or a place for toiletries
Even a small powder room off the living room needs some storage. Where will you keep your towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and toiletries?
Look for a vanity with drawers, a mirror with a hidden medicine chest, and shelving above the toilet when searching for fixtures for your project.
Doors that do not close or open
The traditional standard for bathroom doors is to open them into the bathroom. The position of the sink or toilet may cause the door to not be able to swing all the way in. Likewise, the doors on the bottom of the vanity need room to open without hitting your knees or the large door.
Work out a general floor design on paper or online before choosing your fixtures. If there is no room for a standard door, consider a pocket or bi-fold door to optimize space.
Bump your knees while sitting on the toilet
It may seem best to place the toilet facing the vanity in a small bathroom, but leaving too little space between the fixtures can cause serious problems.
Lavatories need at least 15 inches from the center of the bowl to the walls or other fixtures placed on the side. A minimum of 24 inches from center to wall or installation in front of the toilet leaves enough room for you to stand, sit, and turn. More space is better for a more comfortable bathroom visit.
Exhaust fan does not run out
Most contemporary plumbing codes require that your shower exhaust fan vent directly outside. Some older homes simply ran the exhaust in the attic. This can encourage mold growth in your attic.
Have your bathroom contractor include an appropriate exhaust vent in the scope of the project. This may include cutting your siding, installing a screen, and other trim work that isn’t usually included in a quick bathroom renovation.
DIY plumbing gone wrong
It seems so easy to buy a new bathroom sink and vanity at the big box store and just twist on some connectors for a quick install. However, if you own a home built in the 20th century, you may encounter unusual pipe sizes, crumbling pipes, or other surprises.
Have a qualified professional inspect your existing plumbing before tackling a DIY project. Better yet, avoid an unexpected flood by hiring a plumber to install all of your fixtures. Sometimes paying the extra to a professional will save you a lot in the end.
The floors are not suitable for the bathroom
You may have seen what looks like a solid wood floor in a luxury hotel bathroom, but chances are it was a flooring material designed for bathroom use. Choosing inexpensive hardwood or laminate may end up with warped and bulging floorboards after one year. You will end up paying twice as much for a floor that is built to last.
Explore all the available options including ceramic tile, stone, vinyl, and engineered products that look like wood. Ask about installation requirements for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Use a vapor barrier to further protect your investment while providing the style and long-lasting performance you desire.
A common tub or shower design that doesn’t work quite right
There’s a reason the basic layout of the toilet, sink, and sink has stayed the same for over a century—they work and rarely require repair. While the vessel sink, illuminated waterfall faucet, and flowing shower are all attractive, their designer look may not be as impressive after the fading fade.
If you’re upgrading an upstairs shared bathroom or guest bathroom, you’ll see a better return on your time and money by opting for more traditional finishes. Flaunting your own spa will take care of your relaxation, but expect a little more upkeep on those trendy toys.
Dim lighting around the mirror
You just finished a complete redo of your bathroom, and you can’t see putting on mascara. You skipped adding wall sconces next to the mirror because you didn’t like the way they looked. Now you’re fiddling with a hand-lit mirror and razor to look your best in the morning.
When creating the lighting design for your bathroom, consider how you will use the room. If you spend 20 minutes every day staring at your reflection, adding a ring or strip of LED lights next to your mirror will make your life a lot easier.
Buying the wrong materials before drawing the design
The hardware store was having a clearance sale. You’ve grabbed a clawfoot tub and a box of mosaic tiles before you even think about renovating the bathroom. Now you do not have enough suitable colored tiles and the sink will not fit the door.
Choosing the final bathroom finishes is probably the most fun part of your project, but you gotta wait! Wait until you and your kitchen designer have put together a complete set of plans that include a comprehensive materials list. Now you will make one trip to the store and get the bathroom renovation done on time.
Work with the professionals at Columbus Bath Design and skip making any common mistakes
If you value your time and sanity, you can avoid any of these common mistakes by giving us a ring at Columbus Bath Design in Lewis, Ohio. Our expert sales and installation team members will provide the insight, direction, and expertise needed to make your custom bathroom renovation swift and flawless. Doing it yourself might seem fun, but the real reward comes with a bathroom that will support you and your family for years without the drama of poor design choices.