While remodeling a bathroom can seem like a simple project, there’s actually a lot of nuance to the process. Bathrooms have to transition in energy throughout the day, going from a bright place to get ready in the morning to a place to wind down and relax in the evening. So while you might be spending a lot of time thinking about the fixtures, or decoration or pattern of the tile, what’s most important is that your choices stand the test of time and are also appropriate for its multitude of functions.
In our experience, there are a few big mistakes that you’ll want to avoid in your project. Here are four mistakes to avoid when remodeling your bathroom.
Not Installing Adequate Ventilation
The most crucial part of remodeling your bathroom is making sure there is enough ventilation. Because bathrooms tend to be smaller in size, it’s much easier for moisture to get trapped, and a lack of proper ventilation can lead to mold, mildew, and the deterioration of materials like paint, metal, and grout. Installing an item like a ventilation fan is key to ensuring your bathroom will stay looking brand new for years to come. It’s also worth mentioning that installing ventilation can also be a coding requirement if there are no windows in your bathroom. It’s therefore important to budget enough for a good ventilation system, and one that’s appropriate for the size bathroom you’re remodeling.
Pro tip: Make sure to vacuum out the vent before you turn it on after you remodel.
Not Thoroughly Thinking Through Layout and Space
The next thing to consider is your layout. While it’s tempting to focus on the appearance of your bathroom, it’s crucial to ensure that your spacing makes sense for the size you are working with. Sometimes it can be tricky to know what the space will feel like, especially if you’re knocking down walls or moving fixtures around. So, our advice is to hone in on function and make sure to have your layout professionally planned to ensure safety and ease of use while also making sure your plans are up to code.
Not Installing Adequate Lighting
One other factor to consider is lighting. Going back to the first paragraph of this blog, your lighting will set the tone for your bathroom environment. If you swing too far in either direction, you could install lighting that makes it either too dark to see your face properly or too bright to relax in. It’s therefore important that your lighting can adapt to the bathroom’s multiple functions. If you have space, we recommend adding a number of lighting layers that you can use at different times. For example, you could include a brighter overhead fixture and lighting around your mirrors, or install a mirror that has additional lighting options set into the glass.
Using the Wrong Materials
Finally, it’s important to be intentional with your choices of materials. Your bathroom has to withstand a lot of transition, whether that be in temperature, humidity, water use, or just general wear and tear. It’s therefore important to install fixtures and materials that will stand the test of time. Otherwise, you may have to make costly repairs down the line. A few examples are moisture-resistant paint, wallpaper that’s made to withstand high humidity, and wood that’s treated to withstand water damage.
For such a small space, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. Ultimately, we recommend working with an experienced professional who can guide you through the process so you get that perfect match of function and great design. If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom and have questions about the process and whether you’re planning it the right way, schedule your free consultation here.