Save time and money by avoiding these bathroom mistakes!
Good designs go beyond picking the taps and tiles, but yes, this could be one of the fun parts. Your bathroom should be both beautiful and functional when the job is done right. It’s easy to fall into frustrating issues if you get it wrong, or even worse: a full remodeling.
Steer clear of these common mistakes and keep your dream bathroom far from turning into a disaster
1. You ignore your actual needs
When you design a new bathroom, the most important thing to do is think about who will be using it and how often, Before you begin, consider what you want your bathroom to look and feel like, as well as the people who will use it and how much time you plan to spend there.
You can create a stylish and functional bathroom by considering all your desires and needs before starting the renovation. Moreover, you’ll avoid mistakes that will cost you more later.
2. Avoid inefficient layouts
In a small bathroom, the function should come before style. Make sure you keep enough space so people can move around easily and ensure comfort whether sitting or standing. For example, keep in mind that there should be at least 60 cm between the toilet and anything in front of it.
Keep towel rails in a place that’s easy to reach from the shower or bath and be aware of the cupboards and shower doors that need to open freely without anything blocking their way.
3. Bad pipe planning
Before thinking about the layout, consider where the pipes will go. Start with the large pipe that carries wastewater from your fixtures (the soil stack).
Place your toilet 6 meters from the soil pipe area to ensure proper drainage. For showers, baths, and basins, keep a range of 4 meters. Another important thing is planning how smaller pipes connect to the soil pipe. This can be influenced by your layout and the condition of your underfloor joints.
4. Ignoring maintenance access
A lack of proper access to your pipes could lead to costly repairs in the long run. If your pipes are hidden behind beautifully tiled walls or a freshly laid floor and a leak happens, you may have to tear out the fittings to fix it.
It’s a smarter move to opt for fixings that can be easily unscrewed for any situation, so consider adding a removable tile or bath to give plumbers easy access.
5. Cramping in a separate shower and bath
It’s a luxurious choice to have both a separate bath and shower, but this is proper for large spaces. Trying to fit a standalone shower cubicle and a freestanding tub will only make it feel cramped. Opt for a shower-over-bath setup if your bathroom is not spacious enough. With the right design, it can look incredibly stylish and sophisticated.
6. Not taking advice from experts
You might be a DIY pro, but it’s always smart to consult an expert before starting your bathroom project. They can help you refine your plan and spot any potential issues.
Getting expert advice is essential in some cases. If you want to make big changes, such as moving or adding walls or installing new joints, make sure you check with your local building control office to see if there is any need for building regulation approval or planning permission.
7. Blowing your budget
Bathrooms are the superstars of unexpected costs. You might face rusted pipes, faulty electrics, damaged joints, or mold as unpleasant surprises when you start removing floorboards and tiles.
A good thing to keep in mind is setting aside an extra 5%-25% of the budget after you estimate the costs. The percentage should be increased if your property is older.
8. Insufficient heating
When you have a large bathroom or live in a home that’s poorly insulated, a single heated towel rail will most likely not provide enough warmth, especially during the winter months.
Use a BTU calculator to determine the heating needed, and you can, for example, consider underfloor heating. It’s a great solution to save space and make the cold mornings a lot more comfortable.
9. Not thinking smart
With our homes getting smarter, don’t allow your bathroom to fall behind. Add smart features such as splash-proof USB sockets in vanity areas or voice-activated shower controls to keep your bathroom modern and functional for the future.
10. Choosing the wrong paint
When you paint a bathroom, one of the most important things is to choose a finish that can withstand humidity and heat. If you don’t make the right choice, it can peel and flake quickly. Make sure you go for moisture-resistant paints designed for bathrooms to help you prevent issues such as mold, mildew, and moisture.
11. Wrong wallpaper
If you want to add a beautiful touch to your bathroom with wallpaper, it’s important to choose wisely. A designer handprint, for example, can be highly porous, and it won’t survive a humid environment. Many specialty stores offer wallpapers treated to be moisture-resistant or splash-proof.
Avoid placing wallpapers in areas with direct water exposure, like the areas behind the sink or around showers and baths.
12. You choose high-maintenance materials
A stylish sink with matching hardware would look amazing in the shower, but remember that some materials are not so practical for everyday use. You should also consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the fixtures and how they can hold up with daily use, especially when you have kids.
It’s important to think about durability, maintenance, and long-term care when selecting bathroom fixtures. A high-quality fixture should endure wear and tear, should be easy to clean, and require minimal maintenance.
13. Going rough
There are many inspiring videos on social media with decorating ideas, making you think that tackling a project at home can be a breeze. However, before you dive in, take time to do your research and assess your skill level. Remember that a bathroom needs good ventilation; it must be watertight and built with care to get it both durable and functional.
14. Poor lighting
Careless bathroom lighting can be unsafe and impractical. Make sure you include a mix of task and general lighting for activities such as makeup, and atmosphere lighting to create a relaxed mood for when you want to unwind in the tub.
If you think about statement figures such as a chandelier or wall sconces, make sure they are suitable for wet areas. This stylish lighting system is created for bathrooms and you can order it via Amazon.
15. Dismissing privacy
Bathroom windows are essential for ventilation and light, but make sure you don’t create a lack of privacy. You can opt for frosted or obscured glass, but also for water-resistant shutters and blinds, as these are a practical solution to control both privacy and light, especially if your bathtub is placed to offer a stunning view.
16. Not enough storage
There are so many things to store in the bathroom: shampoo bottles, lotions, toothbrushes, towels, and spare toilet rolls. So, if possible, include a variety of storage ideas, like open shelving and cupboards for everyday items.
You can also go for a mirrored cabinet with built-in chargers for your electric devices, such as toothbrushes or razors. Additionally, you can try built-in shelving, cupboards, and drawers and they will help you maximize every inch of space.
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