Renovating your bathroom can not only create a sanctuary to enjoy for years to come. It can also be a smart investment that adds value to your home. With so much to play for, how can you make the right decisions when you’re planning your renovation?
Smart planning, expert advice, practical selections. Knowing what to aspire to and what to avoid can set you on the path to a successful bathroom renovation. In this article we take a look at 7 common mistakes so you can avoid them.
1. Not renovating enough
You’re aiming for a certain look for your bathroom reno but have you considered what’s going on below the surface? A common problem with bathroom renovation is only focusing on surface details and neglecting what’s happening in your pipes and hot water system. There’s no point installing a beautiful shower and not having the water pressure you were dreaming of.
Bathroom design needs to begin with an understanding of your bathroom’s infrastructure and whether anything needs to be fixed. A smart way to start your renovation is by bringing in a plumbing expert to take a close look at your existing pipes, hot water system and drains. They can help you identify if you have any leaks, what your hot water supply can handle, and whether your plumbing infrastructure is in need of repair.
2. Lack of planning
There are lots of components that go into a bathroom renovation and it involves a lot more than taps and tiles. Creating a detailed plan will help you consider all of the aspects of your bathroom redesign and ensure you don’t miss any important elements.
Once you have a plan in place; take time to share it with your tradespeople and get their expert input into what will and won’t work – or ask for ideas on ways you can do things better.
The right positioning of fixtures and fittings that need water or power supplies can have a big impact on your budget. Conversations with experts will make it easier to understand the trade-offs and find solutions that get you closest to your goals.
3. Following fashion trends
Unless you’re planning on reworking your bathroom in a couple of years, it’s important to take care with seasonal design trends that will date your bathroom or just aren’t practical. One way to avoid this is to think about how you will feel about your fixtures and fittings in 5 years time before you make your selection.
Rather than investing in the latest trend – focus your money on design features that will stand the test of time. Opt for quality in your tapware and bathroom fittings so you can rely on them looking great for years to come.
4. Forgetting storage
When you picture your beautiful new bathroom it’s unlikely you will want to see bottles, towels and spare toilet rolls scattered across the room. If you fail to plan storage into your bathroom renovation then you’re likely to find it much harder to keep it tidy and clean once the building work is complete.
Planning your storage from the beginning can help you to keep your bathroom clear and ensure that everything you need has a storage place that’s close at hand. Don’t forget to consider heated towel rails that are big enough for the whole family’s towels, and plan in advance where you’re going to hide your rubbish bin.
5. Overfilling your space
It’s tempting to cram lots of fixtures into your bathroom but space is an important element that will give you both freedom of movement and the ability to move in your bathroom without having to work around other furnishings.
Consider the space needed to open drawers, doors, and how you plan to access the different fixtures you install in the bathroom.
6. Forgetting lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in renovation planning but natural lighting can be a real feature in a bathroom. You can also flex your lighting between mood lighting or task lighting – allowing you to change the way your bathroom feels when you want to relax in it or just get the job done.
Considering your lighting options from the beginning of your design process will help you to make sure you’re making the most of your space. Lighting needs the correct wiring installed – as will any heated towel rails or powerpoints. Plan these early to make sure that you’ve got everything in place before you start installing waterproofing, tiling or fixtures that you can’t work around.
7. Putting in inadequate ventilation
Ventilation isn’t just important to keep the air fresh. Bathrooms tend to be the most humid part of the home so it’s important to plan ventilation early to minimise the risk of mould or wet walls.
Investing in the right type and quantity of ventilation can make a big difference to your bathroom. Include ventilation in your planning discussions with your tradespeople to find out what options are best suited to the style of your home and the location of your bathroom.
Your Hawke’s Bay experts in plumbing and hot water solutions.
Every bathroom renovation can benefit from smart advice from real experts. Choosing East Coast Plumbing and Gas gives you access to the experience we’ve gained from advising on and installing successful bathroom renovations in a huge range of homes across Hawke’s Bay.
A conversation with us is a great way to start the renovation process. You can talk us through what you’re considering and we’ll help you understand what work your bathroom needs so your infrastructure meets the needs of your redesign.
When it comes to choosing the best fixtures and fittings, we can help you explore your options and make sure your new bathroom is installed with the highest levels of workmanship – so it really will give you pleasure for years to come.