It's no secret that common bathroom renovation mistakes like inadequate budget planning, lack of a clear plan, insufficient ventilation, skipping waterproofing, and choosing the wrong materials can turn your remodeling project into a challenging endeavor. However, amidst these well-known pitfalls, there lies a set of often-overlooked, seemingly minor errors that can quickly become major annoyances. In this discussion, we'll shed light on these 17 less common, yet surprisingly impactful, bathroom renovation blunders. These seemingly subtle missteps can transform your project from a smooth renovation into an unexpected ordeal. So, let's explore these often unconsidered mistakes to help you avoid potential bugbears in your bathroom redesign.
1. For You or Resale?
Consider whether you're renovating for yourself or future resale. Removing a bathtub, for example, might deter potential buyers if you're not in your forever home. But if you plan to stay for a while, design the bathroom that suits your tastes and needs.
2. Towel Warmers and Drying Towels:
It's essential to understand that towel warmers are primarily designed to warm your towels, not dry them. One common mistake is using them to dry damp towels, which can lead to rust and damage over time. To avoid this, carefully consider where wet towels will go once used. Will they hang on a wall hook, drape over the glass of the shower, or rest on the back of the door? Proper towel storage can help extend the life of your heated towel rail and keep your towels in better condition.
3. Only Replacing Half:
Opting to replace only a portion of your bathroom fixtures can be a cost-effective choice, but there's an important consideration—ceramic matches. If you're retaining one element, such as the basin, while changing another, like the toilet, be mindful of potential colour discrepancies. Mismatched whites can be noticeable and, over time, might become a source of frustration. It's essential to assess if these differences will bother you in the long run and whether it's worth the potential visual inconsistency in your bathroom design.
4. Mirrors and Lighting Magic:
An LED mirror can be the wow factor of your bathroom, but consider the features carefully. Does it have a shaver socket? Is there a built-in demister? Does the LED colour complement your bathroom's overall vibe?
5. Water Pressure Wisdom:
Never underestimate your water pressure when choosing brassware. Know your requirements before falling in love with a fixture that doesn't suit your water system. You can find out more here.
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6. All-Encompassing Black Trends:
While black might be the colour of the moment, going all-black in your bathroom can lead to cleaning woes if you're not careful. Consider the maintenance and cost implications of keeping everything black, from fixtures to tiles. No one wants to see toothpaste splatters all over black taps.
TOP TIP: It depends on what manufacturer you go for, as I am sure you're aware there are plenty of different price brackets and suppliers for black fixings. One thing to consider, why are some more expensive than others? its likely to be how its made.....Have you ever come across the process PVD? Bathroom fixings that have PVD ( Physical Vapour Deposition) are likely to last longer and be easier to clean due to how the tap is made and how the colour is bonded to the brass underneath. PVD coating on black fixings enhances their durability, making them scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, and easy to maintain, check out Crosswater products. They are more expensive but will last longer due to how they are manufactured.
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7. Product Placement Planning:
To keep costs down, many opt for a like-for-like replacement. However, rethinking the placement of fixtures like the toilet, shower, or bathroom door can enhance functionality. A little extra investment now can pay dividends in years of daily use.
8. Shower Head Height:
The height of your shower head can make or break your shower experience. If you have tall family members, installing it too low can be uncomfortable. Similarly, for a dual outlet shower over a bathtub, ensure the height is suitable. Inadequate ceiling height can make it impossible to stand comfortably under it, disrupting your shower bliss.
9. Matching Shower Type to Enclosure Size:
The type of shower you choose should align with the size of your shower enclosure. If you opt for a spacious walk-in shower, it's wise to have a concealed shower valve. This allows you to conveniently turn the water on and off as you enter and exit the shower, eliminating the need to stretch awkwardly and risk getting wet. It's a small adjustment that enhances both the functionality and convenience of your shower space.
10. Including a Hand-Held Shower:
Don't overlook the value of a hand-held shower head. While a rain shower head can be luxurious, not having a hand-held option can be a source of frustration. There are times when you may prefer not to wet your hair, need assistance in rinsing down the shower, or want to make showering more comfortable for your children, who might not appreciate a shower directly above their heads. A hand-held shower head is a versatile addition that offers convenience and flexibility in your daily bathing routines.
11. Sloped Ceilings and Enclosures:
If your bathroom is nestled under a sloped ceiling, it's vital to consider the height of the ceiling and how it affects the enclosure's layout. Be mindful of the entrance as well. Some bathrooms are cleverly integrated into the eaves of a house, often as master bedroom loft conversions with an ensuite. However, these charming spaces can come with tricky sloped ceilings that may limit your layout options, product choices, and overall functionality. Careful planning and creative solutions can help you make the most of these unique spaces while ensuring comfort and practicality.
12. Water-Wise Walk-In Design:
When planning your walk-in shower, prioritise water containment and overall size. Choose a tray length of at least 1400mm, ensuring that water stays where it belongs. Maintain a minimum opening width of 500mm for easy access, reducing the risk of spills. If your glass measures under 1000mm, think about incorporating a deflector panel to guide water back into the shower space, preserving a dry bathroom and a seamless shower experience. For more on Pros and Cons to Walk in Showers click Here
13. Ventilation Matters: Ventilation in your bathroom is often underestimated but should not be ignored. Regulations specify the need for proper ventilation, which can be achieved through a window or an extractor fan. While a bathroom with only a toilet may rely on a window, those with baths and showers, due to the airtight construction of modern buildings, must employ mechanical ventilation via an extractor fan to ensure adequate airflow and prevent moisture-related issues.
13.1 Wallpaper Woes: However, if you fail to provide adequate ventilation, steer clear of wallpaper in your bathroom. What might have initially appeared as a creative idea can turn into a damp disaster when faced with the relentless humidity of a bathroom. Your once-charming wallpaper may warp and twist, transforming your walls into an unintentional work of abstract art.
14. Minimalist Design and Storage Balance:
Minimalist bathroom designs exude a sleek, easy-to-clean aesthetic. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Consider how much storage the design offers and be mindful of the items you want to keep both on display and hidden away. From toothbrushes and shavers to shampoos, bubble baths, kids' toys, and toilet paper, every bathroom item requires a dedicated space for easy access and a clutter-free atmosphere. Balancing minimalism with practicality ensures your bathroom remains both visually stunning and highly functional.
15. Stretching for Toilet Paper: When it comes to bathroom renovation mistakes, don't forget the essentials. Installing a toilet roll holder just out of reach from the throne turns your restroom into a stretching zone. It's a daily reminder that even small details can lead to big inconveniences in your freshly renovated bathroom.
16: Texture and Colour Overload:
Don't overcrowd your bathroom with an excessive array of colours and textures. Stick to a palette of no more than three shades or textures for bathroom products, then add colourful accents through accessories.
17: Online Purchases:
When making bathroom renovation purchases online, exercise caution when it comes to individual components. Some retailers may require you to purchase items like a toilet pan, cistern, and seat separately, while others offer them as bundled packages. Before you decide to take charge of your online shopping, make sure you have a comprehensive list of what you need, so you don't end up with mismatched fixtures or missing parts. Being mindful of these details ensures a smoother and more successful online buying experience for your bathroom renovation project. This is where seeking advice from your local bathroom specialist or relying on your installer can prove to be invaluable, saving you both time and money while avoiding future headaches.
Bathroom renovations, a realm where even the smallest details can bring remarkable transformations. While the common pitfalls like budgeting, planning, and material choices are widely known, our journey into these less-explored bathroom blunders has revealed the often-unseen complexities of creating the perfect space. We've learned that even the most subtle errors can lead to significant daily inconveniences.
From the allure of all-black designs to maximising storage in minimalism, each oversight presents an opportunity for improvement. In your bathroom redesign, remember that every decision, whether about water pressure, mirror features, or hand-held showers, shapes your daily experience. So, take these insights with you, and turn your bathroom into a personal haven where every detail contributes to comfort and convenience.
With the wisdom gained from this exploration, may your future bathroom renovations be both aesthetically pleasing and flawlessly functional, creating spaces that delight the senses and simplify daily routines.
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