5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovations are one of my favorite projects - I love transforming tired spaces into gorgeous and functional rooms that my clients love! But bathrooms are also very tricky to redesign. There are 5 pitfalls that can really snarl up the project or leave you less than satisfied when the job is done. So here are my top professional tips for what to avoid when you’re ready to redo that bathroom!
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
1. Underestimating the Budget
This is where working with a professional is a HUGE help. Once you’ve mapped out what you want the bathroom to look like and what functionality you need, a professional can walk you through how much it will all cost. And believe them! It is much more expensive to redo a floorplan, to rework electrical, to purchase marble slabs than you think it is. Especially if you’re looking for quality work that will last. A luxury look like the one above can’t be done “on the cheap.” So be prepared to increase your budget to get what you want.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
2. Ignoring the “Boring Stuff”
Look carefully at the photo above - see that fan way up in the ceiling? Where that’s placed, how strong it is, and whether it includes a light or not is really important! Yes it is fun to pick out the tile and paint colors, but those “boring things” need to be considered, too. Those would be things like ventilation - so critical in a warm and moist space - lighting, storage, whether you want pull bars in the bath, and so much more. Give them their due!
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
3. Following a Trend
I’m all about fabulous colors and new ideas - but be careful about jumping on a trend just because it’s the hot look today. I advise my clients to select classic looks for things that are expensive or difficult to change, like flooring, tubs, tile, etc. Then try out the newest looks with things that you can change, like paint colors, wallpapers, or light fixtures. Just remember that trends don’t last forever, but timeless looks do.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
4. Moving the Plumbing
I want to be clear - you can always move the plumbing! But too often people don’t realize how much work and expense that will be. We try as hard as we can to keep the plumbing in the same place because it can cost so much and add a lot of time to the project. So look at your existing space to see if it will work with your new plan, too. Otherwise, be sure to add to your budget!
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
5. Forgetting Function
One question I always ask my clients before a bathroom renovation is: “What would make you happy?” There are so many custom and unique ideas that we can implement to make the bathroom work the way YOU want it, too, so don’t forget that! You may want to have a built-in vanity, or maybe a steam shower. Or if you plan to age in place, a chair-height toilet might be something worth thinking about. Whatever it is, be sure to talk it over with your designer or contractor. If you’re going through all the pain of a renovation, you want to be happy with the end result!
What would YOU want in a new bathroom? Let me know in the comments section below!
Warmly,
Beth