Owning a home comes with several benefits, including the freedom to experiment with its design. Homeowners have lots of flexibility when it comes to creating a unique look for their space.
If you’re planning on renovating your home, consider starting with your bathroom. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, a comfortable and up-to-date bathroom can add to the enjoyment of your space and significantly increase the value of your home.
The bathroom has the potential for endless combinations of fixtures, colour schemes, and styles. From glossy vanity basins to luxurious spas, you can make this area as relaxing and stylish as you want.
However, before you pull out your toolbox, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before embarking on this renovation project.
In this post, we detail 10 of the most important things you’ll want to avoid when renovating your bathroom. Following these tips will not only alleviate your stress levels but can prevent unnecessary costs down the road.
1. Avoid Remodelling Without a Plan
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of remodelling your bathroom. Before you impulse buy that lavish bathtub you’ve been eyeing, take a few minutes to develop a renovation plan.
Consider the available space in your bathroom. Do you actually have enough room to fit an oversized tub? Will that large basin you love fit perfectly along the wall? Planning your project beforehand will help keep you from having to return items and make costly repairs.
2. Prevent Yourself from Cramming Too Much in Too Small of a Space
Similar to the tip above, you’ll want to avoid putting too many fixtures in your bathroom. Cluttering up your bathroom space will not only be an eyesore, but it could limit the functionality of the room as well. Most bathrooms have limited space, so make sure to choose your accessories wisely.
Do you really need two shower caddies, multiple towel racks, in addition to large under-the-sink storage cabinets? Not going overboard with your accessories will keep your bathroom space open and accessible.
3. Don't Forget To Coordinate Your Colours
While everyone has different preferences for colour schemes and style, incorporating too many patterns and colours could create a chaotic-looking space. If you choose a matte black showerhead, you may want to stick with a similar style for your sink fixtures.
A bathroom that uses a chrome piece here, a brushed nickel accessory there, and brass fixtures elsewhere won’t have a cohesive look. In fact, the resulting mishmash of colours and finishes will look distracting.
4. Don’t Risk Hiring Disreputable Contractors to Install Your Hardware
If you don’t plan on doing your own remodelling work, don’t be tempted to hire the first contractor you find online. Devote an hour or two to researching different residential renovation businesses in the area.
Read the companies’ reviews, check their ratings on multiple sites, and peruse their official website. Partnering with the wrong contractor could mean waiting around weeks for a project to be completed or even having fixtures installed incorrectly.
5. Avoid Thinking Short-Term
Many of us are guilty of only thinking about the near future. When you’re remodelling, it’s good to think about the long-term benefits. For example, perhaps you want to get rid of an old bulky tub and replace it with a spacious shower system.
However, if you plan on having children a few years down the road, you may need a bathtub. In the meantime, you could choose a combination tub-shower system or splurge on an elegant, freestanding tub instead.
6. Don’t Forget About Renovating Before You Sell
Some homeowners think it’s not worth remodelling their home if they plan on selling the property in the foreseeable future. It’s worth remembering that investing in updated fixtures could add resale value to your home.
Potential buyers love to see shiny new appliances and freshly painted walls when house-shopping, so make sure your home (including your bathroom) is eye-catching.
7. Remember to Not Begin Remodelling During a Busy Period
Don’t make the mistake of starting your bathroom renovation the same week you begin an intense project at work. You’ll likely be too exhausted from work to devote time to your remodelling, leaving you with an unfinished bathroom.
Instead, take a look at your schedule and identify the quietest periods of time in the upcoming months. Could you perhaps take a few days off work? Maybe you’ll have a family member in town that can assist? Plan accordingly to make your renovation go smoother.
8. Don’t Impulse Buy – Research Instead
Choosing products for your new bathroom is a fun process. While you’re browsing patterns and styles, don’t forget to invest actual research in the product. For instance, you may love the look of an above counter basin and want to incorporate it into your bathroom.
You’ll want to note, however, that this design can sometimes make cleaning a bit more time-consuming, since dust and grime can settle in those hard-to-reach spaces. Are you willing to spend that extra cleaning, or should you find another style of basin that’s easier to clean?
Also consider detailed product specifications. You want to find product that represent a high quality to price ratio and excellent warranty periods.
9. Don’t Forget About Your Budget
Before starting your renovation, define your budget. How much are you willing to spend on remodeling your bathroom? Be realistic about the expenses involved and buy products accordingly.
You’ll want to reference your budget from time to time during your project so that you don’t run over your budget unexpectedly. For example, before you buy that upscale tub on a whim, be sure you’ll have enough funds left over to install the new sink you need.
10. Remember to Consider Storage Space
Perhaps you’ve decided on an up-to-date showerhead, a replacement basin, and an upgraded toilet. While these items are essential, you’ll still need to make room for storage. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a beautiful bathroom but no where to hang your towel!
Remember to budget storage items into your finance plan so that you have enough funds to cover storage costs.
While remodelling your home can seem a daunting process at first, with a little bit of preparation and research, your bathroom renovation project will go smoothly.
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from the experts at Sydney Home. We can help you select quality products that are suitable for all budgets!