If you’re considering a bathroom renovation project, addressing the “top 5 bathroom renovation mistakes” should be your foremost concern. These common errors may initially appear trivial, but they have the potential to cause significant long-term disasters. Bathroom renovation blunders can not only result in substantial corrective costs but also consume an extensive amount of your time. It’s crucial to recognize that a bathroom faces harsh environmental conditions, making it distinct from other spaces in your home. Bathrooms contend with high humidity and fluctuating temperatures, creating an ideal environment for mould growth, especially when proper ventilation is absent. Moreover, bathrooms are in constant use, serving not only you but also your guests.
Invest your resources wisely by crafting a bathroom design that steers clear of the top 5 bathroom renovation pitfalls. And don’t forget, we have extensive experience in Essex, UK, where we’ve handled numerous bathroom installations, often rectifying the design mistakes of others. With us, you’re in capable hands for your bathroom project.
1. Inefficient Bathroom Layouts
A bathroom should provide ample space to ensure comfort during use. The fixtures and elements in the bathroom should not overcrowd the area, leaving insufficient room for convenient access to the shower. Many bathroom designs fall into this trap, resulting in cramped and uncomfortable shower experiences. To prevent this common bathroom renovation blunder, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out bathroom plan, ideally drawn to scale. Engaging a professional designer for your bathroom design is often a wise move.
Numerous bathroom suppliers offer complimentary design services, which may involve creating a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of your bathroom layout. These experts can offer creative solutions to maximize space that you might not have considered. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering various bathroom renovation pitfalls and ensures your bathroom provides comfort and functionality.
2. Poor Quality Bathroom Products/Furniture
When it comes to bathroom furniture and fittings, you normally get what you pay for. Although a cheap tap may look nice and shiny, it could have a poor-quality chrome coating. Some metallic coatings may not be durable enough over a long period of time. Some may even be more sensitive to harsh cleaning products such as bleach. It is worth investing money in known brands when it comes to taps and metallic fittings such as handles. If you want the best, then consider using stainless steel where possible, as it is very resistant to corrosion.
Another important bathroom item is the shower. Invest money in a decent shower with excellent seals. Simple showers are likely to stay cleaner for longer then ones with lots of grooves and edges. Think about how you will be cleaning your shower when you consider buying one. Frameless showers are very low maintenance as they are constructed from less parts.
3. Inefficient Ventilation
This ranks among the most prevalent bathroom renovation blunders. Bathroom ventilation presents a commonly underestimated yet intricate issue. Inadequate ventilation is frequently perceived as minor, but it can give rise to substantial problems. To prevent moisture-related issues and maintain a healthy bathroom environment, effective ventilation is paramount. When ventilation is inefficient, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould. Additionally, the absence of proper ventilation can lead to increased condensation, resulting in unsightly damp patches on walls. Materials that naturally absorb moisture, such as wood, are also susceptible to long-term damage.
To avoid these complications, it’s crucial to select the appropriate size of an extractor fan. We highly recommend using extractor fans that vent directly to the outside, rather than recirculating ones. While extractor fans are indispensable, they can sometimes be noisy. There are various types of extractor fans, each activated differently, including light switch, pull cord, motion sensor, or humidity sensor. Personally, we favor light switch-activated extractor fans, as they allow for immediate shutoff when leaving the bathroom, eliminating the annoyance of a 15-minute delay. Fans with a time delay can be particularly bothersome, especially when one is attempting to sleep.
For further information on the causes of mould and condensation, you can delve into our humidity and condensation article on the subject.
4. Choosing the Wrong Bathroom Wall Tiles
This is another common issue encountered by those embarking on bathroom renovations, and it’s vital to prevent potential bathroom renovation mistakes. Were you aware that some wall tiles require sealing? Failing to carry out this essential step can lead to mold growth within the pores of your tile material. Therefore, it’s crucial to always inquire with the manufacturer if your wall tiles require sealing before installation.
Another aspect to consider is the tiling grout. Tile grout is often the first place in your bathroom to fall victim to mould. To mitigate this, it might be wise to reduce the amount of tile grout by installing large tiles. Additionally, selecting dark grey or alternative tile grout colours is a prudent choice. Not only do different colours add a unique and appealing aesthetic, but they also help conceal mould growth that might occur in the years to come.
5. Choosing the Wrong Bathroom Flooring
Selecting the right bathroom flooring is paramount due to the daily exposure to moisture and to avoid common bathroom renovation mistakes. Unfortunately, many underestimate the significance of this aspect, but you don’t have to fall into the same bathroom renovation pitfalls.
Choosing the incorrect bathroom flooring, especially when trying to expedite the renovation process, can lead to substantial consequences. Inadequate bathroom flooring can result in significant losses.
If you opt for tiles, it’s crucial to ensure they have a textured surface. Installing smooth tiles on the floor can be precarious when wet, potentially causing accidents, particularly when exiting the bath or shower. Non-slip flooring is a prudent choice to prevent unnecessary injuries.
Additionally, using appropriate flooring materials designed for bathroom use is essential. Some individuals mistakenly believe that standard laminate wood flooring will suffice. However, they quickly discover that water can infiltrate the wood structure of this flooring, causing it to swell and deteriorate. For those seeking a laminate wood appearance, we recommend Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). They share the tongue and groove design of laminate flooring but are composed of 100% waterproof plastic, ensuring durability and water resistance.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, steering clear of these top 5 bathroom renovation mistakes is crucial to ensure your project not only meets your expectations but also stands the test of time. By paying attention to space, ventilation, flooring, and other crucial factors, you can create a bathroom that’s not only beautiful but also functional and problem-free. Making informed choices and seeking professional guidance when needed will help you avoid costly errors and make your bathroom renovation a rewarding experience.
