The bathroom is the second-most remodeled room in the home for a variety of reasons. It's small, relatively easy to remodel, a little effort goes a long way, and finding trendy items is usually pretty easy. What most people don't talk about are the serious problems that can be discovered along the way and the mistakes often made during the bathroom design process. So that's what we're going to talk about today.
1. Budget Concerns - Don't go into a small bathroom project expecting it to require an equally small budget. The bathroom contains plumbing fixtures and they require special attention if they're to be moved during the process. Most bathroom furniture is also more costly than people realize. Plan your budget carefully and include a contingency of at least 15%. Unforeseen issues such as mold, mildew, and rot also require more work, which means more man hours and more labor costs.
2. Available Space - The space available in some small bathroom remodels doesn't leave any room for error. You're stuck with using smaller furniture or borrowing space from a neighboring closet or bedroom. If the current bathroom has a closet, even a small one, consider removing it and creating other storage for towels and other bathroom necessities.
3. Lack of Storage - Since we're on the topic of removing closets and making new storage, we'll continue along those lines. Storage is extremely important in the bathroom. Look for vertical spaces for storage in the bathroom while you're considering which type of vanity, medicine cabinet, and shelving to use. Can you install hooks to hang the hair dryer and other necessities? Can you install an oversized mirror that will hold all of your makeup and other supplies? Will floating shelving work for your towels and other shower items?
4. Short Term Trendy Thinking - Trends are great. Okay, most trends are great. Some trends die off far too soon after the remodeling project and you're left with a bathroom that's already outdated after just six months or a year. Avoid trends that have a way of coming and going with time and stick with time tested, tried and true things like quality workmanship and classic styling.
5. Using the Wrong Materials - The bathroom often goes from hot and steamy to cold and dry within a matter of hours. Think about what that type of change does to tile, furnishings, paint, and wallpaper. Wallpaper that isn't designed for bathroom use can begin to peel or roll off of the wall in a matter of weeks. Porous stone tiles or wood flooring can begin to buckle. Avoid these issues by choosing materials that are designed for bathroom use.
Call At Design Remodel at 508-348-7763 if you would like to discuss problems you currently have with your bathroom and allow us to help formulate a solution.