6 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

The bathroom is small but mighty. It’s one of the most difficult renovations to get right because, with so many different fixtures, fittings, and appliances to choose from, it’s tough to balance function, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. Once the decisions have been made and the renovation is complete, it’s difficult to make changes if you realise you went with style over function. 

Here, we provide you with some of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes so that you can avoid making them yourself. If you want your bathroom to be your retreat from the stress of your day, take heed!

1. A Lack of Windows 

Whether it’s a new build or an extension something many people err on is the bathroom window situation. If you’re in an apartment building, you might have no choice, but the window is key to proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup that leads to mould growth. Plus, there’s nothing worse than stepping out of the shower into high humidity and wondering why you bother. So, while you’re renovating, position your window to capture natural light while still maintaining your privacy. 

To keep on the subject of privacy, consider the location of your bathroom if you’re doing an addition or converting a cupboard. Privacy is key, so is the location right for that? 

2. Overspending Your Budget

Bathroom renovations can go wildly wrong if you don’t keep control of your budget. Start by creating an accurate budget based on what you can afford to spend or borrow and take a realistic look at the style of the bathroom and the fixtures and fittings you prefer to get a general idea of the prices. This is something for before you reach out to a contractor who can handle your bathroom renovation in Sydney. Always get multiple quotes so you can compare prices and make sure they’re detailed! Once you have the quote, tack on an extra 20% for contingency and that is your budget. You won’t overspend if you work an additional budget just in case. 

3. Choosing Style Over Function

When renovating bathrooms in Sydney, we see this mistake often. People get carried away with choosing the most stylish looks without thinking about whether the layout of the space functions properly. Think about how you use the bathroom and what must-haves you always think about when trying to get ready in your current bathroom. Style is important, but you can get the style you want without sacrificing function as long as you’re focused on both. 

Many people overlook the importance of the ventilation fan, but it’s an important accessory. First, it needs to be large enough for your bathroom and powerful enough to extract all the moisture to ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated. You may have one already, but is it doing the job well? If not, a bathroom renovation is a good time to upgrade. 

4. Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting is a major mistake and unfortunately, it’s a fairly common one as well. While you might think the overhead lighting is more than sufficient, you also need to consider task lighting to make getting ready easier and accent lighting to set the scene for a relaxing bath. Consider the types of activities you do in the bathroom – is it where you shave, straighten your hair, and apply makeup? You need adequate lighting for tasks. You may also want a low light for night-time bathroom trips. 

5. Insufficient Storage Space

What do you store in your bathroom? Haircare products? Extra toiletries? Toilet roll? Towels? Think about what you want to hand while you’re in the bathroom, what should be within reach, and how much storage is necessary to accommodate all these items. If you’re dealing with a small bathroom, you could utilise your wall space for shelves around head height or vertical storage solutions. 

While you might be able to locate a cupboard directly outside the bathroom, ensure you think it through to deliver function, style and convenience. 

6. Poor Preparation

A renovation is a way to future-proof your property value, but only if you plan for it to last for many years to come. By investing in good quality materials, you ensure a durable renovation. However, you must consider the layout, style, and design because if you jump on all the trends it won’t matter how high quality it is, it will still look dated. So plan properly to ensure optimal execution. 

Planning is also an important part of ensuring jobs are completed properly. So, while you have to rely on tradies to get the job done, you should research basics so you know whether it’s being completed properly. 

Crystal Bathroom Renovations in Sydney 

At Crystal Bathrooms, we are part of the bathroom renovation from start to finish! It starts with a sit-down with our design team. You can share your vision and they can provide guidance on how best to achieve the look and function you want. 
If you don’t have any idea of what you want, don’t worry! Our design team will be more than happy to make recommendations based on your budget, wants, and style. Whether you want us to create a dream from scratch or create your dream, we’ll deliver the bathroom of your wildest dreams. Get in touch to schedule your free consultation.