Our recent blog, “5 Things NOT to do in your Kitchen Remodel” proved very popular so being big believers in giving Homeowners insights into everything they need to know to make informed decisions, here are 5 things NOT to do in your Bathroom remodel!
Hire the Wrong Type of Contractor for the Job
Every day you see your Powder Room, your heart sinks a little and the inner voice wonders what your guests must think. If your Powder Room needs a little pep, it’s not a big remodeling project. But, just as you don’t need a dress designer to make you a couture outfit for your next evening out at your favorite local restaurant, you don’t need a full service design/build firm if you just want to pull and replace the fixtures and fittings. Knowing what and who you need is half the battle of any bathroom remodeling project. Aligning your renovation needs to the type of service a particular contractor provides is a HUGE time saver. Read more in Best Remodelers in Reston and Where to Find Them.
Tub, or not to tub, that is the question
We get this question a lot, “Do I need a bathtub in my Master Bathroom?” The short answer is no. A soaking tub is aesthetically beautiful, but if you are not a bath person now, adding a gorgeous tub as part of your Master Bathroom remodel won’t necessarily mean you’ll use it more often in the future. We’ve talked to quite a few Homeowners recently who want to eliminate the tub from their Master Bath altogether and create a bigger shower instead. If you are thinking about removing the tub, you’re not alone! If you’re concerned about resale, most Home Buyers DO want a tub, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be in the Master Bathroom. So long as there is a tub somewhere in the home for kids (and, yes, pets!), it isn’t a deal breaker. Of course, if you have room for it, keeping the tub and making it a design feature in itself is always an option. Looking for some inspiration? Read Mina’s advice in These Bathtubs Will Make You Want to Soak for Hours.
Select Form over Function
It’s really easy to make your bathroom remodeling selections based on aesthetics vs. how you’ll use it in real life. We’re all guilty of this one! Take it from someone who learned the hard way. I love the look of a tempered glass countertop on a vanity, and despite the warnings, went for it anyway in my Master Bath. It sure looks good but it drives me a little crazy! Every little watermark shows up on it and having not yet mastered the art of a waterless bathroom, I spend a lot of time wiping it down. The same practical consideration goes for things like bath tubs. If you really want an oversized tub, don’t forget to think about how much hot water that thing takes to fill. Can your water heater handle it and, more importantly, will it still be warm when you finally step into it?! Don’t let me stop you having the things you want, but being practical and thinking through daily usage might save you a headache down the line.
Assume You Can’t Afford the Tile You Want
It’s a Bathroom remodel, you’re going to need tile somewhere in your space. What’s really neat about the tile options nowadays is the variety of looks you can get without sacrificing durability and quality. One thing to be wary of is square foot pricing. Make sure you measure accurately so you know exactly how much tile you need. While $7.99 per square foot doesn’t sound like a lot, it adds up quickly depending on how big your space is. There are ways around this, however, from using more expensive tile sparingly to create niches or design features in your shower, to creating tile “rug” inserts on your floor. Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at some of our favorite Bathroom remodels over the last 10 years.
Image Credit: Synergy Design & Construction. Note the tile “rug” insert.
Forget about Storage
This one is a common miss-step. Personally, I love clean lines and gorgeous floating sinks, just not in the Master Bathroom. If you are considering a Bathroom remodel, be realistic with yourself about your storage needs. If you detest your cluttered countertop now, replacing your existing vanity with something similar is not a good move. Adding a vanity with tons of storage might just reduce the stress you feel every time you walk into your Bathroom. You can get two looks in one with floating sinks that have storage underneath. The same consideration goes for a kids’ Bathroom remodel. Now if only I could get my children to actually open the vanity drawers and use them….
Image Credit: Signature Hardware
Ready to tackle your next Bathroom remodeling project? Give us a call – we’re always happy to provide advice on what it will take to make your Bathrooms a place of peace and calm!
