Mistakes may be part of life, but there’s nothing that says you can’t learn from the mistakes others make. If you’re considering remodeling the bathroom in your Fresno-area home, mistakes can cost you money—and keep you from enjoying the benefits that a well-executed renovation should deliver. Let’s take a look at the top 6 bathroom remodeling mistakes you can easily avoid.
1. Poor Planning
Much of the most important work involved in a bathroom remodel begins long before you begin looking for new bathroom components and fixtures. It really starts with creating a good plan. That means you have to get specific about exactly what you want from your remodeling project. Think about how you currently use the room—and how you want it to work when you're done. What are the specific things that bother you now (Too dark. Too crowded. Outdated features. Poor ventilation.) and what results do you want. Next, figure out a realistic budget to accomplish what you want. Here’s an article that provides a frame of reference for what bathroom remodels cost in Fresno. Then, contact a reliable remodeler who can create a feasible plan to deliver what you want.
2. Putting Form Before Function
This mistake is related to the planning problem. Sometimes homeowners get enamored with pictures of beautiful bathrooms they see online. While we encourage you to check out ideas online (including images of great bathrooms in our project gallery) it’s important to put function first. It won’t matter how great your countertops are if the bathroom isn’t laid out in a way that’s convenient for you and makes you comfortable.
3. Confusing Cost and Value
We touched on creating a budget above, but there is more to the picture than simply looking at the cost. It’s really important to consider the value you’re getting for the money you spend. Simply going with the lowest bid really isn’t a bargain if you’re not happy with the results. In fact, if you have to redo sub-standard work in just a few years, the lowest price may actually cost you more.
4. Skimping on Labor Quality
One place where some remodelers offer savings is by using less-qualified laborers. Even the most beautiful tile, cabinets, and flooring can’t overcome poor workmanship. You’ll want to make sure your contractor uses skilled craftsmen to install your bathroom components. Here are some tips for selecting the best contractors in the Fresno area.
5. Moving Fixture Locations
This is a subset of the “poor planning” mistake mentioned above. If you have to redo plumbing (for your toilet, bath, shower, or sink) you’ll dramatically increase the price of your remodeling job. Sometimes, that can’t be avoided if you’re doing a radical remodel. Most of the time, however, a quality contractor can work within the constraints of existing plumbing. Make sure you cover this issue with your contractor before construction begins.
6. Failing to Plan for Contingencies
When you create your budget for a bathroom remodel you’ll want to allow a little bit of “wiggle room” that allows for small changes. We’re not talking about major changes to the design or construction, but small things can come up. Maybe the backsplash you chose above the sink doesn’t look quite like you thought. Or perhaps you’ve found faucets that will look (and feel) better. If you’re budgeted too tightly, you may not be able to make those small changes that can make a big difference. If you’ve set aside a little extra, you’re covered. If you don’t need it—you’re ahead of the game!
Mistakes happen—even when planning a bathroom remodel. You can avoid some of the most common ones with a little bit of planning. And the right contractor can steer you away from common mistakes so that you get what you really want at a fair price.
