We see it all the time – homeowners happily take on a DIY bathroom renovation thinking they can handle the whole thing from start to finish, only to be surprised by the bumps they encounter along the way. While it may look simple, even if you’re working on a smaller project like a powder room renovation, bathroom design can be a tricky thing; We’ve been in the industry for 40+ years and we still sometimes encounter unpredictable situations.
Below are some common bathroom design mistakes we see DIYers making all the time. We encourage you to take them as cautionary tales and make a point to avoid them.
1. Squeezing too much into a small space
At Opal Baths, we love your innovative small bathroom renovation ideas. But while we’re open to all sorts of concepts, we often see homeowners trying to do too much with too little space. For example, inviting elements such as a freestanding soaker tub isn’t something we encourage if you’re working with 15 sq ft of space.
2. Not considering the existing infrastructure
This is a big one. When planning out a bathroom renovation, you need to take the time to note the existing infrastructure. Plumbing, ventilation, and electrical, for example, are all crucial to the integrity of your bathroom. Even small missteps in any of these areas can lead to major issues, such as mould, rust, and structural damage in the long run.
3. Measuring improperly
As a DIY bathroom designer, you may not think much of ¼ of an inch difference. But when carrying out the initial measurements, it’s important to be incredibly detail-oriented, scrupulously measuring every inch of the layout. It may seem like a tedious process, but at the end of the day, you’ll see the difference it makes. When everything is done ahead of time, your bathroom renovation project is much more likely to come out looking polished – with no “oops, this doesn’t quite fit” moments.
4. Not leaving room for accessories
We’ve all been in one of those awkward bathrooms before – where the towel is just out of reach or there’s not enough space on the sink for a toothbrush holder. One way or another, you can just tell that the bathroom design was done by a DIYer rather than a professional. It’s a minor thing, but it can definitely be a major annoyance. When planning out a bathroom remodel, it’s super important not to forget about the little details. As you use your bathroom daily, you’ll notice the difference it makes in your routine. Even during something as small as a shower remodel, it’s important to consider where everything will go.
It’s so simple but is often overlooked.
5. Forgetting about ventilation
Proper ventilation is absolutely key to designing and maintaining a bathroom in your home. And one of the major mistakes that we see homeowners making is a lack of air circulation. Lucky for you, it’s also a super easily avoidable one! This goes back to #2 – all you have to do is look into the existing infrastructure, and you should be able to figure out where vents or natural ventilation should be installed.
Avoid these bathroom design mistakes by working with Opal!
As a professional team of bathroom experts, Opal Baths & Design has been renovating Oakville and Burlington bathrooms for nearly 40 years. Our friendly staff is super knowledgeable about what to do and what NOT to do when it comes to renos. We’ve seen it all, and can help you avoid these common mistakes. From small projects (like powder room renovations) to larger bathrooms, we can help you find the right fit, taking care of all the details along the way.
Contact us to get started!
