The 7 Most Common Mistakes in Bathroom Renovations (And How to Avoid Them)

Renovating a bathroom is exciting. It is an investment that you want to enjoy every day. A place to wake up in the morning and relax in the evening. That is precisely why making the wrong choice can have unpleasant consequences. Extra costs, stress, and disappointment are more common than you might think. Many people make the same mistakes. That’s a shame, because with the right preparation, these mistakes are easy to avoid.

At Grand Renovation, we believe that a renovation should be worry-free. We believe that good preparation and honest guidance make all the difference. That’s why we’ve listed the 7 most common mistakes here. You can read about how these mistakes arise, how you can prevent them, and how you can fix them if they do occur.

Mistake 1. Not setting a realistic budget

Many people enthusiastically start choosing tiles and sanitary ware. They calculate how much that will cost and think that’s all there is to the budget. But they forget that plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, installation, and finishing also cost money. And often, surprises crop up during the renovation, such as old pipes that need to be replaced. The result is that the money runs out halfway through and the renovation comes to a standstill.

How to avoid this: List all costs in advance, including labor hours, small materials, and finishing. In addition, always set aside an extra amount, for example, 15 to 20 percent of the total. This will prepare you for unexpected expenses.

How to fix this: If you run out of money halfway through, discuss immediately with your contractor what adjustments can be made without compromising quality. This may mean changing certain choices, such as material options or a phased approach to parts of the bathroom. The most important thing is that you find a feasible solution together so that the renovation can still be completed.

Mistake 2. Poor or no ventilation

You have a beautiful new bathroom, but after a few months you notice dark spots on the grout or smell a musty odor. The cause is almost always a lack of ventilation. Moisture has nowhere to go and lingers, causing mold to grow. This is bad for your health and damages the materials.

How to avoid this: Think about ventilation during the design phase. A window alone is often not enough. Mechanical ventilation is necessary in a bathroom that is used intensively.

How to fix this: If there are already mold or moisture problems, have them professionally removed first. Then install a suitable ventilation system, such as a fan with a moisture sensor that automatically switches on when humidity is high. This will prevent the problem from returning and protect your bathroom in the long term.

Mistake 3. Forgetting about practical layout

People want their bathrooms to look good, so they often focus on appearance. They choose a large bathtub or a luxurious shower, but later discover that the layout is impractical. The shower door cannot open fully, the toilet is too close to the sink, or there is nowhere to hang towels.

How to avoid this: Put yourself in the room before you decide. How do you move around in the bathroom? Where do you put your things? How much storage space do you need? These are simple questions, but they are often forgotten.

How to fix this: If the layout doesn’t work, a professional can often make small adjustments. This may mean moving a piece of furniture, installing a sliding door, or creating extra storage space. With a few smart solutions, functionality can be greatly improved without having to renovate the entire bathroom.

Mistake 4. Choosing cheap materials

Cheap can be expensive. A cheap faucet may start leaking after a few months, and cheap tiles may discolor or crack. You may think you are saving money at the time, but you will end up paying twice as much.

How to avoid this: Don’t just look at the price, but above all at quality and durability. A bathroom must be able to withstand daily use.

How to fix this: If cheap materials have already been installed and are causing problems, replace them with durable alternatives in good time. This may mean replacing faucets, tiles, or grout. Hiring a professional to carry out the installation correctly will also prevent you from incurring further costs later on.

Mistake 5. Underestimating plumbing and electrical work

Hidden problems often come to light during a renovation. Old pipes may turn out to be worn out, or there may not be enough power outlets. This leads to delays and additional costs.

How to avoid this: Have a professional check the plumbing and electrical work in advance. That way, you’ll know where you stand before the renovation starts.

How to fix this: If pipes or electrical wiring have already been installed and are not up to standard, a professional can modify or expand the installation. This may mean relocating pipes or adding extra sockets. This will make the bathroom safe and functional without having to break open walls again later.

Mistake 6. Not considering lighting

A bathroom with just one ceiling light often feels cold and impractical. You’ll have shadows around the mirror, and relaxing in the bath will never feel truly cozy.

How to avoid this: Make lighting part of your plan. Use basic lighting for the entire room, functional lighting near the mirror, and mood lighting near the bath or shower. It not only determines the atmosphere, but also the ease of use.

How to fix this: If the lighting is inadequate, you can install additional light fixtures or replace existing lamps. By adding dimmable lighting or spotlights, you can improve both functionality and atmosphere without having to redecorate the entire bathroom.

Mistake 7. Doing it yourself without experience

There are countless videos online that show you how to lay tiles or pipes yourself. It seems simple, but a small mistake can have major consequences. An incorrectly placed tile or a leak in the waterproofing can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

How to avoid this: Be realistic about what you can do yourself. Some jobs, such as demolition or painting, are easy to do yourself. But technical tasks such as waterproofing, pipework, and electrical work require experience and precision.

How to fix this: If mistakes have already been made, a professional can correct them. This may mean reapplying waterproofing layers, reconnecting pipes correctly, or re-laying tiles. This ensures quality and prevents future problems.

In conclusion

A bathroom renovation does not have to be a source of stress. By avoiding these 7 mistakes and making conscious choices, you can avoid problems and end up with a bathroom that you will enjoy for years to come. At Grand Renovation, we guide our customers every step of the way. We listen, advise, and ensure that every detail is just right. This way, your new bathroom will not only be beautiful, but also practical and easy to use.

Would you like to know how we can help you? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you and work with you to create your perfect bathroom.