Top Mistakes to Avoid During a Bathroom Installation

A new bathroom can greatly enhance your home, offering both practical benefits and aesthetic upgrades. However, mistakes during the installation process can cause delays and complications. Whether you’re updating an old bathroom or creating a new space in your Coffs Harbour home, careful planning and informed decisions are essential to avoid costly setbacks.

Poor Planning and Preparation

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is skimming through the planning stage. Without proper research, layout issues, wrong fixture choices, and budgeting errors can easily arise.

Expert Tip: Spend time researching your layout and measurements. Be realistic about how much space each fixture will need, and ensure the design suits your daily needs. Consulting a professional helps ensure both functionality and design work seamlessly together while staying on budget.

Style Over Function

It’s tempting to choose fixtures based on appearance, but prioritising style over function can lead to frustration. Fixtures like showers, basins, or taps may look great but could end up being impractical for the environment or difficult to maintain.

Expert Tip: Choose fixtures that balance both aesthetic appeal and functional needs. For example, ensure your showerhead provides adequate water pressure and your vanity unit is easy to maintain and use.

Spacing Requirements

Many assume that bigger is always better, but oversized fixtures can make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable if they don’t fit properly.

Expert Tip: Each fixture, including the shower, bath, and toilet, fits well within the available space. Think about the layout’s flow and allow enough room for comfortable movement. Consulting with an expert can help avoid issues like misplaced plumbing or insufficient clearance around fixtures.

Use of Lighting

Lighting is essential for both functionality and creating the right atmosphere in your bathroom. Natural light is ideal, bringing brightness and warmth to the space. Alternatives like skylights, frosted glass, or glass block windows can let in light while maintaining privacy.

Wired room lighting, including overhead fixtures, task lighting around mirrors, and accent lighting, ensures you can complete daily tasks with ease while enhancing the bathroom’s overall ambiance.

Expert Tip: Layer lighting for optimal effect—combine natural light with general room lighting and task lighting for focused activities like shaving or applying makeup. Consider energy-efficient bulbs to keep your costs down.

Ventilation Needs

Poor ventilation is a common oversight in bathroom installations, but is vital for preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew growth, especially in humid climates like Coffs Harbour.

Expert Tip: Choose a bathroom fan suited to your room size that efficiently expels moisture. Proper fan installation maximises airflow and reduces humidity.

Storage Space

Without sufficient storage, your bathroom can become cluttered and chaotic. Adequate storage is key to maintaining functionality, even in well-designed spaces.

Expert Tip: Plan for ample storage options, such as vanities with drawers, recessed shelving, or wall-mounted cabinets. Maximising vertical space, like using tall, slim storage units, is particularly helpful in smaller bathrooms.

Materials

The materials you choose impact both the look and longevity of your bathroom. Some materials, like marble, may look great but require more maintenance, while others may not be suitable for humid environments.

Expert Tip: Choose moisture-resistant materials such as ceramic or porcelain tiles. When shopping online, always test materials in person to ensure they meet your bathroom’s needs.

Budgeting Mistakes

Overspending due to inaccurate budgeting is a common mistake in bathroom renovations. This can lead to financial strain or incomplete projects.

Expert Tip: Set a realistic budget from the beginning and stick to it. Get detailed quotes from contractors and suppliers, and allocate a 10-20% contingency fund for unexpected costs. Prioritise essential features, and consider upgrading non-essentials later.

Planning for the Future

Bathrooms should be functional and future-proof. Consider your future needs, such as accommodating a growing family or adding resale value.

Expert Tip: Install features that will meet future needs, like child-friendly options, extra storage, or timeless, neutral designs that appeal to a broad market if you’re renovating for resale.

Ensuring Success

Mistakes such as poor planning, incorrect fixture selection, or inadequate space can lead to costly delays, increased expenses, and dissatisfaction with the final result. Proper attention to these details can make the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth, successful project.

If you’re ready to start planning or building your bathroom project, Sawtell Bathrooms is here to help. Our experienced team provides personalised solutions for homeowners across Coffs Harbour, ensuring your new space works perfectly for you.


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