One of the best ways to breathe new life into a home is through remodeling a bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in one’s home, but changing circumstances and tastes may dictate the need to redo the decor. Perhaps the children have grown up and moved away, allowing the once-beleaguered parents to change their bathroom from a practical place to one of almost decadent luxury. Getting older may also necessitate a redesign of the bathroom to accommodate lesser mobility, or the homeowner may wish to swap out outdated furnishings and replace them with modern, more efficient models. However, the bathroom remodeling project can be fraught with peril, so All About Kitchens and Baths wishes to offer some tips to avoid some of the common bathroom remodeling pitfalls.
One of the absolute biggest pitfalls associated with a bathroom remodeling project is not to have a comprehensive plan in place from the very beginning. Experts such as All About Kitchens and Baths always stress that a detailed plan on everything that the homeowner wishes to be done needs to be completed before any work begins. A fully realized plan allows the contractors to know exactly what needs to be done, and such a plan also ensures that there is an utter lack of confusion on what is to be expected from the bathroom renovation. Not having a plan in place can lead to second-guessing and expensive changes during the remodeling process.
Another major pitfall associated with bathroom remodeling is dealing with a dishonest contractor. The homeowner should do their due diligence and research the reputation of any remodeling contractor that they think about hiring. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, testimonials, and before-and-after images of completed projects. The homeowner should verify with their local and state agencies that the contractor is fully licensed and insured. Another useful line of inquiry is to check out their reviews on various websites, as well as the Better Business Bureau. Finally, the contractor should give you a reasonable estimate for the bathroom remodeling project. If they submit an estimate that is extremely low, that should serve as a red flag as they are likely to do substandard work or perhaps come up with “unexpected” charges during the project.
One common bathroom remodeling pitfall is not having an established budget for the project. Remodeling experts, such as All About Kitchens and Baths, will point out the budgetary costs of the entire project, but they will also add an amount to cover unforeseen expenses, such as finding out that the plumbing has to be totally redone as it is no longer up to code. Many homeowners try to start a bathroom remodeling project on the cheap, and this usually leads to unsatisfactory results. Why cut corners on a project that will not fulfill the desires of the homeowner or necessitate the need for more remodeling a few years down the road? It’s always best to ensure that one has a sufficient budget in place to see the remodeling project through properly. This budget also goes hand-in-hand with the need for a comprehensive plan as discussed above.
One problem that arises for homeowners during a bathroom remodeling project is that they often fall prey to beauty over function. Everybody wants an elegant and visually pleasing bathroom, and there are literally thousands of options available for every facet of the bathroom: vanities, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, etc. The problem is that many homeowners select items that may negatively impact the experience of using the bathroom by just focusing on its aesthetic appeal. A beautiful vanity may look tremendous in the showroom or in the brochure, but there may be a distinct lack of space to put one’s toiletries or no room for towels. A huge sink and faucet with all the bells and whistles may end up dominating the limited counter space where it would have been better to have hers and his sinks instead. While visually updating the bathroom is a major component of the remodeling process, it should not come at the expense of the core function of the bathroom itself. All About Kitchens and Baths can ensure that your design wishes merge with full functional practicality.
The final pitfall that many homeowners fall into during a bathroom remodeling project is to overlook the small things. Effort should be made to ensure that the plumbing, wiring, and structural supports can handle any changes being made and are up to code as well. A thorough check on all vents should be made to ensure that they’re working properly. Making sure that windows are fully sealed to prevent moisture from getting in is another item to pay attention to. It can be hard to focus on the little things when major changes are underway during a bathroom remodeling project, but those little changes, if not taken care of, can lead to big problems down the road.
As one can see, there are a number of major pitfalls that can come up during a bathroom remodeling project that the homeowner should keep an eye out for. These pitfalls can be addressed with working with experienced remodeling contractors, such as All About Kitchens and Baths, and proper preparation. Having a comprehensive plan, a suitable budget, a design that balances function and visual appeal, and a trusted contractor can negate these pitfalls and lead to a smoother remodeling project. The Boy Scout motto of “be prepared” is one that homeowners should engrave on their hearts when contemplating a bathroom remodel.
