5 Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

Years ago there was a commercial for a hardware store with the tagline “for those who like to decorate, redecorate, and remodel.” While this rings true for some people, it certainly does not encompass all homeowners. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 85 percent of homeowners found purchasing a home to be less stressful than remodeling one.  When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, stress levels can skyrocket if homeowners have to relocate all of their hygienic and toiletry items to a different, smaller bathroom, especially if an entire family has to cram into that bathroom for the duration of the remodel.

Even though it will no doubt be stressful, there are ways to help the process of remodeling the bathroom move quickly and smoothly.

• Don’t Deny: a full bathroom remodel is a lot of work. Unless the end goal is to only replace faucets and countertops, take into consideration the scope of the project before starting. Oftentimes if homeowners want to update a cramped, outdated bathroom, moving walls, plumbing, and electrical work is a necessary part of the process. This might also mean that doors, walls, and flooring in adjoining rooms will need replacing as well.

• Bank on the Budget: We cannot say it enough: create a budget and as much as possible, stick to it. There is nothing worse then getting halfway through a remodel only for the homeowners to realize that they cannot afford the materials they prefer. Better to wait and save to get that dream bathroom—and do everything the right way.

• Neutrals are Superior: One of the greatest mistakes homeowners make is upgrading with materials that are very taste specific or trendy. If you plan on staying in your home for the long haul, then by all means, install red granite countertops and a matching backsplash. However, if the purpose of remodeling is to sell the home or if you do not plan on staying for more than five years, keep it to a neutral color palette.

• Lower Expectations: What? This may sound counterintuitive because, after all, remodels are expensive! Shouldn’t homeowners get their dream bathroom? Absolutely. We think you should have high expectations for the final product, but sometimes getting there proves more difficult than homeowners plan. Not expecting everything to go as planned helps homeowners recover when there’s a bump—or two—on the remodeling road.

• DIY Doozy: Unless homeowners possess the skills and tools necessary to complete a project, we recommend hiring a contractor. Tackling a project for which you are ill equipped will cost time and money in the long run. This does not exclude homeowners for some DIY work. Demoing the bathroom can save loads of money, as can painting, installing baseboards, and hanging doors. Our recommendation is that homeowners stick to DIY projects they know they can handle.

Completing a remodel can be very stressful, but at TSW Builders and Progressive Builders we’re here to lighten your load.  Contact us today to get started on your bathroom remodel!