Mistakes to Avoid When Tackling Bathroom Remodeling in Kansas City
Whether you are swapping out the vanity or renovating the entire space, it’s common to make mistakes. Construction hurdles, improper planning, and overestimating your DIY potential can cause lots of problems. It’s important to know what mistakes to avoid before starting your DIY bathroom remodel.
Unrealistic timeline or budget
The biggest mistake people make is following an unrealistic timeline or budget for the renovation. A complete bathroom remodel can take up to a month, while minor changes might only take a few days. Give yourself enough time when creating the project timeline so you don’t feel you’re rushing anything or cramming everything into one week. Avoid delays by checking if the materials you’ll need are in stock, and making sure that you have enough materials to get it done.
For the budget, be honest with yourself. Stick to what you can afford and don’t take shortcuts on the important things. If you overspend, you will want to cut corners and the bathroom might not look how you wanted in the end. It is possible that accidents and extra things can increase the cost, so be sure to take this into consideration when planning out the budget. It’s recommended that you allow a 15 to 20% contingency fund in case any unexpected problems arise.
Improper waterproofing
When remodeling your bathroom, it’s crucial to make sure that everything is as waterproof as possible. All the water and steam from showers and sinks can cause structural damage or mold if the bathroom is not properly waterproofed. Waterproofing might seem complicated when doing your own bathroom remodel, so be sure that you know what type of waterproofing you’ll need and what the curing times are for the products you’re using. If you are unsure if you’re doing it correctly, it’s best to call expert bathroom remodeling contractors like NextGen Remodeling.
Improper spacing and layout
An important thing to think about when you’re remodeling your bathroom is the spacing and layout. Regardless of how big or small your space is, it’s crucial to measure everything out beforehand. If you’re changing things up, don’t forget to write the measurements of your fixtures so things will still fit the way you intend. Make sure that you allow enough space for doors and drawers to open, or else they won’t be functional! If you’re planning on redoing the entire layout or moving walls, just be sure that your fixtures can reach the water pipes with no hassle.
Choosing the wrong materials
Bathrooms constantly go through different levels of moisture and fast temperature changes. You want to choose materials that are specifically designed for bathroom use. If you choose the wrong materials, you could end up with warped floors or even mildewed floors. Ideally, you want to use materials that don’t stain and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic act as great materials for counters and wall tiles since they are durable and watertight. Make sure your floor tiles are non slip so you don’t hurt yourself getting out of the shower.
Poor ventilation
Often, bathrooms either have tiny windows or do not have windows at all. An exhaust fan in the bathroom is crucial to getting rid of the humidity that gets trapped. If the bathroom doesn’t have good ventilation, it can lead to mold, mildew, and warping. This poor ventilation can lead to paint, wallpaper, metal, and grout deteriorating. Don’t forget to plan around your HVAC systems and make sure that you can get proper air circulation from outside. Clean the vent of dust and debris before switching out the fan.
Forgetting storage space
Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in the layout and decorations and forget about practicality. Storage space is important, so don’t forget to include enough places to put things when remodeling your bathroom. There are plenty of storage options, ranging from open shelves, cabinets, and drawers. Open shelving is a good option for accessories and toiletries, while cupboards are great to keep medicine and important things away from the humidity. You can use drawers and organizers to keep your day-to-day things and keep them out of the way.
Too much or not enough lighting
Lighting is a crucial part of any room, but especially important for bathrooms. However, there is only a window or two in bathrooms, so not a lot of natural light is let in. A good way to be sure you don’t have a dull bathroom is by adding layers of lighting. Bathroom lighting serves many uses throughout the day, between bright, early mornings and relaxing nights. Dimmer lights are the easiest way to ensure that your lighting will be suitable for any time of day. Wall lights, under-cabinet strips, even chandeliers — there are countless ways you can get the perfect lighting in your bathroom. NextGen Remodeling offers LED, fluorescent, halogen or xenon lighting to choose from and can help you find an efficient option to bring light to your space.
Remember, all bathroom lighting should be IP or NEMA rated for complete safety.
Not consulting bathroom experts
Even if you have phenomenal DIY skills, it’s still a good idea to consult experts before starting your project. Bathroom installations are confusing, particularly when installing fixtures that connect to the water or electric lines of the house. If you want to move fixtures around or knock down walls, it’s highly advised to check with local contractors to ensure everything is safely and properly done.
Looking for bathroom remodeling contractors near you? NextGen Remodeling in Kansas City is here for you. Our estimate process is quick and easy, and you can even upload or send us other quotes you’ve received so we can compare our estimate to others, line by line. Contact us if you have questions.