The bathroom is one of the most important areas in your home; aside from being the room where your day starts and ends before going to bed, it's also seen as a place of peace and relaxation. When it comes to interior design, bathrooms are often some of the most sophisticated and stylish rooms in which homeowners focus their creative efforts. It's then natural that, when planning on a bathroom renovation, you want to take into consideration every little detail to improve both its aesthetics and overall practicality.
However, mistakes are around the corner, ready to derail your project or result in a less-than-ideal outcome. Whether you're thinking of a bathroom makeover or wish to make just a few updates, in this blog, we'll draw upon our vast experience as experienced bathroom fitters in Cumbria to single out the most common mistakes in bathroom renovation and help you make the right decisions without any unwanted headaches.
Ventilation in bathrooms is an extremely important aspect to consider; however, despite its unquestionable relevance, it is often overlooked. Humidity is common here, whether due to the steam from showers and baths or simply water residues in the basin. Without proper ventilation, your bathroom will inevitably end up having mould and mildew in different areas (usually dark corners), leading to health issues and potential damage to walls, ceilings and fixtures over time.
If the room features a window, whether small or large, it's great. But if it isn't, that's when you must avoid mistakes. Many people prioritise the bathroom's aesthetics and layout rather than its functionality, so they forget that a good ventilation system is vital!
An exhaust fan is the right solution; it’s a simple yet effective step that will make a big difference! Make sure the fan is appropriately sized for your bathroom and is installed correctly to vent outside, not into your attic (if you have it). Also, you may want to consider a fan with extra features, such as a timer or humidity sensor, to ensure it runs long enough to remove all moisture after a shower or bath.
Remember, proper ventilation is not just a luxury; it's a necessity! It's what will keep your bathroom fresh, dry, and in good condition for a long time, so don’t neglect it.
Storage is another essential that doesn't get enough credit in bathroom renovations. We totally understand how the design part of this process might take up all the homeowners' attention with its different style options, materials, fixtures, and colours; however, the truth is that a bathroom, especially when it’s small, needs storage space.
You will need to store your toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies and so on, and you definitely want to avoid the risk of a cluttered, disorganised space, which will compromise the functionality and aesthetic appeal you worked so hard to improve.
So, here's our advice:
These are simple yet great tips to keep your bathroom tidy and efficient!
We know bathroom renovations can be quite expensive, depending on the type of improvements you have in mind. In this context, cutting costs by choosing cheaper materials and fixtures that will help you save money on the initial budget is tempting. However, they often wear out faster and look less appealing, not to mention that in the long run, they might prove unreliable, ultimately leading to additional work and fixes only a short time after your renovation. Why would you want that?
So, give your bathroom a better finish and a polished, professional look from the get-go! When selecting items like faucets, showerheads, and tiles, consider both their functionality and look. Pick resistant materials that can withstand a bathroom's characteristic humidity. Also, pay attention to the warranty and reputation of the brands you choose, as they can make a difference. High-quality fixtures are not only essential to improve how your bathroom looks, but they massively contribute to its overall maintenance costs!
Lighting is like ventilation: essential yet underestimated! Not everybody realises the wonders good lighting can do in bathrooms; without it, even the most stylish, best-looking bathroom will look dark and uninviting. Layered lighting solutions can improve different aspects of this room to suit different needs, for example, having a bright, shadow-free spot around the vanity or softer, ambient lighting to favour relaxation.
If your bathroom has plenty of natural light, that's great; it will make the space warm, welcoming, and airy. If, instead, it needs to rely on artificial lighting, consider the following to enhance the area, making it more enjoyable:
Also, remember that colour psychology in home design and colour palettes, in general, can affect lighting and improve space perception and other aspects, so don’t underestimate their power!
Last—but it should probably be first—is the budget. Whether you're planning a complete restyle or just small improvements here and there, you will have to calculate how much money you're willing to spend. However, as it often happens, despite the initial predictions, even the most accurate plans derail from their original route. It's easy to choose different materials, add additional features, select more expensive solutions that look better, etcetera. So, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in a bathroom renovation is failing to budget properly.
Without a realistic budget and a solid backup plan, you may find yourself running out of money before the project is completed! Our recommendation is to start by getting detailed quotes for all aspects of your renovation, which would include:
For peace of mind, we recommend you get guarantees on everything mentioned above. From work level to timescale, if you have a guarantee in place, you can avoid financial stress and ensure your project stays on track! With Panaramer we provide a quality guarantee that covers all our projects, our tried and trusted specialists are ready to help you avoid any mistakes along the process. Even with a guarantee, it is always best to have a contingency fund of at least 10-20% of the total budget to cover unexpected expenses.
Renovating a bathroom is a significant investment, and you want to do it right. At Panararmer, we are experienced bathroom fitters dedicated to helping you plan and execute your renovation impeccably. We understand the many challenges of bathroom renovations and are here to provide you with complete, expert guidance, from choosing the best materials to selecting the right lighting. Visit our bathroom showrooms in Kendal and Lancaster, or contact us to let us help you transform your bathroom into a stunning and practical space that meets all your needs!
