Design 101: What to Avoid When Remodeling Your Bathroom

So you might be ready to remodel your bathroom? Congratulations! Your opportunities for the perfect new bathroom are endless! However, there are more than a few potential pitfalls during the planning process alone. Prepare for a wild ride through the land of toilets, vanities, and shower heads as we dive into common pitfalls when creating your dream bathroom. From dodging design disasters to conquering cleanliness conundrums, we've got the inside scoop on how to make your bathroom remodel a compelling success. Get ready to flush away the old and bathe in the glory of a brilliantly designed and flawlessly executed bathroom that will leave you saying, 'That's what I'm talking about!'

What I Wish I Knew Before Remodeling My Bathroom

We hear some common themes repeated among clients who undergo bathroom remodels. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when designing and executing your Des Moines bathroom remodel.

Building Something Ultra-Trendy

Designing a bathroom solely based on the latest trends can be a mistake. Trends come and go quickly, and what is popular now may become outdated quickly. Instead, focus on timeless design elements that will stand the test of time. This ensures that your bathroom remains attractive and relevant for years to come, regardless of passing trends. That said, it’s your bathroom remodel, and you should include any element you like, irrespective of its current place on the wheel of fashion trends. 

Rushing Through Design

When rushing through a bathroom remodel design, you may miss opportunities for creativity and innovation. You’ve got to give yourself time to separate a passing idea from a passion and let the best plan rise to the top. By not allowing yourself enough time to explore various design options, you risk settling for ordinary and generic choices or, worse, overlooking your future pain points. We’d hate for you to build something you later find inefficient, such as shower controls on the far side of the wall or poorly placed bathroom outlets. We’re about to literally set some of your decisions in stone. It’s wise to take the time to ensure you are creating a space that will make your heart flutter for many years to come. 

Missing Opportunities for Customization

Designing the bathroom of your dreams means tucking the perfect upgrades and extras in just the right spots and laying out every element to support your routine. Explore unique configurations like separate shower and bathtub areas, dual vanities, just-right pull-outs, and perfectly placed storage solutions. Material choices are also crucial for customization, and your design team is your best bet for dreaming up and sourcing a unique countertop, statement tiles, or specialty fixtures. Your team may have ideas you hadn’t considered and suggestions that improve upon your wildest dreams! Customizing your bathroom to work for you is one of our greatest joys! 

Hiring a Dud Contractor

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Hiring a subpar or inexperienced contractor can significantly impact every aspect of your bathroom remodel. They may lack the necessary skills, knowledge, and attention to detail, leading to poor craftsmanship, delays, and cost overruns. A dud contractor may not adhere to proper building codes or industry standards, compromising the quality and safety of the project. 

DIY Disaster

Embarking on a DIY bathroom remodel may seem tempting. We can all do the math on materials and labor. However, upfront costs are not the only consideration, and we’ll argue they shouldn't be the most important one. This probably isn’t brand-new information, but bathrooms get wet. Proper installation of fixtures, plumbing, and electrical components demands specialized knowledge to ensure functionality and safety. Waterproofing is critical to prevent moisture-related issues like mold and rot, while ventilation systems must be correctly installed for adequate airflow.

Additionally, coordinating various tradespeople and managing permits can be overwhelming. Without professional experience, DIY remodels are prone to errors, subpar results, and costly repairs. We might have to rip out and redo your bathroom floor to address moisture, plumbing, or other issues, creating a cascade of costs to set things right. We’d hate for you to see your hard work demolished. Leaving your bathroom remodel to the experts ensures a successful and stress-free bathroom remodel. 

Laying Low with Layout and Lighting

Excellent bathroom lighting sets the right ambiance, enhances visibility for grooming tasks, and improves safety. Adequate task lighting near mirrors and vanities is essential. Positioning and planning your bathroom lighting influences your daily experience. An optimized layout ensures efficient use of space, allowing for seamless movement and access to fixtures and storage. Remodeling is a unique opportunity to get these important factors just right for you. You won’t be able to pick up your bathroom lighting or layout and move it without another big remodeling commitment. 

Ignoring Accessibility

Overlooking accessibility in a bathroom remodel may commit you to another remodel in just a few years. Designing a bathroom without planning for accessibility limits future usability, hinders inclusivity, and could compromise future safety and independence. Incorporating accessible features like grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wider doorways ensures a space that accommodates various needs, promotes independence for all individuals, and prevents accidents. 

Discounting Upkeep and Cleaning

Considering cleaning, maintenance, and durability is vital when designing a bathroom remodel. Choosing easy-to-clean materials, such as tile or solid surfaces, minimizes grime buildup. Opting for low-maintenance fixtures and finishes reduces the time and effort required for upkeep. Additionally, selecting durable materials and products ensures longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. Considering these factors upfront saves you time, energy, and money in the long run, making your bathroom more functional and sustainable.

Being Bathroomless

Because we’ve had our fair share of remodeling connoisseur clients and repeat customers, we’ve gleaned some expert tips to prepare for the inevitable upheaval of a bathroom remodeling project. Clear communication with your contractor will help minimize inconveniences without a functioning bathroom. 

• Set up a temporary bathroom: Arrange a temporary bathroom setup in another part of your home, such as a spare room or basement, with the items you need for your daily routine, and a portable toilet, sink, and shower if necessary.
• Stock up on essentials: Gather necessary toiletries, towels, and hygiene products in advance to have them readily available during the remodel.
• Plan ahead for water access: If water will be temporarily shut off, fill containers with water for basic needs like drinking, cleaning, and flushing toilets.
• Coordinate schedules: Communicate with your contractor to align timelines and ensure minimal downtime without a bathroom.
• Explore alternatives: If feasible, consider staying with family or friends or renting a temporary living space during the remodel.

Your Des Moines Area Bathroom Remodeling Experience Matters as Much as the Result

Remember, proper planning and open communication with your expert Des Moines design-build contractor can mitigate or avoid every scarily common mistake on our list. You deserve a bathroom remodel with you at the center of the experience, both during the design and remodeling process, and long after we’re gone. Compelling Homes would love to meet you! Your Des Moine bathroom remodel deserves to be much better than good enough–it should be compelling.