4 Surprises That Can Impact Your Bathroom Makeover
Perhaps the most rewarding interior design endeavor is a bathroom renovation, transforming a functional space into a personal retreat. Even with the most well-planned renovations, though, surprises lurk in the background. If you are about to redesign your bathroom, possessing the expertise to anticipate and overcome surprises will save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Hidden Plumbing Problems
Perhaps the largest bathroom renovation surprise is finding concealed plumbing problems. Leaks, rusty pipes, or incorrect pipe placement do not necessarily reveal themselves until demo. Ancient pipe systems, especially in homes built decades ago, may be of inferior design and become costly issues if left alone.
The best way to avoid plumbing-related surprises is by arranging a pre-renovation inspection. A licensed plumber can assess your existing system and help determine if upgrades are needed. Proactively addressing plumbing issues not only saves money in the long term but also prevents delays in your timeline.
2. Unexpected Cost Overruns
Budgeting during renovation is essential, but it’s easy for surprise charges to find their way in. From tweaking the quality of the material to surprise fixes, costs quickly escalate beyond your projected cost. While these issues can be frustrating, they are typical to nearly every renovation effort.
To avoid being in critical financial discomfort, keep 15–20% of your total budget as cushioning. Your “cushioning” from your budget will enable you to glide through emergencies like hasty tile renovations or replacement of old-fashioned fixtures without halting the remodeling process. Clarify your budget when you upgrade your bathroom with trusted professionals and negotiate on choosing materials within your budget.
3. Discovery of Structural Issues
Structural problems have a tendency to make themselves known after renovations have begun. Problems like rotting wood studs under the floor, waterproofing membranes that are past their due date, or a lack of drywall will force you to modify your plan. Structural problems cannot be circumvented because they will compromise your bathroom’s long-term safety and integrity.
Structural shocks should be addressed with flexibility. Cooperate with quality contractors to define the extent of the issue and adjust accordingly. If, for example, your subfloors are rotting, spend on water-resistant plywood or cement boards so that this issue does not repeat itself in the future. It’s an adjustment to your plan of design temporarily but one worth it for its longevity and sense of security.
4. Lighting Challenges
Lighting is all too often an afterthought on initial bathroom design blueprints, yet poor lighting can quickly ruin the prettiness and functionality of your room. Poor natural light, lackluster artificial light, or poorly placed fixtures, lighting is a frequent “afterthought” with far-reaching implications on the final product.
Avoid lighting problems in an innovative way by piling up sources of light to illuminate different zones. Pair ambient lighting with spotlights to use over vanity mirrors or shower floors. Add dimmers and power-efficient LED light bulbs to have flexibility and energy efficiency. Keep in mind the way your materials of choice, e.g., tiles’ shiny surface, reflect light and work into the look.
Planning and Preparation for a Successful Renovation
While surprises cannot be avoided, good planning and preparation can dilute their impact. Begin your bathroom remodeling with cautious inspections, meticulous planning, and budget flexibility. Surround yourself with trusted professionals like contractors, interior designers, and suppliers who will guide you through surprises.
A thoughtful planning process will not only enable you to successfully navigate the unexpected setbacks of bathroom renovation but also offer you a gorgeous, functional space tailored to your individual requirements.
