bathroom-remodeling-mistakesRaise your hand if you’ve heard at least one home remodeling nightmare story.

Updating your home can be an exciting prospect, but it’s easy to fall victim to common pitfalls and mistakes. When it comes to bathroom projects, the bad can quickly turn to ugly.

A single plumbing problem can turn into a budget-breaking issue and design missteps can lead to functionality problems over the long run.

However, bathroom remodeling mistakes can be avoided if you learn what the most common errors are, and the steps you can take to prevent them.

Bathroom Remodeling Mistake #1: Thinking Too Big

One of the biggest bathroom remodeling mistakes is going too big. People often attempt to fit too many features into a small space, or they add on an extra bathroom to their existing floor plan and go much larger than they need to – making their budget much larger than it needs to be. When it comes to bathrooms, sizes matters far less than functionality. If you’ve got a bathroom the size of Montana, you’ll waste time moving from the shower to the sink to the closet.

Instead of going big in terms of size, work with your bathroom designer to focus on the best materials your budget will buy and creating a layout that makes sense within your existing space. Focus on the long-term quality of the project, rather than simply going bigger.

Bathroom Remodeling Mistake #2: DIY

Flip through your basic cable channels on any given weekend and you’ll come across a number of shows that make it seem like home remodeling projects are easy for everyone. While some people are truly handy and knowledgeable enough to DIY their bathroom, the majority of homeowners are not.

Another mistake is to hire a friend or family member who says they can do the project on the cheap. This is almost always a terrible idea. It could ruin your relationship and end up costing you far more money when you have to hire a professional to finish the job or correct mistakes.

Bathroom remodels are complex projects that require knowledge in more than just demolition or construction. It requires plumbing expertise, electrical expertise, and the ability to ensure that the room will stand up to dampness over the long haul. Save yourself time, money and aggravation and work with a professional bathroom remodeler from day one.

Bathroom Remodeling Mistake #3: No Budget

Some bathroom remodels cost $10,000. Some can cost $100,000. Your budget is critical so that you know what you can afford in terms of materials, labor and other costs. And if you don’t set a budget from day one, you will not have a guide for your project, which means you are almost guaranteed to spend more than you are comfortable with.

Setting a budget can be difficult. The best thing to do is make a list of what you want from your new bathroom. What are your goals? What are your must-haves and cannot-live-withouts?  Then sit down with a reputable bathroom designer to discuss your project. The designer will put together an estimate of the costs so that you know what to expect. From there, you can adjust your budget upward or downward based upon your comfort zone.

The best way to avoid common bathroom remodeling mistakes is to work with a reputable design team that will manage the project from start to finish. When you’ve got the right partner, you know your bathroom will not only be beautiful and functional, but you’ll also stick to your budget while increasing the value of your home. If you are ready to tackle a bathroom remodeling project, the team at Legacy Remodeling in Pittsburgh is here to help.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your budget and your options for your new bathroom.