5 Easy Mistakes when Remodeling a Bathroom

After the kitchen, buyers and agents across the triad typically look to the bathrooms to understand value and "updates." Whether you are new to renovations or flipping it's easy to make these five mistakes when overhauling a bathroom.

1. Proper Spacing

Most bathrooms have several fixtures including a sink/vanity, tub, shower, and toilet. Especially when renovating a vintage master half bath to combine with a closet to make a full bath; trying to cram all the necessicary fixtures and amenities into the space can be challenging. Making sure that this room remains functional need to be at the top of mind.

The devil is in the details for bathroom remodels as well. How far do cabinet doors and drawers go out. Is there a door to the shower that will hit something? I've seen a few bathrooms where the toilet paper is out of reach from the toilet, oops! Lastly, don't forget the bathroom door for entry into your new renovated space!

2. Wrong Materials

A bathroom is one of the hardest hit places when it comes to a home's worst enemy, water. Be sure to choose materials that can stand up years of exposure to water and harsh chemicals homeowners use to clean toilets, sinks, and baths. Mildew is often first found in bathrooms without proper ventilation and needs to be cleaned thoroughly from surfaces to avoid spreading colonies. Buyers are picky and will appreciate tough materials that can handle the years of abuse bathrooms receive.

3. Forgetting Storage Space

While a pedestal sink can save on space and make a small bathroom feel more spacious, is it worth the loss of cabinets that a vanity offers? When designing your new bathroom, make sure there is room for storage space. Depending on how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are in the house be sure you have room for extra toilet paper, towels, washcloths, extra soap, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, curling iron, hairdryer, etc.

4. Need to Breathe

One of the last things many renovators think of when overhauling a bathroom is the ventilation fan. While many first thing of this device in regards to unwanted scents, the exhaust fan's most critical job is removing excess moisture from inside your home. Most home's interior moisture level is below that of the exterior. Increased levels of moisture caused by hot showers and baths in the air of your home can lead to increased susceptibility to fungal growth. While a A bathroom exhaust fan should channel this humid air outside of the bathroom and outside your home.

5. Leaving Lighting till the End

Lighting is one of the most important features in a bathroom especially if it is the space that someone is grooming themselves for the day. Recessed lighting can cast shadows, especially through mirrors and vanity lighting should be implemented. When planning lighting make sure the whole room receives ample light as no one likes a dark shower or toilet. If your shower needs a light, find a light that is water resistant as water and electricity don't mix!

Avoiding these five easy mistakes in your bathroom remodel will not only make your life better while living in the home, but will increase your home's value in the eyes of future buyers. If you are planning a remodel before you sell and would like to consult a great general contractor we can help!

Give Pro Realty Group a call at 336-265-7253