Bathrooms may be small, but the cost of getting them wrong adds up fast. Here are 10 mistakes that turn a bathroom reno into a headache—and how to dodge them.
- Skipping the Waterproofing A beautiful shower with no waterproof membrane? Mold city. Always waterproof.
- Ignoring Ventilation No exhaust fan = lingering moisture, mildew, and peeling paint. Don’t skimp here.
- Cheap Fixtures Plastic taps and thin glass break fast. Stick to quality where it counts.
- Poor Layout Choices Toilets crammed against tubs. Vanities blocking doors. Measure twice. Rethink awkward layouts.
- Going Too Trendy Black grout and gold everything? It might not age well. Trend-light is safer long term.
- Forgetting Storage No shelves. No drawers. Nowhere for towels. Plan for real life, not just pretty pictures.
- DIY Plumbing One leak ruins the whole reno. Unless you’re licensed, leave the pipes to the pros.
- Bad Lighting Overhead light only = shadows on your face. Add task and ambient lighting.
- Poor Drainage Slope Showers that pool at the wrong end = nightmare. Your contractor should know better, but double check.
- Rushing the Job Tile needs time to set. Grout needs time to cure. Skipping steps ruins results.
Final Word A great bathroom feels clean, dry, and functional. Don’t let shortcuts or poor planning flush your budget. Plan carefully, spend wisely, and always think long-term.