A successful bathroom renovation requires careful consideration, planning, and execution. By steering clear of these 10 common mistakes, you can ensure that your renovation project results in a beautiful, functional, and enduring bathroom that adds value to your home. Remember, seeking advice from professionals and taking the time to make informed decisions can save you both time and money in the long run.

Ignoring a well-defined budget: One of the biggest blunders is not setting a clear budget from the outset. Without a budget, costs can spiral out of control. Outline your priorities and allocate funds accordingly to prevent overspending. The easiest way to know what it is that you're going to be spending is to price everything up front. Get your trades and suppliers on board from the very beginning and start collecting estimates as you go. It's better to make changes to the design before you start!

Overlooking proper planning: Skipping the planning phase can lead to design and layout issues later. Plan the placement of fixtures, storage, and lighting meticulously. A well-thought-out plan saves time, money, and potential rework. Here's the thing, many bathroom renovations are a simple refit and whilst this might not be obvious, you are allowed to move elements around in the bathroom if you want to. Designs from 30 years ago sometimes simply do not work for how we live today. So, during the planning phase, make sure you ask yourself is there a better way you can use the space. It does come at an additional cost, but don't be afraid to ask for a quote because it may not be as expensive as you've been told by Aunty Marge.

Sacrificing function for aesthetics: While a visually appealing bathroom is important, compromising on functionality is a mistake. Ensure that the design doesn't hinder the practical use of the space or make daily routines more difficult. Always complete your layout first and work out the aesthetics last. Aesthetics of course play a large role in the end product and so if you have an idea, it's always worthwhile seeking answers; just because your nana couldn't have a shutter in the bathroom 15 years ago when she renovated her bathroom, doesn't mean that there isn't a product out there that is now fit for purpose (hint: there is!)

Neglecting ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mould, mildew, and humidity-related issues. Don't underestimate the importance of exhaust fans and adequate air circulation. Your electrician should be able to recommend the right sized exhaust that fits your bathroom space. There are also automatic ways you can trigger the exhaust fan to turn on even when it's not obviously steamy, that helps prevent humidity-related issues (particularly good in those locations that have a high humidity!) Also, remember that opening windows when the exhaust fan is on impacts its capacity to draw out the steam you're trying to get rid of!

Improper waterproofing: Inadequate waterproofing can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Make sure all wet areas are properly sealed, including shower enclosures, floors, and walls. OK, this might seem like a really obvious point to raise, but if the waterproofing isn't done properly then you're up for massive costs of ripping everything out and starting again. Not a position any of us wants to find ourselves in. So, how do you make sure you're getting adequate waterproofing? It all comes down to the trades you choose. Do your due diligence, research, check licences are up to date, read reviews, talk to the trades themselves and build rapport right from the start so that you know who you're working with.

DIY overconfidence: While DIY projects can be rewarding, complex tasks like plumbing and electrical work should be left to professionals. Poorly executed DIY attempts can result in expensive fixes and safety hazards. Take on those tasks that you really can't stuff up - demolition, painting, sourcing and procurement.

Rushing the decision-making process: Impulsive decisions can lead to regrettable choices. Take your time to research materials, fixtures, and finishes. Consider their durability, maintenance requirements, and compatibility with the overall design. Never make a decision in isolation from the design and always make decisions based on an overall aesthetic rather; once you start looking at each element you will quickly realise there are thousands of options you can choose from and sometimes this overwhelming feeling means you make a decision in a rush and this is the worst position you can find yourself in. It also doesn't mean that you need to have multiple options of each either as this just leads to decision fatigue, again leading to rushing a decision because by that stage you're being asked for a decision and you'll never be fully secure you've made the right choice. The decision making process is having a clear design direction, researching the right materials and then having the confidence to make the decision without FOMO.

Underestimating storage needs: Insufficient storage can clutter your bathroom and diminish its functionality. Incorporate well-designed storage solutions to keep essentials organised and easily accessible. At a minimum consider incorporating a shaving cabinet, drawers in the vanity and if you have the space and it makes sense, add storage where you can. Make sure the storage has a purpose and you're not just including it for the sake of including it (as this can lead to keeping items unnecessarily!).

Neglecting lighting design: Inadequate lighting can make your bathroom appear dull and unwelcoming. Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a well-lit and inviting space. My favourites are wall lights at the basin/vanity, or a pendant off to one side - if you have these available, showering without overhead downlights is such a pleasure! Don't believe me? Go ahead and try it!

Ask for help if you need to: If you're finding the entire process overwhelming don't be afraid to ask for help. Take a pause and reassess. Make sure you've got a good design direction and have plenty of images of what you imagine the space will look like and just keep aiming for that. If you veer too far from your design direction, then your design will fall apart and many of these problems listed above will rear their ugly heads. You can ask for help from your trades and suppliers, you'll find that they are more than happy to help guide you through the process. Sometimes though, you just have to call it, and that's when you might be interested in engaging a designer to help get your project back on track. We have a design service aimed at just this very thing - find out more here.