6 Biggest Bathroom Reno Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to bathroom renovations, there’s absolutely no doubt — they’re one of the most expensive rooms per square meter or square foot to renovate in your home.
In fact, you can bet your bottom dollar, that the average bathroom renovation cost in Australia will likely set you back between $25-$70k+, depending on factors like bathroom size, products and finishes.
With such a hefty price tag, it's critical to get the KEY elements right and make every cent count! So we’re sharing the biggest (and most common) bathroom reno mistakes to avoid, so you NAIL your new bathroom project, and then some…
Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Bathroom
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Bathroom
Keeping Plumbing Locations
You've probably heard that keeping plumbing locations - like your toilet and taps where they are, is a great way to save money on your bathroom renovation cost... and that goes without saying! BUT that's only the case if you have a fabulous bathroom layout, to begin with. Your bathroom reno will cost at least 30k+ whether you move plumbing or not, so keeping plumbing where it is for the sake of saving money is a wasted opportunity, not to mention time and money #ouch - that will only result in a NEW poorly laid out bathroom.
Z+S Tip • Save money by keeping existing plumbing locations ONLY if there's no compromise to functionality and aesthetics, otherwise PLAN your layout to maximise your bathroom footprint and move any plumbing necessary to suit.
2. Underestimating The Cost
It's really quite simple... setting your budget before doing any research, legwork or quote is unlikely to result in an accurate bathroom renovation estimate. That’s because products (everything from bathroom tiles, ensuite cabinetry, sanitary ware and tapware) come in a range of options which vary significantly in price. Hitting the pavement, window shopping, and scrolling Instagram and Pinterest are vital first steps when it comes to researching products and setting your budget - as it allows you to get an idea of how much you’ll need to spend to get the finish you’re after. It's also critical to make allowances for a builder, labour, and trades - plus add a 10-20% contingency to cover any unexpected costs (trust us, they’ll happen!).
Not sure where to start? Your Project Budget Tracker makes it quick and easy to accurately estimate your renovation, plan your budget, and then track spending once you start #tooeasy.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom
3. Getting The Layout Wrong
FACT - Squeezing every possible fixture into a small bathroom floor plan doesn't add value to your bathroom, and it could seriously compromise functionality. If you don't have the space for a bath or other features, consider if they’re critical in your new bathroom - or could they perhaps be integrated into another bathroom in your home instead?
And just like squeezing too much into a small bathroom can feel cramped and reduce practicality and appeal, a large bathroom where fixtures are spread out with too much, with too much white (empty) space, can also feel vast, unbalanced and unfinished #cooee.
Getting your bathroom layout right is as important as aesthetics, so don’t leave it to chance! And if you’re not 100% sure of what to put where and at what height, our Bathroom Design + Measurement Cheat Sheet includes all the measurements, heights and spacing details you'll need, to nail your bathroom design and functionality.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Bathroom
4. Poor Lighting And Ventilation
A dark and damp bathroom is anything but appealing… which is why the value of bathroom lighting and ventilation cannot be underestimated. Good ventilation is critical to your design and achieved with openable windows and skylights and a quality extractor fan to remove and circulate moisture.
Lighting should come from a range of sources, at a variety of heights, and from a combination of natural AND artificial solutions. Windows or skylights are essential to maximising natural light in any space and should be combined with adequate lighting fixtures, especially at the vanity and mirror. A backlit mirror provides beautiful and functional bathroom lighting and creates ambience and sophistication by night.
Z+S Tip • Our Bathroom Design Bundle includes a Backlit Mirror Step-by-Step Design Guide with everything you need to plan, design and create a backlit mirror in your home - including which trades you'll need when, and which mirror glue to use.
5. Budgeting Or Skimping On Waterproofing
This is one of the costliest mistakes you can make! Inadequate waterproofing or poor installation can result in premature deterioration, and structural damage and create the ideal environment for an invasion of termites. Even one tiny bubble or leak in the waterproofing membrane can result in having to rip everything up to re-waterproof and re-tile the whole space.
So if you’re planning to do your own waterproofing to save on cost, consider whether it’s worth the risk. Engaging a licenced, experienced contractor is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite
Zephyr and Stone • Resort Bathroom
6. Guesstimating Installation Heights
Installing plumbing, fixtures and fittings at the wrong heights, too far apart or too close together will compromise not only bathroom aesthetics but ergonomics and functionality as well.
Don’t guesstimate important bathroom measurements like mixer tap heights, shower head and vanity heights, bath location, shower niche measurements, mirror placement and much more! Getting these details right the first time around, will save you costly re-dos and renovation regret, while achieving a beautiful and functional bathroom design with that interior-designed look!
