5 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Redesigning your bathroom is not just about choosing the right tiles and a pretty vanity. To ensure that your bathroom is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and comfortable, technical aspects such as space planning, plumbing and electrical work must also be considered. In this post, we highlight the 5 mistakes you want to avoid when renovating your bathroom with some helpful tips from the experts.

Mistake #1 – Not having a 3D rendering of the layout and design

Gone are the days when you go to your designer to replicate your dream interior with some nice magazine clippings, a few sketches, and a big dose of faith. Now, most interior design firms offer 3D rendering services; some might charge a nominal sum, and some may include it in their project management fee. Regardless, it is always a good idea to have a rendering that is drawn to scale to ensure that all parties are working toward the same goal — especially when it comes to bathroom renovations because of the utilitarian nature of these spaces. A 3D rendering helps you visualise the design before construction begins. This way, you can anticipate potential problems and avoid buyers’ remorse.

“Always plan out the measurements of your fittings carefully and as precisely as possible. For example, if you want a rainshower, check that the height of the ceiling at your shower area can accommodate it. The latter is a common issue with new BTOs as they come with lower ceiling at the shower area,” explains Justin Ong – Director, Azora Pte Ltd.

Mistake #2 – Underestimating the budget

Many new homeowners spend most of their renovation budget on the rest of the home, to find the bathroom almost like an afterthought, thereby leaving very little budget for it. The fact is, we spend more time in the bathroom than we think. It is not just a space for routine cleaning but also a personal space where we unwind, relax and contemplate, after a long day outside. The lack of budget limits your choice of materials and hardware like the taps, showers, and water closets, resulting in bitter compromises that you’ll live to regret.

“Allocate a decent budget for your bathroom so you can go for better quality items that will last longer, saving you money and frustration in the long run. Paying more attention to it early on will allow you to enjoy the dividends of a well-designed bathroom,” advises Nancy Quah – Director, Hoe Kee Hardware.

Mistake #3 – Rushing to buy during a sale

Do you sometimes find it hard to stop once you get into a “shopping frenzy” where you’re constantly in a buying mood? This usually gets worse when retailers tempt you with deep discounts, such as during shopping festivals like the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) or Black Friday. While you get to save some money (and who doesn’t love that?), there are several pitfalls when you rush to buy during a sale. For one, you may find yourself purchasing things on a whim without thoughtfully considering whether they would really complement your home, or if you need them at all. That new bathroom vanity set may look great in the showroom, but if it won’t fit in your bathroom, you might end up having to return it or figure out how to get rid of it at a loss. These impulse purchases during a sale may also not fit perfectly into the timeframe of your renovation plan, resulting in having to find storage space for an extended period, which can also be costly.

Mistake #4 – Following design trends blindly

This sounds like a cliché but it is no doubt good advice. With so many channels to get inspiration for your home, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends on social media or blogs. Remember that no one has the same needs as you. So when renovating your bathroom, you should put your own needs first.

“You can opt for trendy bathroom accessories and decorative pieces because you can easily change them to get a fresh, new look as and when you want to. That said, you should keep the permanent fixtures in the bathroom simple and classic, as changing them out could be expensive and bothersome,” warns Edwin Chong – Director, Heritage Bathroom Gallery

Mistake #5 – Not getting professional advice

“A toilet bowl is simply a toilet bowl. They’re all not that different,” you may be thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth. Choosing the right sanitary ware and fittings is about more than just picking the one that looks the best. There are many technical and functional aspects to consider that can make the difference between a dream bathroom and a bathroom nightmare. Before embarking on your shopping journey, do some research on what you’re buying, or head down to your local sanitary store and speak with a sales consultant or plumber for some solid professional advice. Need recommendations on which store to visit? Check out our entry on Best Sanitary Stores to Buy Your Toilets, Taps and Showers From.