Careless lighting
Bad bathroom lighting is at best impractical and at worst dangerous. Make sure you layer up a mix of general lighting, task lighting (for make-up etc.) and mood lighting for unwinding in the tub. If you want to include statement fittings such as a chandelier or sconces, it’s vital that you choose an option with an ingress protected (IP) rating, which is safe to use in wet areas. Here’s a handy guide to choosing the right IP-rated lighting depending on what ‘zone’ you are using it in.
Not having a tiling plan
It doesn’t matter how good your tiler is – leave them to tile your bathroom without giving them any guidance and you risk getting results you’re not happy with. Small details, such as making sure the tiles in a niche follow on seamlessly with wall tiles, will give your bathroom that coveted designer edge. Make sure you alert your tiler to any details like this, ideally by drawing up a plan of exactly how you would like your tiles to be laid.
Putting wall tiles on the floor
This may sound obvious, but when you fall in love with a particular tile design it can be easy to overlook how suited it is for the task at hand. Always check whether a tile is hardy enough before using it on your bathroom floor, or you may find yourself living with unsightly chips before too long. Similarly, some floor tiles are just too heavy to use on partition walls. Many designs are suitable for both walls and floors but if in doubt, ask your tile supplier before you buy.
Going too big... or too small with tiles
Use oversized tiles in a small bathroom and chances are you’ll end up having to cut the edge pieces down to size, which can look messy and awkward. But go too small, and your bathroom may feel too busy. Medium-sized floor tiles of around 45x45cm are often the safest bet in a small space. You can go a bit smaller on the walls, as long as you limit the pattern and colour palette.
Overlooking the importance of good grouting
Plain tiles can be given an instant overhaul simply by choosing the right grout. A darker grout can create an eye-catching pattern in its own right, while a brightly-coloured grout will make an even bigger style statement. If you want your grouting to last and not leak, go for epoxy grout rather than cement grout, as it’s highly durable, waterproof and practically stain-proof. It's also a stylish way to add character to a white bathroom.
Doing it all yourself
Unless you’re a seriously experienced DIYer, there are certain bathroom renovation jobs that are best left to the professionals. Getting your plumbing right is essential and can be easier said than done thanks to rules about pipe widths, angles and drainage gradients. Hiring a plumber could save you time, stress and money in the long run. For any electrics, play it safe and hire an electrician.
Not asking the experts
Even if your DIY skills are second to none, it’s still a good idea to consult expert advice before you start your project. Many high street and high-end bathroom stores have design teams who can help you iron out any flaws in your bathroom plan. In some instances, seeking advice is non-negotiable. If you want to knock down walls, move or add windows or install new joists, you’ll need to check with your local building control office about whether you need Building Regulation approval.
Not shopping around
Builders’ quotes can vary wildly. The only way to get a sense of how much a project is really worth is to compare several quotes and query the builders about any discrepancies. Get at least three quotes, ideally based on personal recommendations, and always ask for references. It goes without saying that the best price may not give you the best result, so consider carefully before opting for a quote that vastly undercuts all the others.
Not taking advantage of trade discounts
Many suppliers offer considerable trade discounts to builders. Ask your builder about this before work starts and see if you can agree to split the discount, with you claiming part of it and your builder taking a cut for the time and effort of arranging the discount and placing the orders.
Miscalculating delivery times
Your bathroom is perfectly planned and the builders are poised to make it become reality – but this is no use whatsoever if your sanitaryware, tiles and other fittings haven’t been delivered in time. Make sure you check the lead times for all items well in advance and place your orders accordingly to avoid paying workpeople to twiddle their thumbs while you’re left without a working bathroom until everything arrives.
Not checking orders as they arrive
If you’ve been super-organised and ordered your bathroom supplies well in advance, don’t just put them to one side until they’re needed. Unpack and check each item to make sure it’s exactly what you ordered and that nothing is broken. You may have a limited time window in which to return faulty goods.
Not protecting the rest of the house
Every building project generates dust. Hauling heavy equipment and products to and from the bathroom can also scuff up your floors. Minimise the damage by protecting floors of hallways and any other rooms used to access the bathroom with a temporary floor covering, such as Correx®. If your bathroom is an ensuite, cover bedroom furniture with dust sheets.
Blowing the budget
Bathrooms are notorious for harbouring hidden costs. Rusted pipes, rotting joists, dodgy electrics and endemic mould are just some of the nasty surprises you might uncover once you start lifting up tiles and floorboards. If at all possible, allow a 15 to 20% contingency fund so you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Not having a backup bathroom
At some point during your bathroom project, the water will have to be switched off. How long it’s switched off for depends on the scale of the works you’re undertaking, but if it’s anything longer than a day or two you’re going to need somewhere else to shower and go to the loo. Now might be a good time to go on holiday or visit friends. If you stay at home, then a Portaloo might be a good investment, and you may find yourself using the gym (and its showers) a lot more than usual.
