Common Mistakes in Bathroom Renovations & How to Avoid Them
Last month, we highlighted the top things that homeowners should know before remodeling their bathrooms. With the spring season well underway, more people are checking out bathroom showrooms, starting DIY projects, and hiring contractors.
So, in this article, we’re going to take a look at the most common mistakes that happen while working with contractors on bathroom remodeling jobs. We’ll look at the various ways that homeowners can minimize delays, control costs with bathroom fixtures, and effectively get the project done in the best way possible.
Not Shopping Around at Bathroom Showrooms
It pays to shop around and get a sense of what a bathroom remodeling project will cost before bringing a contractor over to your home. Before diving into the project too much, do some browsing at local bathroom showrooms, like Grand Central Showrooms of New York, to begin crafting your budget and deciding on your style.
Ignoring Small Mistakes
After going through all the work of hiring a contractor, you may feel obligated to like the work being done. But if you notice small mistakes, mention them right away. You don’t get used to them and you’ll always notice them in the future. It’s easier for a contractor to fix small things like a tile that doesn’t sit flush or uneven paint strokes in the middle of a project rather than having to come out again at a later time.
Paying Too Much for Bathroom Fixtures
Another mistake that many homeowners make is paying too much for bathroom fixtures. It may be easier to trust someone else to pick everything out for you, but you will likely end up with a larger bill than you expected in the end. Instead, consider buying your bathroom fixtures from Central Plumbing Specialties, a direct wholesale distributor that’s a one-stop source for all your fixture needs.
Minimizing the Importance of the Bathroom Fan
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun parts of remodeling, like picking out your tub, showerhead, and sink basin. However, the bathroom fan is one of the most neglected and overlooked parts of bathroom renovation projects. Many homeowners don’t clean their existing fan often enough or choose to have a new one installed while doing renovations. But ventilation is so important in the bathroom because excess moisture causes mildew to form and grout to deteriorate. Simply vacuuming the vent will help keep the fan clean on a regular basis, but a new one may need to be installed if the existing one is faulty.
Get Details Documented in Writing
As with any household agreement, it’s important to establish a signed contract between you and a contractor that details your bathroom renovation project. The estimate that he or she originally gave you may not be entirely accurate if the scope of work changes over time. A contract should include a list of the work to be done, how much it is expected to cost, and the projected date of completion. Don’t pay your contractor in cash in order to maintain a paper trail and avoid discrepancies down the road. These are all smart ways to protect yourself as a homeowner.
Be Prepared for Change
However, you should also be prepared for your renovation project to deviate somewhat from the original plan because things may not go exactly the way you’ve imagined. Contractors may discover hidden issues in your home that make renovation projects a bit harder, and these things may take more time and money to remedy. Again, make sure to get plan revisions in writing to understand which additional repairs are necessary and to protect yourself. This will help prevent getting an unexpected bill at the end of the project so you can feel more informed and satisfied during every step of the process.