Top Dos and Don’ts: Bathroom Remodel Tips

It’s exciting to consider remodeling your bathroom, isn’t it? The flawless vanity and the shiny new tiles are practically there. However, when you consider all the moving elements, that excitement can easily turn into stress. What separates a bathroom renovation project with regrets from a dream space is a good list of dos and don’ts.

You want to avoid wasting time or money by doing it correctly the first time. Making wise decisions that will last for years is more important than simply choosing lovely colors. You can stay on course and create a bathroom you’ll love if you have a clear guide on the dos and don’ts of bathroom remodeling.

Start with a Solid Plan (The Most Important DO)

Renovating without a thorough plan is a surefire way to end badly. Before you even consider using a hammer, you need a roadmap. For your bathroom project, this phase is all about planning, measuring, and budgeting.

Do Set a Realistic Budget

Let’s talk about money, because it’s the least fun part but the most critical. Determine how much you can afford to spend on the complete bathroom renovation.

Picking a number at random can leave you disappointed. Get quotes and price out materials like bathroom fixtures and tile to find out how much things actually cost in your area. The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to budget an additional 15% to 20% for unforeseen problems. It is better to be ready than to skimp on crucial components because you never know what warning signs might be concealed behind those ancient walls.

By setting priorities for where to spend and where to be frugal, budgeting helps you save money. Although a high-quality toilet is an investment, you may be able to find floor tiles that are less costly without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Budgeting carefully can help you steer clear of future costly blunders.

Do Think About Layout and Function

How do you move around in your bathroom now? What about the current design bothers you? This is your opportunity to resolve all of those minor irritations and design a room that suits your way of life. Perhaps having two sinks in the master bathroom would save your relationship, or perhaps you need more counter space for your curling irons. Consider the “work triangle” that exists between the shower, toilet, and sink. Particularly in a small bathroom, you want to be able to move around freely without feeling confined.

Think about your future needs as well. By considering aging-in-place features now, such as wider doorways or barrier-free showers, you can improve the comfort of your house for many years to come. Consider where the toilet paper holder will go for easy access, and make sure an electrical outlet is placed conveniently but safely away from water sources.

Do Hire the Right People (or Know Your DIY Limits)

Complex electrical and plumbing work is required when renovating a bathroom. You don’t want to guess in these areas. Before beginning any bathroom renovations, be honest with yourself about your abilities.

Obtain at least three quotes before hiring a professional or interior designer. Check their licenses and insurance, look at their portfolio of previous bathroom renovations, and ask for references. A competent contractor will streamline the process and be able to identify issues before they arise.

Attempting to do complicated tasks on your own can eventually result in major electrical issues or water damage. Paying an expert once is frequently less expensive than paying them to correct your errors later. They have the expertise to manage unforeseen circumstances and complete the task effectively.

Big Mistakes to Avoid (The Top DON’Ts)

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. It’s surprisingly simple to steer clear of some of the most common remodeling design errors. You’ll avoid a lot of headaches when decorating your bathroom if you focus on these important areas.

Don’t Ignore Ventilation

This one is significant. For your main bathroom, a noisy, outdated fan that hardly works is insufficient. Moisture builds up without adequate ventilation, causing mold and mildew issues on your ceiling and walls.

Mold prevention requires a powerful, silent exhaust fan. It shields your new investment from warped wood and peeling paint. To make sure the fan will effectively stop mold growth, check its CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating before purchasing. You’ll need a fan that can handle the size of your bathroom.

Don’t Forget About Lighting

Even the most exquisite bathroom can seem like a cave due to poor lighting. The lighting from the lone light fixture in the center of the ceiling is simply insufficient. From a bright vanity light to softer ambient options, you need layers of light to make the space both functional and welcoming.

Start with recessed lighting or general ambient lighting from an overhead fixture. To make shaving and applying makeup much easier, install task lighting around the mirror, such as sconces on either side. For a spa-like effect, you could even add a dimmer to the main lights or a tiny accent light in the shower niche.

Don’t Choose Trendy Over Timeless

Today, that striking, geometric tile you saw online looks fantastic. But in five years, will you still adore it? Following trends is a common interior design mistake that can quickly make your bathroom look outdated.

For more expensive items like tile, tubs, and vanities, it’s wiser to stick with traditional options. You can always use paint, towels, and a new shower curtain to introduce trendy colors and styles. When you’re ready to update the appearance of your main bathroom, these are much simpler and less expensive to replace.

Essential Do’s and Don’ts Bathroom Remodel Choices

Now we get into the specifics. The fixtures and materials you select will determine the appearance and feel of your bathroom for many years to come. The success of your remodel greatly depends on the decisions you make.

The DO List

Let’s focus on the positive moves you can make. These choices add value, function, and style to your space. For homeowners looking to refresh their bathroom without a full remodel, bathtub refinishing in Philadelphia offers a cost-effective way to update the space while still achieving a like-new look.

Do Invest in a Quality Toilet. You use it every day, so this isn’t the place to get a cheap model. Look for comfort-height models, which are a few inches taller and easier to use. Also, check for the EPA WaterSense label to get a high-efficiency, energy-efficient toilet that saves water and money.
Do Waterproof Everything. Water is the enemy of your home’s structure. Make sure your contractor uses a waterproof membrane behind the shower tiles and on the bathroom floor. This step is completely hidden, but it’s one of the most important things for preventing future damage and protecting against leaks through grout lines.
Do Maximize Storage. Clutter is a bathroom’s worst enemy, so find smart storage solutions. Plan for plenty of storage from the start, especially if you have a guest bathroom that needs to hold supplies. A vanity with deep vanity drawers is often more useful than one with cavernous cabinets, and a recessed medicine cabinet adds storage without taking up visual space.

The DON’T List

Steering clear of these common blunders will help your project stay on track and look professional in the end.

Don’t Buy Materials Online Without a Sample. That tile might look like the perfect shade of gray on your screen. In reality, it could have green or blue undertones that clash with your vanity. Always order a sample of floor tiles and wall tiles first to see how they look in your bathroom’s specific lighting.
Don’t Make the Toilet the First Thing You See. From a design standpoint, this is a major no. If you can, arrange the layout so the toilet is not in the direct line of sight from the door, which can make you feel exposed. It makes the room feel more welcoming and spa-like when the vanity or a beautiful shower area is the focal point.
Don’t Use the Wrong Paint. Standard wall paint can’t handle the high humidity in a bathroom. It will peel and attract mildew, so choosing paint carefully is critical to avoid mold. You must use a high-quality paint that is specifically made for bathrooms and other damp environments.

When you pick tiles and paint, think about how they work together. Using the wrong paint finish can ruin the look of your beautiful new wall tiles. Stay away from flat matte paints, as they absorb moisture.

An eggshell finish is a step up, but semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes are best for walls and trim in a high-moisture space. These glossier paints create a durable, water-resistant surface that’s easy to wipe clean. Many brands offer special bathroom paints with antimicrobial additives for even more protection.

Paint Finish	Pros	Cons
Flat or Matte Paints	Hides imperfections well, creating a velvety look.	Absorbs moisture, difficult to clean, and not durable for bathrooms.
Eggshell Finish	Slight sheen, more washable than flat.	Still not ideal for areas with direct water contact.
Satin Finish	Soft sheen, very durable, moisture-resistant.	Can sometimes show brush or roller marks if not applied carefully.
Semi-Gloss & High-Gloss Finishes	It can sometimes show brush or roller marks if not applied carefully.	Highlights every flaw on the wall surface.

Thinking Long-Term

A bathroom remodel is an investment in your home. So, you should think beyond how it looks today. Smart decisions now can increase your home’s value and make it more comfortable for a long time. Many people considering bathtub refinishing near Allentown, PA, find that it’s a practical alternative to replacement, saving both money and time while still elevating their bathroom design.

Consider adding in-floor heating to combat cold feet on chilly mornings. Heated floors are a luxurious touch that adds significant comfort and appeal. This is the perfect time to install it while the existing tile is already being removed.

When choosing fixtures, consider both style and function. Wall-mounted faucets can free up counter space and create a modern look, but they can be more complex to install. A vessel sink can be a beautiful statement piece, but make sure the height is comfortable for daily use and the faucet is positioned high enough to be functional.

Selecting good quality, durable materials is also key. For example, porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than many ceramic options, making them an excellent choice for a durable shower floor. A quality shower head can transform your daily routine from a chore into a pleasure.

A well-done bathroom remodel also offers a solid return on investment. Some reports show you can get back over half of what you spend when you sell your home. It’s one of the few home improvement projects that consistently adds real value.

Creating a Bathroom You’ll Love for Years

Tackling a bathroom remodel can feel like a huge undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Success comes from careful planning and paying attention to the details. From budgeting and layout to the final paint color, every decision matters.

Remembering the key differences between timeless and trendy interior design will serve you well for years. By following these key dos and don’ts of a bathroom remodel, you are setting yourself up for a smoother process. This will help you create a beautiful and functional space that you’ll be happy with for a long time. Transform your bathroom with RenewYourBath—contact us today to start planning a remodel that’s stylish, functional, and built to last.