Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms have become our places of sanctuary, a respite at the end of a long day or stressful week. If you're contemplating remodeling your bathroom, be sure to avoid making some common mistakes. You want your new bathroom to be relaxing, not a source of anxiety. Here are things to think about when planning your bathroom renovation.

• Bad ventilation 

Inadequate ventilation in a bathroom causes more than just steam buildup. It can lead to significant issues such as dangerous mold and air quality problems. Moist rooms like the bathroom need proper ventilation, so cutting corners in this area can lead to major issues in the future.

• Poor lighting

Make sure you have enough light to ensure that you can take care of all your personal tasks like putting on makeup and shaving without straining your eyes. Overhead lights and task lights are the best options. Consider adding recessed lights or a chandelier on a dimmer, and not just relying on vanity lights over the sink. A cool new product is a bathroom mirror with an embedded LED light around the edge of the mirror, with multiple light settings to emulate different types of lighting. 

• Trying to put too much into a small bathroom

Bathrooms are not always big rooms, and if you have a smaller one, you need to create storage space without jamming cabinetry or accessories into the space. If you attempt to add too many details or features to your bathroom, you'll run into issues because you're not being realistic about how much space is at your disposal. Think about sinks with drawers or a floor-to-ceiling cabinet next to the vanity.  

• Cutting corners

Renovation costs can quickly add up, so be aware of your budget. Don't cut corners by spending less on details that could have long-term effects on your home's structure. Instead, save costs on details such as finishes and fixtures. 

• Wrong materials

Some materials will work far better in a bathroom than others. Hardwood floors may be pretty but they aren't good for use in a bathroom due to potential water damage. Use durable and waterproof materials such as vinyl plank flooring, even in areas you don't think will be affected by water.