1. A Poorly Designed Layout.

Having a well-planned and thought-out layout is crucial to any bathroom space so spend time mapping out or sketching the placement of fixtures such as the toilet, basin, shower and bath. Keep in mind the toilet location can have stricter limitations due to the pipework and waste, especially in apartments, so keep this in mind.

A poorly designed bathroom layout can be a huge mistake affecting both the aesthetics and flow of the space. Try and ensure the first wall or thing you see upon entering is pleasing to the eye, so perhaps your basin or bath, with an accent tile or beautiful mirror and light.

2. An Unrealistic Budget (always add 5-10%).

Chasing the cheapest quote may mean you are not ready to embark on a bathroom renovation. You need to remain realistic about your budget and add a contingency plan (5-10%) should there be a need for extra work or preparation, especially with older homes or apartments. You will find labour and preparation consume at least half or more of the renovation budget, then add fittings, fixtures, and tiles.

Drainage and preparation for waterproofing are key as well as ensuring the pipes are updated, and make sure you’re only using qualified registered trades. Can you imagine completing your bathroom and tiling only to find issues with the pipes? A costly mistake!

3. Not Enough Storage.

A bathroom may look amazing, but does it function well and have enough storage? Think about what daily activities you do in the bathroom and all the possible things you want to store away. Hairdryers, cosmetics, toilet paper?

You could choose drawer storage for your vanity for easy access as well as hidden storage behind shaving cabinets or recessed cupboards. If you’re working with a small space, storage is even more crucial, so research clever tricks to add storage without impacting the flow.

4. Poor Lighting.

Poor lighting in the bathroom can ruin the feel so don’t forget a lighting plan, and it doesn’t have to be one or two stock standard downlights. There are beautiful bathroom-friendly wall sconces or mirror lighting options available. Just check regulations with your electrician regarding distances from wet areas and splash zones. You could also look to add a skylight overhead to help flood the space with natural light or update your windows for added function and aesthetic.

5. Forgetting a Niche or Ledge.

Remember how important function is in a design? Don’t forget to plan for a niche or ledge in the shower or bath. It’s the best spot to put your shampoo bottles and means you can avoid having to use a cluttered shower caddy or lining up bottles on the shower floor.