Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid During Your Small Bathroom Renovation

So, you're finally diving into the whole small bathroom renovation game, huh? Well, buckle up because it is definitely a wild ride, but fear not—I've got some super helpful tips that will make you aware of the common blunders to avoid. I'm spilling the tea on five small bathroom renovation mistakes you want to steer clear during your next bathroom makeover.

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DO: Be Strategic About Bathroom Layout

First things first, let's talk fixtures. Forget those massive sinks that take up half the room. Sure, they look great in your favourite influencers' bathroom but remember, we’re talking SMALL BATHROOM. So look at fixtures that are small-space-friendly; corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets, and sleek vanities. Trust me, these are your secret weapons against feeling overly cramped. And nowadays, there are a lot of really sleek, modern designs for these types of fixtures, so you don't need to compromise on your bathroom's design.

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DO: Prioritize Lighting

Now let’s talk lighting—if there’s one thing I want you to take away from this blog post, it’s this. It's time to abandon those harsh. fluorescent lights that make you feel like you haven’t slept properly in years. You want your bathroom to feel tranquil and relaxed. The cozy vibes can be achieved with some well-placed accent lights and warmer, softer-coloured lightbulbs.

If you're one for a multi-step glam sesh, I definitely suggest that you consider task lighting. This, combined with ambient lighting will definitely give you that spa-like feel. Lighting is really what will elevate your small bathroom into a Pinterest-worthy haven. 

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DO: Consider Proper Ventilation

We've all been in bathrooms that have got some mould growing on the ceiling or in the grout lines, so to avoid that we’d love you to meet your new BFFs—exhaust fans (or honestly, just well-placed windows). These ventilation techniques are KEY in keeping things fresh, and remove the risk of any mouldy surprises down the line. Your future self will thank you for this one.

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DON'T: Overspend On A Small Bathroom Renovation

I get it; those gold-plated faucets are calling your name. But here's the deal—overspending can turn your dream renovation into a budget nightmare. Be smart with your cash and prioritize quality. Make "cost-effective" and "value-driven" your renovation mantras. 

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DO: Keep Your Small Bathroom Tidy

Small bathrooms and clutter? No thanks! Shelves and  cabinets that look sleek but secretly stash all your stuff? Yes, please! Floating shelves, recessed wall cabinets, mirrored medicine cabinets, the list goes on; there are tons of options that will keep your things tucked away discreetly.

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So there you have it, skip these rookie, small bathroom renovation mistakes to have a bathroom that all your friends will envy. And don’t be afraid to come back here for help, we have a bunch of tips for improving your renovation experience! Oh, and better yet - post your project on Bidmii as well! We will find a local pro in your area to get the project done, AND your money is protected by us until the job is complete.

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Other Small Bathroom Renovation Mistakes To Avoid:

DON'T: Forget About Drainage

In the exhilaration of planning a small bathroom renovation, it's easy to get swept away by the aesthetics – the trendy tiles, sleek fixtures, and vibrant colour schemes. And while we agree, this is definitely the fun part, it's important to consider the critical must-haves first to ensure your budget can allow for it. Drainage, for example, is a big one.

A well-executed drainage system is the key to preventing water damage, maintaining a dry and pristine space, and ultimately ensuring a long-term, stress-free experience. In our latest blog post, we delve into why drainage should be a non-negotiable on your renovation checklist. For example, it might be worth it to consider opting for linear drains or smart slope designs in your shower area. These innovations not only enhance drainage efficiency but also contribute to a seamless and stylish bathroom aesthetic. I recommend considering hiring a plumber to assess your drainage needs and explore innovative solutions that can be tailored to your smaller space.

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DO: Consider Timeless Tiling Styles

Why the Right Floor Tile Matters

Think of your floor as the canvas of your bathroom masterpiece. The right floor tile not only sets the tone for your space but also plays a pivotal role in functionality. Consider the size of your bathroom – small tiles can create an illusion of space, but small tiles also mean more grout lines which means more cleaning, so it is honestly a bigger thing to consider than you'd otherwise think.

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Banish Cold Feet with Heated Floors

I don't know about you, but my BIGGEST pet peeve is stepping out of a nice warm shower or bath, and being FREEZING... it is no fun at all. And I can't be alone in feeling that way because someone invented this magical thing called heated floors that has totally changed the game. And this isn't just a luxury; it's a practical touch that adds comfort and a touch of indulgence to your daily routine.

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DON'T: Sacrifice Function For Style

Enough storage space is a non-negotiable. Nobody wants a cluttered bathroom, especially if you've got limited square footage. Remember what we said above and embrace stylish storage solutions – perhaps a vanity with built-in storage or floating shelves that marry form and function seamlessly. You know what they say, a clutter-free space is a stylish space... (that's something they say, right?). Make every inch of that tiny little bathroom count.

Oh! And once again, as if we can't stress this enough, consider the layout; can it be optimized for a more functional space? Start to reimagine storage solutions that can fit seamlessly into your compact oasis.

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DON'T: DIY Plumbing Issues

Your plumbing is like one of the crucial, behind-the-scenes workers: quietly doing its job until, well, it doesn't. DIY plumbing issues often start innocently enough – a leaky sink, a finicky toilet. But here's the kicker: what seems simple can be a clue to a more complex problem. That slow drip might be a sign of deeper plumbing woes, and it isn't something you likely want to be handling yourself.

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Showers and Sinks

When it comes to showers and sinks, the temptation to grab a wrench and tackle the issue yourself is real. It feels like if you go on YouTube, you can find a how-to video for just about anything. But, and it's a big but, plumbing intricacies can be deceiving. Sometimes, it's wiser to call in the professionals, especially if this is quite literally your first ever plumbing attempt.

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Toilet Troubles

Now, let's talk toilets. The DIY spirit might nudge you to tackle that running toilet, but trust me, it's a rabbit hole. Yeah, maybe you just have to open the lid of the toilet and move things around in there, but sometimes, a seemingly simple issue might spiral into a full-blown plumbing mess. An overflowing toilet is probably one of my biggest, personal nightmares.

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Heated Floors and Vessel Sinks

Dreaming of heated floors or a sleek vessel sink? These upgrades are fantastic, and can easily fit into a small bathroom design, but they come with intricate plumbing considerations. DIY-ing these features might not only jeopardize their functionality but also lead to costly repairs in the future (or sometimes even right away). The key? Call in the pros.

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To Save, Or To Repair

I get it – the desire (and sometimes need) to save money is real. But trust me, attempting DIY plumbing without the proper expertise can lead to costly repairs down the line. If the first thing you think of when you think of plumbing is fixing leaks, then yeah, it's probably good to hire a pro... because it is way way WAY more than just that.

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About the Author:

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Emma Bousfield - Marketing & Content at Bidmii

Emma has been with Bidmii since the very beginning. Her journey with Bidmii began in 2020, and over time her expertise, guidance, and talent  has helped homeowners and contractors discover Bidmii's game-changing platform. You can find her as the mastermind behind our monthly newsletters, blog posts, social media accounts, and so much more.

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emma-bousfield

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