Planning a Luxury Bathroom Upgrade? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Most homeowners fantasize about upgrading some part of their home. While the kitchen is usually the room where the most significant statement is made, a luxury bathroom remodel can reinforce the “dream home” atmosphere that homeowners crave. However, choosing the upgrades is more than just a matter of determining which “vibe” makes the most sense. There are practical, structural, and financial considerations to keep in mind for any bathroom renovation. With the rise of homeowners creating makeover content, people are becoming more inspired. Still, it’s also important to be aware of potential mistakes that can happen if certain things are overlooked. Here are some things that can save you time, money, and frustration.

Choosing Aesthetics Over Functionality

When someone thinks of a luxury bathroom, the image of glossy tile and high-end fixtures tends to populate a person’s mind. The style of everyone’s home varies, and while planning an upgrade, homeowners tend to overlook practicality in luxury bathroom remodeling. For instance, adding an oversized claw tub sounds like an excellent idea in theory, but in a small bathroom, it’s more cumbersome than anything else. This is why it’s essential to be intentional in both the planning and execution process of a remodel. It will maximize the effect of your transformation, as well as prevent you from needing to make additional modifications later on.

Neglecting Storage Options

Easily one of the most important aspects of a bathroom is having designated areas to store toiletries and linens. Determine the best way to utilize the space that you have long before you do anything else. Consider whether you’ll have floating shelves or custom vanities to store your essentials. If you are short on square footage, you may need to be creative and build vertically. Think about the use of hidden or recessed cabinets if your bathroom remodel would otherwise cause you to use counter space for your items, and effectively take away from the luxury bathroom feel.

Many homeowners make the mistake of upgrading their bathroom vanities to wall-mounted floating vanities or opting for a freestanding version. While both have their own unique charms, uses, and appeal, they often provide less built-in storage than traditional cabinet vanities. Carefully factor this in when attempting to create more space and a more elegant look.

Ignoring Cost Management

With the right tools and information, it’s entirely possible to go the DIY bathroom remodel route and cut down on immediate costs. The drawback with doing so is being unprepared for a potentially hefty repair bill. For instance, tiles that are incorrectly laid (due to poor grout work, failure to seal, or uneven spacing) may need to be replaced, which can cost several thousand dollars. The same goes for improper installation of electrical units. A luxury bathroom is likely going to have luxury lighting fixtures. However, if they’re installed incorrectly, the costs could be hundreds to thousands of dollars, or worse, could cause an electrical fire.

Utilizing professional contractors is always recommended, as they have experience in preventing these expensive repair bills down the line. Still, skilled contractors are going to do the work that you tell them to do, and unless you’re specifically clear about your luxury bathroom renovation goals, you may end up with a result that you don’t want. It’s crucial to understand what you want and to clearly explain your vision, so that the bathroom remodel is a success the first time.

Forgetting Water Efficiency

The installation of luxury bathroom upgrades could cause you to face rising water bills unless you choose water-efficient fixtures. These days, homeowners don’t have to settle for less functionality when changing their style. Nowadays, low-flow toilets don’t have the same bulky or undesirable shell as they did during their initial introduction to the market. The same goes for smart faucets and eco-friendly showers. Technology and design have advanced to the point where you can create a gorgeous bathroom space while lowering long-term water usage and reducing costs. This is an area that homeowners overlook during their remodel, but it’s critical to understand how each fixture performs against the other options before a final decision is made.

Incompatible Design Concepts

Most importantly, a luxury bathroom renovation must have a theme that is immediately understood and recognized. Some things naturally pair together as well as a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Others, not so much. For instance, a luxury bathroom makeover that includes a spa-inspired shower wouldn’t feel so “zen” if the bathroom also featured dark paint and a gold chandelier. Choosing the wrong design can be a costly mistake. Another thing to consider is how patterns, colors, and trim work with one another. Create a vision board and carefully plan your remodeling project by researching bathroom designs that match your goals, as well as getting feedback and recommendations from a professional interior designer if possible.

Lighting and Wiring

One of the most important aspects to consider in a bathroom remodel is wiring and lighting. It’s not the first thing that comes to the average person’s mind after all, but it is necessary to plan for this due to both aesthetic and safety purposes. Obviously, bathrooms tend to produce a lot of moisture. As a result, the light fixtures must be rated for moisture and humidity to prevent hazards and corrosion. Additionally, lighting should be thought about as a key aspect of the bathroom design.

Backlit bathroom mirrors can be an excellent way to apply hidden and luxurious lighting options. Overhead recessed lights are popular as well, due to being inconspicuous and programmed to be dimmed or emit various shades of color. Whichever direction you choose to take with lighting, be sure that it matches the theme of the style of bathroom you’re building.

There are challenges with upgrading any part of a home. A luxury bathroom upgrade is no different; however, it can add a tremendous amount of identity and resale value to a home. Still, careful planning is an essential part of turning a dream into a reality. Coming up with a theme, putting together a budget, determining your wish list of fixtures, and consulting with a professional are the best ways to make it happen.

When the idea to remodel the bathroom into a luxurious haven arises, make notes about what you want and look around your current bathroom, determining what makes sense in the space and what doesn’t. Ensure that you know the plumbing layout or can gain access to it to prevent catastrophic repairs. Be prepared to set aside an emergency fund in case there are unforeseen issues that may cause you to go over the project’s budget, especially if you’re upgrading a bathroom in an older house or planning to do something especially lavish!