Remodeling Blog

Top 5 Commercial Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes

Written by Kevin Ahern | Jun 25, 2015 2:35:57 PM

Commercial bathroom remodeling can improve your property value while also improving the experience of living in your home--if it's done correctly. If you're thinking about taking on a bathroom remodel in the next few months, avoid making these common mistakes so you can enjoy your bathroom remodel as much as possible.

Investing in Overly Expensive Features

Expensive features like hot tubs or saunas don't often pay off when it's time to sell the house. This means you'll take a loss on your bathroom remodel, so it's only worth it to install expensive features if you want them for personal reasons. In fact, you can only plan on recouping your costs at the time of sale if you can keep the costs of your remodel at a reasonable level. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a bathroom remodel is between $9,000 and $18,000, so it's a good idea to keep your own remodel inside that range.

Failing to Budget Properly

Without a proper budget, your bathroom remodel could quickly balloon in price, resulting in unwanted debt or an unfinished remodel. Have an exact number in mind when planning your remodel, and choose changes that can fall within that budget. Working with a professional contractor with transparent billing practices will help you in this process. Maintain constant communication with your contractor to ensure that he or she knows what you can and can't afford.

Failing to Plan All the Steps

Knowing what needs to be replaced or changed during the remodel will help you keep costs within acceptable limits, and will also prevent you from making mistakes that are hard or impossible to change. Don't start demolition before you have a solid plan in mind. Working with a professional contractor will also help with this, as your contractor will likely insist on having firm expectations before beginning your project.

Failing to Include Adequate Ventilation

Ventilation is the cornerstone of good bathroom remodeling. Without good ventilation, paint can peel, walls can become moldy and mildew can grow unchecked. A good fan is often necessary to prevent an overload of moisture in a bathroom. Failing to provide adequate ventilation to your bathroom remodel can result in damage down the road.

Failing to Consider Sustainability

Green features like low-flow toilets and low-flow faucets can save you money and also make your bathroom more attractive to home buyers if you decide to sell. Some green products cost slightly more at the time of purchase, but pay off in the long run. Making your bathroom remodel environmentally friendly will also reduce your home's overall carbon footprint, which can benefit you and your community.

For more information about how you can make your bathroom remodel a success, speak with a qualified contractor. Residents of the New Haven area can contact Litchfield Builders. With over 20 years in the business, Litchfield Builders is the premiere general contractor in the New Haven area.