Bathroom remodels are exciting, but they can also be full of pitfalls. A few missteps can turn a dream upgrade into a frustrating and costly experience. Before you swing a hammer or sign off on materials, take a moment to learn from some of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Settling for Cheap, Mass-Produced Shelving
It’s tempting to buy pre-made shelving from a big box retailer. The price looks good, and the shelves are right there on the rack. But homeowners often regret that choice later on. These shelves are often made from flimsy materials, and many come warped right out of the package. Even if they seem fine at first, they tend to sag, crack, or peel under daily use.
Custom-built shelving costs more upfront, but it’s built to last. You’ll get thicker, stronger materials, better hardware, and a cleaner finish. And don’t forget the cost of installation, sanding, and painting. Those steps will increase the price, but they’ll deliver a far better product in the long run—something our clients in Fortville and Carmel often tell us is well worth the investment.
2. Overlooking the Importance of Proper Lighting
Lighting is more than just a design element. It’s essential to how the space feels and functions. Many people make the mistake of relying on a single overhead light, which can cast shadows and make tasks like shaving or applying makeup annoying. Layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent elements makes the space brighter and more functional. This is especially important in homes around Noblesville and Broad Ripple, where natural light may be limited in older bathroom layouts.
3. Choosing Style Over Function
We all want a beautiful bathroom, but not at the expense of usability. That sleek, wall-mounted faucet might look great in photos, but will it splash water all over the place? Is that trendy tile going to be a slip hazard when wet? Will that oversized vanity leave you no room to open the shower door?
A smart remodel strikes a balance between form and function. Think about how the space will be used every day, not just how it looks in a brochure. We’ve worked with plenty of homeowners in Geist who learned this the hard way after living with awkward layouts.
4. Skimping on Plumbing Upgrades
One of the most expensive mistakes in bathroom remodeling is not upgrading old plumbing when the walls are already open. It might seem like a good way to save money, but it often leads to leaks, clogs, or full-on pipe failures later. Imagine tearing out your new walls or floors to fix a problem that could have been handled during the remodel.
When it comes to plumbing, do it once and do it right. It’s not the place to cut corners.
5. Ignoring Quality When Choosing Fixtures
Not all faucets are created equal. In our earlier blog post, we covered why smart faucet choices matter. Cheaper fixtures may look similar to high-end ones, but the internal components, like valves and cartridges, make a huge difference in durability and performance.
That same logic applies across the board, from towel bars to showerheads. Quality materials cost more, but they save you from having to replace parts a year or two down the line. If you’re in Indianapolis, where many homes are older and may need updates, this becomes especially important.
6. Not Hiring the Right Team
DIY videos make remodeling look simple, but without the right skills and tools, it’s easy to end up with uneven tile, leaky seals, or costly surprises once demolition begins. A professional team handles every detail, from what you see to what you don’t.
Skip the stress and second-guessing. Let the experts at Modern Touch Contracting help you create a bathroom that looks great and functions beautifully for years to come.
Ready to remodel the right way? Contact us today for a consultation.
