Top 10 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid in Your New Hampshire Home
Remodeling a bathroom is an exciting journey. It’s your chance to turn a tired space into a tranquil retreat that meets your needs and style. But let’s be real: it can also feel overwhelming. Between picking the perfect tiles, ensuring the plumbing is up to snuff, and managing your budget, there’s a lot to juggle. Mistakes? They can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news—with the right guidance, you can sidestep those common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother remodeling process.
Today we’re going to talk about the top 10 mistakes homeowners make during a bathroom remodel and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Skipping the planning phase
It’s tempting to dive right in, but a lack of proper planning is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when remodeling. You might think you’ll “figure it out as you go,” but that approach often leads to delays, budget overruns, and compromises on your vision. Planning is the foundation of a successful remodel—without it, your dream bathroom can quickly become a source of stress.
Why this happens: Homeowners often underestimate the complexity of remodeling and overestimate their ability to make decisions on the fly. Without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to overlook crucial details like plumbing layouts, material lead times, and permit requirements. To make matters worse, dealing with these overlooked details will often lead to extra work, project delays, and additional fees.
How to avoid it:
Set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve with your remodel. Are you updating for aesthetics, improving functionality, or both? Setting priorities helps you stay focused and make informed decisions.
Create a realistic budget. Collaborate with your contractor to outline all costs, including labor, materials, permits, and a contingency fund for unexpected issues (10-15% is a good rule of thumb).
Choose your materials early. Selecting tiles, fixtures, and finishes in advance ensures availability and avoids delays once construction starts.
Partner with a professional. A design-build contractor can help you create a comprehensive plan, anticipate challenges, and align your vision with your budget.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the budget
We’ve all heard the stories: a remodel that starts with a $30,000 budget and balloons to $50,000. Why does this happen?
There are a variety of reasons, and they often start with basing the budget on unreliable sources—like TV shows, online blogs, or third-party contractor lead-gen websites. Sometimes it’s hiring a contractor who offers a too-good-to-be-true quote that leaves out critical details. Other times, it’s simply forgetting to account for hidden costs or unforeseen problems that can come up during construction.
Why this happens: Remodeling costs can be deceptive. Labor, high-quality materials, and those sneaky hidden issues—like water damage or outdated wiring—can quickly add up. Plus, many homeowners don’t realize how expensive the hidden things can be. Insulation, underlayments, adhesives, and even fasteners add up fast when you’re redoing an entire space.
How to avoid it:
Get a comprehensive quote. Ask your contractor for a quote that covers everything—materials, labor, waste removal, permit fees, and even those seemingly small costs like nails and caulk. The more that’s included, the less risk of unexpected costs later.
Select materials in advance. Deciding on fixtures and finishes before the project begins not only eliminates guesswork but also reduces the risk of delays and unexpected price hikes.
Plan for surprises. Always budget for the unexpected. Set aside a contingency fund (10-20% of your total budget) to cover those hidden issues that might pop up once the walls come down.
Avoid cutting corners. It might be tempting to save a few bucks with lower-quality materials or skipping professional installation, but this often leads to bigger problems (and expenses) down the road. Investing in quality upfront can save you headaches later.
Mistake #3: Ignoring functionality
Picture this: your newly remodeled bathroom looks straight out of a magazine, but every morning feels like a battle because there’s nowhere to store your toiletries, the lighting is too dim to see properly, and the shower door opens awkwardly into the vanity. A bathroom that doesn’t function well can quickly turn your dream remodel into a daily annoyance!
Why this happens: It’s easy to get swept up in picking out beautiful fixtures and finishes, forgetting to think about how you’ll actually use the space. It’s also common for homeowners to avoid layout changes to save money, only to regret it later when the functionality just isn’t there.
How to avoid it:
Focus on the layout. Take the time to optimize the placement of fixtures, storage, and lighting. A professional designer can help ensure everything works together seamlessly.
Prioritize storage. Think beyond aesthetics—you’ll need space for toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. Options like built-in shelves, vanity drawers, and recessed medicine cabinets can be both stylish and practical.
Plan your lighting. Good lighting isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Use a mix of ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for grooming, and accent lighting to add some charm.
Mistake #4: Overlooking ventilation
Have you ever walked into a steamy bathroom and noticed a musty smell or peeling paint? That’s the consequence of poor ventilation, and it’s a problem you’ll want to avoid. Bathrooms are humid by nature, making proper ventilation critical for keeping your new space looking and smelling fresh.
Why this happens: Ventilation is often treated as an afterthought. Homeowners sometimes assume a window will suffice or don’t realize their current exhaust fan isn’t up to the job.
How to avoid it:
Install a quality exhaust fan. Choose one rated for your bathroom’s size and make sure it’s properly vented to the outside (not into your attic!).
Supplement with windows. If you have a bathroom window, use it to let fresh air in, but don’t rely on it as your sole ventilation source.
Think long-term. A well-ventilated bathroom protects your investment by preventing mold, mildew, and damage to finishes.
Mistake #5: Choosing trends over timeless design & future needs
Trends are fun, but they can also be fleeting. Imagine designing a bathroom in the hottest colors and patterns of the moment, only to feel like it’s outdated just a few years later. And let’s not forget about future needs—what works for you now might not work as well in 10 years.
Why this happens: It’s easy to fall in love with bold choices in showrooms or on Pinterest. But without considering how those trends will age or how your needs might evolve, you could end up with regrets.
How to avoid it:
Go classic with the big stuff. Timeless materials like subway tiles and neutral colors create a foundation that won’t go out of style.
Add personality in small ways. Trends are great for accents like paint colors or decor that are easy (and inexpensive) to change later.
Think about accessibility. Features like curbless showers, wider doorways, and grab bars can make your bathroom safer and more functional as you age.
Plan for resale. Even if you don’t plan to sell soon, choosing universally appealing features can increase your home’s value.
Mistake #6: Overestimating DIY skills and time
Let’s be honest: DIY can feel empowering, but when it comes to bathrooms, it’s not always the best idea. Plumbing and electrical work, for example, require precision and expertise. Tiling? That’s an art. Tackling these tasks yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but one mistake could cost you more in the long run.
Why this happens: Many homeowners underestimate how challenging these jobs are and overestimate their available time. It’s easy to think, “How hard can it be?” until you’re staring at a leak or uneven grout lines.
How to avoid it:
Set reasonable time commitments. Remodeling is a marathon, not a sprint. Be brutally honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically commit to the project without cutting into family, work, or downtime. A half-finished bathroom isn’t just inconvenient—it’s stressful.
Be realistic about your skills. If you’ve never done plumbing or tiling, for example, it’s worth calling in the pros. Plumbing mistakes can lead to expensive water damage, while uneven tiles can detract from the overall look of your space.
Avoid time-sensitive tasks. Jobs like framing and wiring need to happen on a strict timeline to keep the project moving. Consider leaving these tasks to the pros, while you focus your DIY efforts on less time-critical tasks like painting walls or installing hardware. These are manageable and rewarding without derailing your schedule.
Know your limits. Even seasoned DIYers can find themselves in over their heads. If you hit a roadblock, don’t hesitate to bring in an expert. It’s better to spend a little extra now than to fix costly mistakes later.
Mistake #7: Descoping priority items
Imagine this: you’re trimming costs during the planning phase and decide to nix that custom vanity or heated floor you’ve been dreaming of. Then, halfway through the project, regret kicks in. Adding those elements back later? It’s not only stressful but can also disrupt your budget and timeline.
Why this happens: Budget constraints can make descoping feel like the only option. But when you cut items that matter most to you, it often leads to dissatisfaction and expensive changes mid-project.
How to avoid it:
Get honest about your priorities. What are your non-negotiables? Build your plan around those.
Think about the big picture. Postponing the project to save up for everything you want can be a smarter move than compromising.
Communicate with your contractor. They can help you explore cost-effective alternatives that still align with your vision.
Mistake #8: Making assumptions with your contractor
You know that feeling when you assume someone is on the same page as you, but then realize later they weren’t even reading the same book? That’s what it’s like when you assume your contractor knows exactly what you want without clear communication. Remodeling involves so many moving parts that even one small misunderstanding can spiral into delays, unexpected costs, and frustration.
Why this happens: It’s easy to think that once you’ve described your vision, the rest will fall into place. But contractors aren’t mind readers any more than you are. Without detailed discussions and written agreements, assumptions can lead to mismatched expectations.
How to avoid it:
Get everything in writing. From the scope of work to material choices and costs, make sure all the details are documented. This protects both you and your contractor.
Schedule regular check-ins. Don’t wait until the end to see how things are going. Frequent updates ensure everyone stays aligned.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. If something isn’t clear, speak up. It’s better to address concerns early than deal with surprises later.
Mistake #9: Overloading the schedule
Let’s face it: we all want things done yesterday. But when it comes to remodeling, trying to pack too much into a tight timeline can backfire. Rushing the process often leads to mistakes, stress, and disappointment—none of which you want when creating your dream bathroom.
Why this happens: Homeowners sometimes underestimate how long a remodel takes or feel pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines. Maybe you’ve got guests coming, or you’re just eager to get back to normal life. While these are valid reasons, they shouldn’t compromise the quality of the work.
How to avoid it:
Work with your contractor to set realistic expectations. They’ve done this before and can give you a clear sense of what’s achievable.
Build in buffer time. Unexpected delays are common, whether it’s a backordered fixture or an issue uncovered during demolition. Giving yourself some wiggle room helps reduce stress.
Prioritize quality over speed. It might take a little longer, but careful, thorough work will pay off in the long run.
Mistake #10: Forgetting the finishing touches
You’ve picked out the perfect tiles, fixtures, and paint color—but what about those final details? Finishing touches like mirrors, towels, and decor might seem small, but they’re what make your bathroom feel complete. It’s like dressing up for a big event—would you skip the shoes and accessories?
Why this happens: After focusing so much on the major elements of the remodel, it’s easy to overlook the smaller details. But without them, your bathroom can feel unfinished or impersonal.
How to avoid it:
Plan for accessories early. Include mirrors, storage solutions, and even bath mats in your budget and design discussions.
Add personality. This is your chance to make the space uniquely yours. Think about artwork, plants, or even a bold shower curtain.
Don’t skimp on quality. Just like with your fixtures, choose durable and stylish finishes for accessories. These small investments can make a big difference.
Final thoughts
A bathroom remodel is a big investment, but avoiding these common mistakes can make the process smoother and more rewarding. By planning thoroughly, working with professionals, and keeping your long-term goals in mind, you can create a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but functions flawlessly for years to come.
If you’re ready to start your bathroom remodel, Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling is here to help. We specialize in creating custom bathrooms tailored to your needs and style. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your dream bathroom.
