But knowing what to avoid is just as important.
“A bathroom should be beautiful, but it should also be highly functional,” says contractorYarin Gani.
And when it comes to small bathrooms,space planningisn’t just a good ideait’s critical.
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“Since bathrooms are high-moisture environments, adequate ventilation is crucial,” Omer says.
Overlooking Water Management
Airborne water can be removed with anexhaust fan.
Many homeowners assume standard drywall or low-grade waterproofing are good enough, Gani adds.
But cutting small corners here can mean big trouble down the line.
The solution is to invest in high-quality waterproofing membranes behind tiles, especially in the shower or tub area.
It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that protects your investment for long-term durability, Gani says.
Ashower remodel costs$8,500 on average.
But if you want to instantly add another $4,000 to the project, move the shower.
Its also important to consider where the plumbing lines will run and the positions of the electrical outlets.
Ignoring Storage
Treatingbathroom storageas an afterthought is a bathroom renovating mistake.
Bathrooms have such limited space that there’s often little room left for storage.
If you want that wood vanity, be sure to seal it properly.
Even better is to choose durable, water-resistant materials designed for high-moisture environments.
Porcelain or ceramic tile is a great flooring option, and quartz countertops are low-maintenance and resistant to staining.
Tiling the Shower Yourself
Installing tile can be a fun, rewarding project for a DIYer.
With enough time and patience, even a new DIYer caninstall a backsplashor wall tile in a bathroom.
Since backsplash and wall tile receive limited water, they’re fairly foolproof projects.
Butinstalling shower tileis a different matter.
First, you must choose a wall tile with a low water absorption rate.
“They often redesign their bathroom based on their current lifestyle,” Omer says.
These features future-proof your bathroom without compromising its current aesthetic.
