Top 10 Small Bathroom Remodeling Fails to Avoid

1. Lack of Adequate Planning
Failing to thoroughly plan out your kitchen and bath remodel can quickly send your project sideways. Before touching tools, be sure to think through and measure out the details to avoid any surprises down the road. Consider the following:

Take Detailed Measurements

Don’t assume you know the exact width of your space or where plumbing rough-ins are located. Carefully measure out your bathroom and note anything relevant like window placement or ventilation ductwork. Having accurate measurements mapped out will make designing and shopping for fixtures much smoother.

Map Out Plumbing and Electrical

Along with measurements, be sure to locate supply lines and drains so you can plan optimal placement of sinks, toilets, and tubs. Note where electrical outlets and switches are or where new ones need to be added. This will inform what finish materials can go where and any changes needed in your floor plan.

Create Detailed Drawings

With measurements in hand, sketch out multiple floor plan options to scale. This will help visualize different layouts and narrow in on what works best spatially. Renderings are extremely helpful for the installation phase so all contractors are on the same page.

According to HGTV, planning is crucial for small bathroom remodels to “take advantage of every inch of space in a tiny room.” They recommend creating detailed floor plans with measurements to inform all layout decisions.

2. Trying to Fit a Room for One Into a Tight Space
Many half-baths or powder rooms are extremely tiny. When space is at a premium, be realistic about what can comfortably fit. Shoehorning in a toilet, sink, and door that all open and function properly might be impossible without stealing leg room. Prioritize the necessities like a toilet and vanity width over squeezing in shelving or a narrow door that hits the fixtures. Just because you saw it on Pinterest doesn’t mean it will actually work!

3. No Ventilation Plan
Lack of an exhaust fan or bathroom ventilation is one of the most common oversights. All those hot showers produce loads of moisture that will lead to mold, mildew, and trapped odors if not properly vented. Make installing a quality, ENERGY STAR-rated exhaust fan part of your bathroom remodel plan. Ensure ductwork is sized appropriately and vents to the outside (not just into your wall cavity!). Proper CFM ratings depend on room size, so do your homework to pick the best fan option. If an exterior duct isn’t possible, you may need to look into heat recovery ventilator (HRV) systems.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) advises using moisture-resistant and durable materials in bathroom remodels. They specifically warn against using paper-based wall coverings or cloth window treatments which can “promote mold growth.”

4. Ignoring Storage Space
It may sound mundane after the fun finish selections, but inadequate storage can make a bathroom feel instantly cluttered. Don’t let your tiny bath go from spa sanctuary to messy storage closet! Evaluate your storage needs and make sure to incorporate cabinetry, shelving, or organizers to neatly tuck everything out of sight. Consider  the following:

Medicine Cabinets

Recess these into walls to free up precious floor space. Glass shelves keep contents visible while interiors can be a surprise pop of color.

Narrow Shelving

Install shelves vertically between studs or horizontally above the toilet as display space for rolled towels and toiletries. Even 6 to 9 inches of depth can hold a surprising amount.

Under Sink Storage

Maximize every inch under floating vanities with customizable pull-out trays and slide-out bins. These keep items easily accessible yet out of view.

5. Picking the Wrong Materials
Material selection mistakes can happen even with adequate planning and storage. Tiny bathrooms come with an increased risk of mildew, mold, and water damage which can ruin inappropriate finishes. Consider moisture resistance and easy maintenance along with the design aesthetic you’re going for.

Avoid Paper-Based Products

Homeowners love the look of wallpaper, faux textures, and specialty wood finishes. But in humid bathroom conditions, these deteriorate quickly leading to peeling surfaces and potential mold issues behind walls. Opt for durable ceramic tile surrounds or waterproof vinyl wall planks instead.

Skip the Carpet

Regardless of that cushy memory foam bath rug display at your home improvement store, pass on any carpet or cloth materials. These absorb moisture and easily trap mold underneath leading to bigger issues down the road. Waterproof vinyl plank flooring or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) replicates wood or stone looks while being completely water resistant.

Mind the Grout

Grout inevitably collects grime, mildew, and stains over time, especially in smaller spaces. Choose a darker grout color and schedule frequent sealing to limit appearance issues. Epoxy grout is also extremely durable and stain-resistant.

6. Overlooking Electrical Needs
Lack of adequate electrical service is easily overlooked on initial plans but critical for function. Make sure there are sufficient outlets placed properly to not limit fixture placement. Waterproof fixtures with built-in GFCI protection add needed safety. Proper lighting also prevents a dark, dreary cave so include main and accent lighting in the design.

More Outlets

Avoid outlet overload with inconveniently placed splitters. Space outlets evenly throughout the room for flexible component placement while hiding unsightly cords.

Task Lighting

Windows seldom provide sufficient lighting. Add directional task lights over sinks and mirrors to create a bright focal point without shadows. Dimming abilities help set the right mood.

Night Lights

In a tiny space, no one wants to fumble for a switch in the middle of the night. Install discrete night lights or fixtures with auto-on occupancy sensors.

7. Skipping Wall-Mounted Faucets
Tiny vanities quickly get bogged down with limited countertop space and below-sink plumbing. Yet wall-mounted faucets oddly get dismissed, maybe over fears of installation complexity. Reach across the entire sink area while opening up counter space below. Modern designs make these fixtures very DIY friendly but consult a pro if nervous.

8. Using the Wrong Paint Sheen
Paint seems simple enough but sheen plays a key role in bathrooms. The higher the sheen, the more durable, cleanable, and moisture-resistant the paint. But beware high sheen also accentuates flaws in aged drywall or plaster walls and creates visible cut lines between colors.

Flat paint

Great way to visually expand a tiny space but very prone to stains, moisture damage, and cleaning chemicals.

Eggshell paint

Slight sheen helps hide minor wall flaws. Washes clean but still absorbs moisture over time.

Satin or semi-gloss paint

Best compromise with decent stain resistance and easy cleanup combined with some surface hiding power. Still risks yellowing.

High gloss paint

Most durable and reflective but also mercilessly reveals every ding or dent through the clear finish. Modern latex versions are easier to work with than old oil-based formulas.

9. Sticking with the Same Old Layout
It’s tempting to simply replace bathroom components in the existing locations to contain costs. But minor layout tweaks can have outsized impacts in opening up tiny spaces. Avoid sticking with inefficient existing configurations purely out of habit.

Rotate the Vanity

Simply changing the sink orientation makes better use of traffic space and creates new focal points. Parallel to the tub creates a nicer entry view.

Niche out the Shower

Adding an indent for shampoos and body wash leaves more floor space for legs and feet during showers. Just mind the plumbing!

Offset Toilet and Tub

A cramped corner walled in by shower doors and a toilet tank makes cleaning extremely awkward. Offset openings create better flow.

10. Permit Pitfalls That Delay Your Project
Even simple bathroom remodels often require permits for electrical, plumbing, gas, and framing work. Permits may seem unnecessary but exist to keep both you and future owners safe. Skipping permitting not only risks fines but also issues down the road.

Proper permitting ensures compliance with current safety codes. This reduces risks from shoddy work leading to dangerous electrical shorts, gas leaks, or unstable framing. Rushed DIY mistakes get caught before becoming catastrophes.

Hiring an experienced contractor requires checking they actually pull needed permits. Unlicensed or shady contractors often lack the necessary know-how to pass inspections or cut corners leading to code violations. Always confirm permits were obtained.

Surprises like walls hiding asbestos, faulty wiring, or water damage often get uncovered during permitted inspection processes. Better these issues come to light now vs years later after costly coverups.

The permitting process operates primarily to protect homeowners and their investments. Skipping this step, even on basic remodels, chips away at that safety net. Do yourself a favor and obtain needed approvals upfront instead of regretting missteps down the road.

Lighting Fails That Diminish Small Spaces

Proper lighting serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in bathrooms. However, picking the wrong fixtures or placement can make a compact space feel dark and gloomy. Avoid these common lighting mistakes during your remodel:

Forgetting the Ceiling

It seems obvious, but homeowners often focus on accent lighting around the vanity while forgetting overall ceiling lights. Overhead lighting ensures comfortable brightness for tasks like shaving or makeup application.

Bad Bulb Choice

Dated incandescent bulbs cast yellow uneven light that accentuates flaws. Cool LEDs provide attractive bright white illumination ideal for tasks, accents, and overhead fixtures.

Ignoring Dimming Needs

Whether mood setting or middle-of-the-night functionality, make sure vanity and overhead lights feature dimming capabilities. This tailors brightness levels to tasks vs ambiance.    

Too Much Accent Lighting

Strategically placed directional lighting adds drama and highlights key areas. But going overboard washes out compact rooms. Stick to the vanity space and maybe a discrete shower light.

Glare Issues

Shiny surfaces multiply in tiny bathrooms causing problematic reflections. Position adjustable fixtures to limit glare. Install diffusers if needed.

No Backup Lighting

Remodels involve opening up walls and ceilings which may impact existing wiring. Make provisions for temporary construction lighting so you aren’t left in the dark.

Conclusion: Careful Planning Prevents Pitfalls

Refreshing a tired tiny bathroom brings great rewards when done right. But the compact space also leaves little margin for error without impacting function. Avoid common pitfalls with meticulous planning for layout, storage, materials, lighting, ventilation, and permits. Measure twice, purchase once, and install with care. Follow this advice for a revitalizing bathroom that delights for years to come rather than a frustrating flop! With some diligence, even first-timers can get their small bathroom remodels right.