Avoid These 24 Bathroom Remodeling Regrets

Avoid those “shoulda, coulda, woulda” moments when it comes to your next bathroom remodel – from regrettable design choices to missed opportunities for upgrades.

We’ve been in the bathroom remodeling business since 2009, so we’ve heard just about every bathroom remodeling regret there is.

In this blog, we’ll use our wealth of expertise in the bathroom remodeling industry to help you avoid the most commonly held regrets and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re planning a complete bathroom remodel or a simple tub or shower replacement, we’ve got insights to help you ensure your bathroom becomes a space you’ll love for years to come.

1. I Should Have Done It Sooner

If you’ve been putting off a bathroom remodel, now is the perfect time to take the plunge. If you’re in North Carolina or South Carolina, schedule a free in-home design consultation to see what’s possible in your space.

2. I Should Have Ripped Out That Huge Tub I Never Use 

Get rid of that old bathtub you never use and replace it with a spacious walk-in shower.

How often do you use that oversized tub in your master bathroom? If the answer is “almost never,” it’s time to consider replacing it with a spacious walk-in shower.

The decision to replace an underused tub with a walk-in shower is an investment in your long-term satisfaction. It transforms your bathroom into a space that aligns with your lifestyle, providing a daily retreat that is not only functional but also a source of enjoyment.

3. I Should Have Opted for a Dual Sink Countertop

Dual sink countertops provide dedicated space for you and your spouse’s morning routines.

Morning routines can become chaotic when sharing a single sink. The rush to get ready, juggling toothbrushes, hairdryers, and skincare products, can lead to frustration and precious time lost. Consider upgrading to a dual sink countertop. Provide both yourself and your spouse with dedicated spaces for personal grooming needs, transforming the morning routine into a more organized and efficient process.

4. I Renovated as I Moved Out and Never Was Able to Enjoy My New Bathroom

While renovating before selling can increase your home’s value, don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of a new bathroom yourself. Renovate right when you move in or when you know you’re going to be staying at your house for a while to come so you can fully appreciate the upgraded space before putting your house on the market.

5. I Should Have Renovated My Bathroom Before I Moved In

Why wait to enjoy a fresh, modern bathroom? Plan your remodel before moving in, ensuring you start your homeownership journey with a brand new stylish and functional bathroom.

6. I Wish I Completely Remodeled My Bathroom Instead of Just Giving it a Facelift

Amidst financial considerations, don’t limit your bathroom upgrade to a surface-level facelift like a shower replacement. Explore affordable financing options that empower you to embark on a complete bathroom remodel. This investment not only revitalizes the entire space but also ensures long-term satisfaction and functionality. Don’t settle for half measures when you can achieve a transformative change that enhances both aesthetics and functionality, providing lasting value for years to come. 

At EZPro Baths Express, we offer flexible financing options so you can do your dream bathroom remodel. Throughout the year, we’ll have deals for 0% financing for an extended period of time.

7. My Partner Thinks They Can Do Everything Themselves Instead of Hiring a Professional

Hire a professional bathroom remodeling company that will arrive on time and finish the job on time.

Opting for a DIY bathroom remodel may seem tempting, but the hidden complexities often outweigh the benefits. Professional contractors bring essential expertise, saving you time and potential costly mistakes. Their industry knowledge ensures quality work, efficient solutions, and adherence to standards.

When you remodel your own bathroom, you probably won’t have significant time to invest into the remodel causing your bathroom to be out of commission for weeks or even months. At EZPro Baths Express, we typically get smaller projects like a shower or tub replacement done in as little as one day where full bathroom remodels with a new vanity and flooring can take up to a week.

By hiring professionals, you not only streamline the process but also gain accountability, reduced stress, and you’ll end up with a lasting, high-quality result. In the end, investing in professional assistance proves to be a wise decision for a successful and stress-free bathroom renovation.

8. Having Family Do the Work For Us

Hiring a contractor ensures a timely and well-executed project. Avoid delays and uncertainties by choosing experienced professionals over well-intentioned family members with varying levels of expertise. 

You might trust your dad, uncle, or another family member to do the job right, but if something does go wrong, your costs can add up quickly. If you’re unsure about having a family member do your bathroom remodel, don’t let them convince you. 

We often hear about how family members will charge $16 per hour. Sounds pretty cheap right? Uncle Joe is inevitably going to charge you for the time where he’s snacking out of your fridge and having a riveting conversation with the dog. All of the sudden that $16 per hour your Uncle Joe is charging will start to add up. Instead of guessing how much the project costs, get an exact price from a reputable bathroom remodeling company.

We’ve had several instances where we’ve remodeled a bathroom that was partially remodeled by a family member. Hire a fully-insured, fully-licensed bathroom remodeling company from the get-go who will get a high-quality job done worry-free. 

9. Working Against My Existing Space 

Moving plumbing or walls around during your bathroom remodel can quickly rack up an expensive final project. Maximize your budget by working with your existing space.

Avoid unnecessary expenses by refraining from moving plumbing and walls unless absolutely necessary. 

10. I Should Have Used Higher Quality Materials 

Our shower pans, tubs, and bath and shower walls are all made from high-quality acrylic that is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Invest in materials that stand the test of time. Consider a high-quality acrylic shower or tub instead of fiberglass. Get high-quality, easy-to-clean fixtures. Our acrylic comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring durability and comfort for years to come. 

11. Going With a Material That Looks Great, But is Labor Intensive to Keep Clean 

Choose materials like solid surface shower walls that are easy to clean and resist mold and mildew. Black fixtures tend to show mineral stains, tile collects mold and mildew in the grout between the tiles.

All of our shower walls at EZPro Baths Express are solid-surface and can be adapted to look exactly how you want it. We have simulated tile wall patterns and laser etched tiles that give the look of tile without the hassle of hard-to-clean grout.

12. Opting for a Tile Floor 

Our scratch-resistant luxury vinyl holds heat much better than materials like tile or linoleum.

Tile floors collect dust, water, dirt, hair, and more, creating a nasty concoction that is cumbersome to get perfectly clean.

Tile also tends to get much colder during the winter months than other products. At EZPro Baths Express, our floors are made from luxury vinyl that holds heat much better than tile and is completely scratch-free, slip-resistant, and leak-free.

13. Cramming so Many Styles and Colors Together 

While customization is encouraged, be cautious not to overdo it. A cohesive design enhances the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, creating a harmonious space. Working with a designer will help you end up with a bathroom that looks great.

At EZPro Baths Express, our design consultants have seen it all. They’ll walk you through the patterns and color options available to you and work with you to ensure your bathroom is functional and beautiful.

14. Skimping on the Waterproofing 

Protect your investment by ensuring your bathroom is waterproof for decades to come. A leaky shower or tub can lead to costly repairs down the line. 

15. Going With the Latest Trends 

While trendy designs can be appealing, timeless choices often prove more satisfying in the long run. If your bathroom today is ugly, odds are that bathroom was designed with the hottest trends of the era your house was built. 

16. Not Adding Optional Features 

Enhance your shower or tub experience by incorporating built-in shelving, shower seating, grab bars, handheld shower heads, and age-in-place safety features like grab bars or built-in seating. Don’t miss out on an optional feature just to keep the cost down. 

17. Not Adding Age-in-Place Safety Features 

If you’re planning on staying in your current home for the foreseeable future, adding a few safety features to your bathroom remodel is something to keep in mind. You may be 50 now, but in 20 years you may wish you would have added a few extra safety enhancements to your bathing area. 

There are many ways you can add safety improvements to your bathroom. Read our blog about how to improve safety features for seniors. 

If you want to hold off on having age-in-pace safety features for the time being to save on the cost of your project, one option we offer is to put backing on your shower walls for future grab-bars so you can easily add grab bars once you’re ready. 

18. Getting an Estimate or Quote Instead of an Exact Price 

In the remodeling industry there’s a classic saying “Whatever quote or time frame you get from a contractor, double it.”

Steer clear of unwelcome surprises by working with a remodeling company that gives exact prices instead of quotes. Pave the way for a seamlessly executed project timeline and a price you can trust.

At EZPro Baths Express, our design consultants come out to your house to get exact measurements, styles and colors, and the full scope of your project so you know exactly what you’ll pay if you choose to do business with us.

19. Remodeling With an Unlicensed Contractor 

Protect yourself and your investment by hiring a licensed contractor with liability insurance, a warranty, experienced employees, and a willingness to collaborate on your design.

Should an unlicensed contractor sustain an injury on your property, the legal ramifications could lead to potential lawsuits against you. Certain projects require permits, and without a valid license, securing those permits becomes impossible. If you want to sell your house in the future, it’s possible that potential buyers will want to see permits for any work that has been done on the house. Prospective buyers are becoming savvier when checking if work was permitted.

Investing in well-protected work may come with an initial price tag, but it ensures that your bathroom dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Example of if someone gets hurt on your property who doesn’t have liability insurance, you’ll have to pay for their medical bills.

EZ Tip – Get a licensed contractor with: 

• Liability insurance policy
• Plumbing license
• Warranty
• Full-time installers
• Experience
• Photos of final projects
• A willingness to work with you on your design

20. Not Building Enough Storage 

Ensure your bathroom has ample storage space for towels, toiletries, and other essentials. Smart storage solutions contribute to a clutter-free and organized space. 

21. Not Replacing Pipes During my Remodel 

Depending on the material your pipes are made from, it may be time for a replacement. 

If your pipes are aging or in poor condition, consider replacing them during your remodel to prevent future issues and additional work down the line.

22. Not Working With a Designer 

Pinterest research can only get you so far and professional guidance goes a long way. We offer free in-home design consultations where a design consultant will help you design your dream bathroom and get you an exact price on your project. 

23. Not Taking Before and After Photos 

Capture the transformation by snapping before and after photos. It’s a satisfying way to showcase your bathroom’s evolution and inspire others contemplating a remodel. Our installers do it all the time, just take a look at our before and after gallery.

24. Not Choosing the Right Bathroom Remodeling Company 

Choosing the perfect bathroom remodeling company can be a tricky endeavor. Luckily, we’ve come up with a list of the most important things to look for when selecting a bathroom remodeling company. Here are a few from our list:

• Look for Proven Experience 
• Get a Good Warranty 
• Support a Local Business 
• Ensure a Minimal-Interruption Timeline 
• Keep an Eye Out for Deals and Specials 
• Check online reviews