Renovating a bathroom is an exciting adventure. And it’s something we want you to enjoy. That’s why we want to help you avoid some of the pitfalls and common mistakes people make that turn their adventure into a nightmare – both during the renovation, and throughout the life of the bathroom.

Sadly, many new bathrooms are built to give a ‘wow factor’ (often like the stylish bathrooms you see on TV renovation shows), but fall short on attention to detail and quality that lasts. This leaves the home owner plagued with ongoing (often expensive) problems.

In the car industry, this is known as a ‘lemon’.

Here are some things to watch out for when planning your bathroom renovation and choosing your bathroom company…  

 

MISTAKE #1

Buying the cheapest advertised bathroom renovation from an unscrupulous supplier who uses inferior materials or imported products that don’t stand up to everyday family use.

When it comes to choosing accessories and quality workmanship, it’s just not worth cutting corners. While the quality (or lack-there-of) may not seem apparent at first, you’ll kick yourself in a few short years when things start going wrong (e.g. water leaks, tarnished accessories etc.).

Not only will you be up for new accessories, you could face expensive plumbing bills. And depending on what the failure is, you could be up for even more cost and inconvenience in water damage.

When you choose to renovate your bathroom with Your Bathroom Team, it’s never done ‘on the cheap’. You’ll be pleased with the price, but you’ll be especially pleased with all the value built into your new bathroom.

[Side Bar:  Instead of looking for ‘cheap’, look for GREAT VALUE. Take time to be certain you are buying a quality and reliable bathroom. And check the added value you get from your first contact with your bathroom company, right through to when your bathroom is finished and ready to enjoy.]

 

MISTAKE #2

Choosing a bathroom company that doesn’t take the time to understand your needs – only to find your new bathroom doesn’t fulfil your requirements (e.g. doorways too narrow, not enough storage, incorrect bath for your family).

These are the things that really annoy you because they can’t easily be fixed. Be sure to deal with a bathroom company that takes the time to understand your goals – experts who help you to ask questions that you may never have thought to ask.

And never deal with pushy salespeople who try to sell you what they have instead of what you need.

 

MISTAKE #3

Getting caught out with expensive add on costs through not getting a fully itemised written quote.

A comprehensive, written quote is the only way you can know for sure what you’re getting. We often hear stories of great frustration (and sometimes have to step in to ‘save the day’) because a bathroom company has given a cheap quote to win the job. But half way through – when the family is struggling to live in a demolition zone – all work stops until the home owner agrees to significant add on items they assumed would be included. Be sure to get everything in writing. And don’t sign anything that doesn’t have all the details included.

 

MISTAKE #4

Being left with expensive damages because your bathroom company was not licensed or insured.

It’s the things you don’t think about that can end up causing problems. Like the weight of your contractor’s truck cracking your driveway. Or your tiler slipping on your front stairs and suing you.

Most household insurance does not cover these things. Be sure your bathroom company is licensed and carries adequate insurance, or your bathroom could end up costing you many times the price of the quote.

 

MISTAKE #5

Only finding out the warranty is worthless when things start to go wrong.

It’s the old story isn’t it:  there’s no problem, until there’s a problem. And then nobody wants to know about it. Be sure to deal with a reputable company that outlines their guarantees in writing. Ask for references and testimonials. Check out their reputation online. Do your homework before naively thinking everything will be okay (because that’s usually when it’s not okay).

 

MISTAKE #6

Not getting start and finish dates in writing.

There’s no denying it, renovations cause inconvenience. That’s why careful planning is important. But things get very complicated when plans are changed by a bathroom company that delays the start date. And even worse, when they take weeks longer to finish the job. Be sure to get firm start and finish dates in writing. Otherwise you could find yourself living with a half-finished bathroom for months.