12 Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes in London
(and How to Avoid Them)
A bathroom renovation can transform your home, adding both style and value. But without careful planning and professional execution, even a high-budget project can suffer from costly mistakes. Here are 12 common errors homeowners make — and how to avoid them for a flawless finish.
1. Poor Layout Planning
A badly designed bathroom layout can make the space awkward and inefficient. Common issues include doors clashing with fixtures, cramped shower areas, or a lack of clear flow.
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💡 Pro tip: Before buying any fixtures, map out your bathroom’s exact dimensions. Professionals can optimise the layout for comfort, functionality, and compliance with building regulations.
2. Inadequate Waterproofing
Without proper waterproofing, water can seep into walls and floors, causing long-term damage. Simply tiling over plasterboard is not enough.
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💡 Pro tip: Install a full tanking system in all wet zones, ensuring that every seam and junction is properly sealed.
3. Ignoring Storage Needs
Many homeowners focus on style and forget about practicality, ending up with a bathroom that feels cluttered.
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💡 Pro tip: Plan built-in shelves, vanity units, and mirrored cabinets to keep the space organised without compromising aesthetics.
4. Choosing the Wrong Materials
High-moisture areas require durable, water-resistant materials. Untreated wood, standard paint, or unsealed stone won’t last.
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💡 Pro tip: Opt for moisture-resistant boards, porcelain tiles, epoxy grout, and anti-slip finishes for safety and durability.
5. Poor Ventilation
Insufficient ventilation is a leading cause of mould and damp in bathrooms. Without adequate airflow, moisture lingers, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and damage.
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💡 Pro tip: Install a correctly sized extractor fan suitable for your bathroom’s size and usage. If possible, incorporate a window for natural ventilation — but never skip the fan, especially in windowless bathrooms.
6. Not Planning the Renovation Process
Jumping into demolition without a clear plan leads to delays, budget overruns, and mismatched finishes.
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💡 Pro tip: A detailed renovation plan should include timelines, budget tracking, and coordination between trades to keep the project on track.
7. Poor Lighting Choices
Relying on a single overhead light can create shadows in key areas, making the space look smaller and less functional.
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💡 Pro tip: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting, using moisture-rated fixtures for safety.
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8. Overlooking Small but Crucial Details
Skipping details like proper silicone sealing, neatly finished tile edges, or level fixtures can make a bathroom look unfinished.
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💡 Pro tip: Professionals pay attention to every detail, ensuring the final result looks polished.
9. Attempting a Full Renovation Alone
A Bathroom renovations involve plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, and tiling — all of which require specialist skills. DIY errors can be expensive to fix.
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💡 Pro tip: Hire certified tradespeople for specialist work to ensure safety, compliance, and durability.
10. Shower Not Draining Properly
Poor drainage can cause standing water, slippery floors, and even leaks. This often results from incorrect floor gradients or poorly installed waste systems.
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💡 Pro tip: Professionals ensure correct slopes, waterproofing, and waste connections from the start.
11. Underestimating Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Some finishes and fixtures require more upkeep than expected, leading to ongoing expenses.
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💡 Pro tip: Choose durable, low-maintenance materials and fixtures designed to withstand daily use.
12. Neglecting Heating and Temperature Comfort
A bathroom should feel warm and comfortable year-round. Skipping proper heating solutions can make the space uncomfortable and prone to condensation issues.
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💡 Pro tip: Consider underfloor heating, heated towel rails, or compact radiators. These not only improve comfort but also help keep surfaces dry and mould-free.
