A bathroom remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your Atlanta home. However, it is also one of the most complex, combining specialized trades like plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and waterproofing. Even minor errors can lead to expensive fixes down the road—especially in Georgia’s humid climate.
Knowing the most common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes Atlanta homeowners and contractors make is the first step toward a successful project. At Varilko Remodeling, we leverage our experience to anticipate and avoid these pitfalls, ensuring your renovation is smooth, safe, and built to last.
Here are seven critical mistakes to avoid during your next bathroom renovation.
1. Overlooking the “Hidden” Infrastructure
This is the single biggest source of costly problems. Homeowners often focus solely on the finishes while ignoring the mechanical necessities behind the walls.
- Poor Ventilation: As we’ve discussed, overlooking ventilation in remodel plans leads to immediate mold and mildew issues. Installing a fan that is undersized or improperly vented into the attic guarantees damage.
- Outdated Plumbing: Failing to replace old galvanized or polybutylene pipes while the walls are open means you risk a catastrophic leak shortly after the renovation is complete.
2. Skimping on Waterproofing
The shower enclosure must be a tank, not a sponge. Cutting corners on the waterproofing system (the layer behind the cement board and tile) is a critical mistake.
- The Error: Relying only on plastic sheeting or green board, or failing to properly seal the floor-to-wall joints.
- The Fix: Always use a professional, multi-layer waterproofing membrane system (liquid or sheet) that is applied directly to the cement board before any tile is laid.
3. Rushing the Permitting Process
Attempting to skip or rush local regulations is a massive liability. The cost of unpermitted work Atlanta imposes can include hefty fines and the requirement to tear out new work for inspection.
- The Error: Starting work—especially plumbing or electrical—before the required Bathroom Remodeling Permits Atlanta issues are approved.
- The Fix: Hire a licensed contractor who manages the entire process, submits plans, and coordinates all rough-in and final inspections for you.
4. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Accessibility (The Vanity)
A beautiful vanity that doesn’t hold anything is a failure.
- The Error: Choosing an open shelf or vessel sink vanity for aesthetics, then realizing you have no space for daily essentials, leading to counter clutter.
- The Fix: Prioritize function. Opt for a vanity with deep, full-extension drawers and consider integrating outlets inside drawers or medicine cabinets for a perfectly clear counter.
5. Falling into DIY Bathroom Renovation Pitfalls
While small paint jobs are feasible, major DIY bathroom renovation pitfalls involve complicated trade work that requires professional licensure and expertise.
- The Error: Attempting complex tasks like electrical wiring, shower pan sloping, or plumbing relocation without the proper skills.
- The Fix: Save DIY for painting and cabinet assembly. Leave the systems (electrical, plumbing, waterproofing) to the licensed professionals.
6. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting Placement
As noted in our lighting guide, placing a single fixture directly above the mirror casts shadows on your face, making grooming and makeup application frustrating.
- The Error: Relying on basic overhead lighting.
- The Fix: Design for layered lighting: Sconces or horizontal bars at face level (task lighting) paired with overhead recessed lights (ambient lighting) all on separate dimmer switches.
7. Buying Long Lead-Time Materials Late
This mistake is the number one cause of project delays.
- The Error: Ordering custom tile, a unique vanity, or a specific fixture only after demolition has started. These materials often have 6-12 week lead times.
- The Fix: Finalize all material selections and verify lead times before signing the contract and scheduling the tear-out. This ensures your project stays on the agreed-upon bathroom renovation timeline Atlanta expects.
Ready to Remodel Without the Headaches?
Avoid the Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes Atlanta professionals know best. By partnering with Varilko Remodeling, you gain a team dedicated to flawless execution and meticulous planning.
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