A bathroom remodel can transform a tired, outdated space into one of the most functional and relaxing rooms in your home. But as with any major renovation, it’s easy to run into problems if you’re not careful. Whether you’re tackling a full gut job or just giving your bathroom a facelift, steering clear of common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress down the line.

Here are 10 bathroom remodeling mistakes homeowners often make — and how to avoid them.*

1. Skipping the Planning Phase

The Mistake: Jumping into demolition without a clear vision or detailed plan.

Why It Happens: Excitement to get started can cloud judgment.

How to Avoid It: Spend time upfront developing a realistic plan. Think about how you use your bathroom daily — not just how you want it to look. Consider storage, lighting, layout, ventilation, and future needs. Bring in a designer or contractor early if you’re unsure where to start.

2. Underestimating the Budget

The Mistake: Setting an unrealistic budget or forgetting to account for hidden costs.

Why It Happens: People often base their budget on ideal scenarios or inspiration photos without pricing things out.

How to Avoid It: Price materials and labor thoroughly. Leave room for at least 15-20% in contingency funds for surprises (and there will be surprises). Prioritize your must-haves and be ready to make compromises if necessary.

See: Do You Need a Permit for a Bathroom Remodel?

3. Choosing Style Over Function

The Mistake: Focusing too much on aesthetics and ignoring how the space actually works.

Why It Happens: Pinterest boards and magazine spreads can skew your priorities.

How to Avoid It: Design should support function. A wall-mounted faucet might look sleek, but if it’s awkward to use or a pain to maintain, it’s not worth it. Choose materials and layouts that make daily use easier, not just prettier.

4. Improper Ventilation

The Mistake: Forgetting about proper ventilation or skimping on the exhaust fan.

Why It Happens: It’s not the most glamorous part of a remodel, so it often gets overlooked.

How to Avoid It: Moisture is a bathroom’s biggest enemy. Invest in a quality exhaust fan that fits the size of your space. Make sure it vents outside the house — not into the attic — and use it every time you bathe or shower.

5. Poor Lighting Choices

The Mistake: Relying on a single overhead light or not layering lighting properly.

Why It Happens: Lighting often becomes an afterthought, or people assume one fixture will do the job.

How to Avoid It: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Install task lighting around mirrors to eliminate shadows when shaving or applying makeup. Consider dimmers to adjust brightness depending on the time of day or mood.