A bathroom remodel is one of the most exciting updates you can make to your home. However, without the right planning, there are several costly bathroom remodeling mistakes that can ruin your project.
At Above All Contracting, we have been called in to fix countless “DIY disasters” or jobs where corners were cut. In the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area, our specific climate and housing stock present unique challenges that many homeowners (and inexperienced contractors) overlook.
To ensure your investment stands the test of time, here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid when planning your luxury bathroom renovation.
1. Ignoring Ventilation (The “Mold Factory” Mistake)
In the Pacific Northwest, moisture is the enemy. Many older homes on the South Hill or in the Valley have undersized exhaust fans—or worse, fans that vent directly into the attic instead of outside.
- The Risk: Without proper ventilation, your beautiful new steam shower will become a breeding ground for mold and mildew within months, ruining your grout and paint.
- The Fix: We install high-CFM, whisper-quiet fans timed to run after you leave the room, ensuring humidity is pulled completely out of the house.
2. Choosing “Big Box” Materials over Pro-Grade
It is tempting to buy your vanity or tile from a big box store to save money.
- The Risk: Mass-produced plumbing fixtures often use plastic internal parts that leak after a few years. “Bargain” tile often has irregular sizing, leading to crooked grout lines that ruin the high-end look.
- The Fix: We source materials from dedicated local suppliers. Pro-grade valves use solid brass, and premium tile ensures a perfectly flat, lippage-free installation.
3. Skimping on Waterproofing (What You Can’t See Matters)
Tile is water-resistant, but grout is not waterproof.
- The Risk: If your contractor simply tiles over standard drywall or greenboard, water will eventually seep through, rotting your studs and subfloor. We have seen showers leak into the living room downstairs because of this common error.
- The Fix: We use industry-leading waterproofing systems (like Schluter-Kerdi). We build a watertight “tank” behind your tile so that moisture never touches your framing.
4. Prioritizing Trends Over Function
A “wet room” (tub inside the shower) looks amazing on Instagram, but does it fit your lifestyle?
- The Risk: Choosing a layout that looks cool but is freezing cold to shower in, or installing a vanity that has zero storage space.
- The Fix: We design for living. We ask about your morning routine. Do you need heated floors for those cold Spokane mornings? (The answer is usually yes!). Do you need niche storage for tall shampoo bottles? Design should serve you, not just look good.
5. Hiring on Price Instead of Value
This is the hardest lesson to learn. If a bid comes in 30% lower than everyone else, something is missing.
- The Risk: The “Cheapest Bid” usually means no permits, unskilled labor, or surprise “change orders” halfway through the job that end up costing you more than the professional bid.
- The Fix: Look for a detailed scope of work. At Above All Contracting, our estimates are transparent. You know exactly what you are paying for, and you get the peace of mind that comes with hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured General Contractor.
Do It Right the First Time
Your home is likely your biggest investment. Don’t risk it on a gamble.
[Contact Above All Contracting today] for a consultation. We help you navigate these pitfalls to deliver a bathroom that is as durable as it is beautiful.