A bathroom renovation is an investment that should last you the next 15 to 20 years. Yet many projects go wrong, resulting in leaks, moisture problems, or a bathroom that already looks dated within a few years. After completing hundreds of bathroom renovations, we at Refresh Bathrooms keep seeing the same mistakes pop up time and again. The good news? They’re all preventable.
In this guide, we walk you through the seven most common mistakes and show you exactly how to avoid them. Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional, this knowledge will save you time, money, and headaches.
Mistake 1: An unrealistic budget and no buffer for unexpected costs
The biggest bathroom renovation mistake of all? Assuming your renovation will come in exactly on budget. Many people work with a tight budget of, say, €5,000, only to discover that hidden pipe damage, extra tiling, or a missing component pushes the total to €7,500.
Why does this happen? Old bathrooms often hide surprises behind the tiles: outdated pipes clogged with limescale, rotting wooden joists from leaks, or unexpected drainage issues. It’s only when you start demolition that you find out what actually needs to be done. On top of that, costs like debris removal, extra materials due to measurement errors, or delivery delays are often overlooked.
Want to know exactly what a new bathroom costs? Our cost guide gives you a complete overview of all possible expenses.
How do you prevent it?
- Set aside a 15–20% contingency buffer in addition to your estimated costs. For a €10,000 budget, that means an extra €1,500–€2,000 to cover unexpected expenses.
- Request a detailed quote that lists every item: materials, labor, disposal costs, and any potential additional work. Companies that only give you a rough estimate without a breakdown? That’s where the biggest risk lies.
- Have your plumbing inspected in advance if your bathroom is more than 20 years old. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises halfway through the project.
- Choose all-inclusive packages like our bathroom renovation service, where you know exactly what you’ll pay up front—including materials, labor, and completion.
Refresh approach: We work with transparent, all-inclusive prices. After the initial consultation, you’ll receive a single, clear price for the entire renovation, with no hidden extras. What we agree on is what you pay.
Mistake 2: Poor ventilation or no ventilation at all
One of the most underestimated bathroom renovation mistakes: inadequate ventilation. The result? Mold on the grout, damp spots on the ceiling, smelly towels, and a musty odor that just won’t go away. Worse still, moisture seeps into other rooms and can cause structural damage to your home.
Why does this happen? Many people think a small window or a basic exhaust fan is enough. It isn’t. Every shower releases an enormous amount of moisture—up to 2 liters of water can evaporate into the air. Without proper extraction, that moisture lingers, condenses on cold surfaces, and allows mold to thrive.
In Belgium, for instance, mechanical ventilation in the bathroom is a legal requirement! Yet it’s regularly overlooked or deliberately skipped to cut costs. You’ll find more tips on keeping your bathroom clean and fresh in our comprehensive guide.
How do you prevent it?
- Install a modern mechanical exhaust fan with a humidity sensor that turns on automatically when the air becomes too humid. This doesn't have to be expensive and works much more effectively than manual ventilation.
- Make sure it has sufficient capacity: the fan should be able to extract at least 50 m³ per hour for a standard bathroom measuring 6–8 m².
- Position the fan correctly: as far from the door as possible and, ideally, above or next to the shower, so that moist air is extracted directly.
- Choose materials that are moisture-resistant: wall panels without grout lines prevent moisture from accumulating between the tiles and causing mold growth.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong materials for a wet environment
Beautiful wood paneling, drywall on the walls, or regular paint instead of bathroom paint. It looks great in the showroom, but it’s a disaster once you actually start showering. Materials that can’t handle constant moisture deteriorate in no time.
Why does this happen? People underestimate just how extreme the conditions inside a bathroom are. We’re talking about:
- Daily temperature fluctuations of 15–40 degrees
- Humidity peaking at 80–90% during a shower
- Direct contact with water, soap, and cleaning products
- No or limited natural ventilation
Ordinary materials can't handle this. Wood rots, drywall becomes sponge-like, and cheap grout discolors within months.
How do you prevent it?
- Choose 100% waterproof materials for wet areas. Consider glazed tiles, mineral marble, or high-quality wall panels specifically designed for bathrooms.
- Pay attention to sealant and grout: always use sanitary sealant with anti-mold properties and high-quality cement grout that can withstand moisture.
- Avoid using porous materials such as untreated wood, regular plaster, or standard MDF near sinks—unless they have been specifically designed to be water-resistant.
- Opt for grout-free solutions: tiles have grout lines where moisture, dirt, and mold accumulate. Modern wall panels are a great alternative to tiles. They are 100% waterproof and have no grout lines.
According to insurer Interpolis, the use of incorrect materials is one of the most common causes of water damage following renovations—with all the consequences that entails for your insurance.
Refresh approach: We exclusively use high-quality, waterproof wall panels. They require minimal maintenance, have no grout lines where mold can grow, and last at least 20 years without discoloration.
Mistake 4: Underestimating Plumbing and Pipework
It sounds so simple: just remove the old faucet and install the new one. Until you discover that the pipes don’t align, the water pressure is too low, or a leak suddenly floods the entire ground floor. Plumbing isn’t just a detail—it’s the foundation on which everything else depends.
Why does this happen? People focus on what they can see: beautiful tiles, a sleek sink, a luxury rain shower. But behind the walls is where the real work happens: water supply, drainage, pressure, and temperature control. If these aren’t done right, you’ll run into problems within months.
Common issues, according to experts:
- Pipes that aren't properly soldered — can lead to leaks after weeks or months
- Hot and cold water pipes are too close together — this causes heat loss
- Pipes without proper brackets — cause vibrations and wear
- Drains without proper venting — result in odor problems and empty traps
- Old pipes with limescale buildup — this reduces water pressure and will soon start leaking
How do you prevent it?
- Always hire a certified plumber for plumbing work, even if you’re doing everything else yourself. This is not the time to cut corners.
- Replace old pipes during renovation if your home is more than 30 years old or if you’re seeing a lot of limescale. This investment will prevent more expensive problems down the road.
- Test everything before finishing: leave all pipes pressurized and check for leaks before closing up the walls.
- Check the water pressure and temperature throughout your entire home before ordering that luxury rain shower—otherwise, it’ll just be a disappointing trickle.
Refresh approach: All our plumbing work is performed by certified professionals. We routinely inspect your existing pipes and recommend whether replacement is necessary. All installations are thoroughly tested before handover.
Mistake 5: A layout that’s too cramped, with no room to move
The dream: a freestanding tub, a walk-in shower, a double sink, and a toilet. All in a 6 m² bathroom. The result: you bump into things every morning, the shower door won’t open all the way, and the toilet is so cramped that your knees press against the wall. A cluttered bathroom isn’t luxury—it’s a daily frustration.
Why does this happen? People see stunning bathrooms online and want everything they see there. But they forget that those example bathrooms are often 12–15 m², while their own bathroom is only 5–7 m². Every element needs space to move around, and that space simply isn’t always available.
Research shows that an impractical layout caused by too few circulation routes is one of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes. Want to know more about smart layouts? Read our guide on the best layouts for small bathrooms.
Minimum space requirements:
- Toilet: at least 60 cm wide, 80 cm deep to allow for knee clearance
- Sink: at least 70 cm wide, with 100 cm of clear space in front
- Shower: at least 80 x 80 cm; 90 x 90 cm or larger is more comfortable
- Freestanding bathtub: at least 170 x 75 cm, plus space around it to step in
- Circulation route: at least 60 cm of clear passage
How do you prevent it?
- Make choices: in a small bathroom, you can't have it all. Do you really need that bathtub, or would a spacious walk-in shower where you can move around comfortably be a much better option?
- Draw everything to scale: use graph paper or an online bathroom planner. Measure everything, including the swing arcs of doors and drawers.
- Think about hidden storage: floating furniture, built-in cabinets, and wall niches. This way, you keep storage out of the way of foot traffic.
- Allow for tolerances: shower enclosures can vary by 2–3 cm in width, and ceramic tiles can shift after production. Always allow for a little extra space.
- Seek professional advice: an experienced bathroom specialist can tell at a glance what will and won’t fit, and can suggest smart solutions.
Refresh approach: During our free consultation, we take all the measurements and work out a smart layout together. We give honest advice if something won’t fit or will be impractical, and always come up with an alternative that actually works.
Mistake 6: Incorrect order of works
You’ve just laid beautiful new tiles. The next day, the plumber arrives to reroute the pipes and has to cut right through your new tilework. Or you install an expensive sink, only to find that the tiles behind it can’t be finished neatly afterward. The wrong sequence of work can delay your project by weeks and cost hundreds of euros extra.
Why does this happen? A bathroom renovation brings many different trades together: demolition, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, plastering, and painting. If this isn’t planned properly, people end up waiting for each other, work has to be redone, or you end up with a messy end result.
Want a complete overview? See our ultimate bathroom renovation checklist with all the steps laid out.
The correct order:
- Demolition and disposal — completely remove the old bathroom
- Plumbing rough-in — reroute pipes, test water pressure
- Electrical rough-in — run cables for lighting, ventilation, and heating
- Floor leveling — ensure a level surface and proper drainage slopes
- Waterproof base layer — primer, vapor barrier where needed
- Wall and floor cladding — tiles, wall panels, or plasterwork
- Plumbing finishing — connect plumbing fixtures, install faucets
- Electrical finishing — install lighting, range hood, and switches
- Finishing and styling — sealant, furniture, accessories
- Final cleaning and handover
How do you prevent it?
- Create a detailed schedule that includes all the steps and who will be there when. Share this with everyone involved.
- Order materials well in advance: tiles, bathroom fixtures, and furniture often have lead times of 2–6 weeks. Make sure everything is on site before you begin.
- Appoint a single general contractor to handle coordination—this prevents miscommunication between different tradespeople.
- Choose systems that are sequence-independent: our bathroom renovation—which doesn't require breaking anything—uses wall panels over existing tiles, saving a great deal of demolition and repair work.
Refresh approach: We handle all the planning and coordination. Since we have everything in-house with our own construction teams, your bathroom renovation runs like clockwork. No waiting, no miscommunication—just fast, clean results.
Mistake 7: Not thinking about future needs
You’re 35 and get in and out of the tub without a second thought. But your bathroom will last 20 years. Will you still be that agile then? Will your 70-year-old father be able to shower safely when he comes to stay? This question is often never asked—until it’s too late.
Why does this happen? Nobody likes thinking about getting older or physical limitations. But a bathroom that’s perfect now can become unusable in 10–15 years if your mobility decreases. A high bathtub rim becomes an obstacle, slippery tiles a fall risk, and a narrow doorway impossible to navigate with a walker.
Want to know more about future-proof living? Read our guide on a safe bathroom for seniors or on how to prepare your home for the future.
Future-proof choices:
- A walk-in shower instead of a bathtub or shower tray: no threshold means no trip hazard, even for people with limited mobility
- Non-slip flooring in the shower: smooth tiles are dangerous, especially when wet
- Anchor points for grab rails: even if you don’t install them now, make sure the structure is sturdy enough to mount grab rails later
- Wide doorway: at least 80 cm, preferably 90 cm, to allow access for wheelchairs or walkers
- Wall-hung toilet: adjustable in height if that ever becomes necessary, with space underneath for cleaning or mobility aids
- Good lighting: Adequate lighting prevents tripping and falling
How do you prevent it?
- Think 20 years ahead: How old will you be then? Do your parents live nearby and visit often?
- Opt for barrier-free solutions: many local authorities offer subsidies for future-proof renovations
- Choose neutral, timeless colors: white, beige, and light gray always look good and complement any interior
- Invest in quality: cheap materials need to be replaced after 8–10 years; quality materials last 20–30 years
Refresh approach: Our walk-in showers are designed to be threshold-free as standard and are future-proof. We anticipate future needs and advise on smart modifications you can make now—without any extra cost or compromising on design.
Avoid These Bathroom Renovation Mistakes with Professional Guidance
The seven bathroom renovation mistakes we’ve discussed are all preventable. What do they all have in common? Thorough preparation, prioritizing quality over short-term savings, and working with experts who know what they’re doing. A bathroom renovation doesn’t have to be a stressful project full of surprises and setbacks. With the right approach, realistic planning, professional advice, and a focus on quality, you can create a bathroom you’ll enjoy for 20 years.
What sets Refresh Bathrooms apart?
- All-inclusive, transparent pricing — no hidden costs or surprises later on
- Fast turnaround — complete bathroom renovation in 2–3 days, walk-in shower in 1 day
- Minimal demolition work—installing wall panels over existing tiles means less mess and disruption
- Single point of contact — from intake to handover, no communication through intermediaries
- Our own tradespeople — everything under one roof, no hassle with subcontractors
Request a free consultation
Want to avoid these bathroom renovation mistakes in your own renovation? Schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll go over everything together, answer your questions, and give you honest advice on what is and isn’t possible. No obligations—just helpful information to help you make a smart decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the biggest mistake people make when renovating a bathroom? The biggest mistake is setting a budget that’s too tight, with no room for unexpected costs. Always set aside an extra 15–20% to cover surprises, such as old pipes that need replacing or additional materials.
- How can I prevent mold in my new bathroom? Ensure proper mechanical ventilation (required by law in Belgium), use waterproof materials, and ideally choose wall panels without grout lines where mold can take hold. Dry surfaces after showering.
- Do I always need to replace my old pipes? Not always, but you should if your home is more than 30 years old or you’re seeing a lot of limescale. A plumber can perform an inspection. Replacing pipes during a renovation prevents more expensive problems down the road.
- How much space do I need, at a minimum, for a comfortable shower? At least 80 x 80 cm, but 90 x 90 cm or larger is much more comfortable. Don’t forget to leave at least 60 cm of clear space for easy movement.
- Can I save money by doing it myself? Yes, but not on critical elements like plumbing, electrical work, and waterproofing. Mistakes in these areas will ultimately cost more than you save. You can do the tiling or painting yourself if you’re handy.
- How long does an average bathroom renovation take? Traditionally, 3–4 weeks. At Refresh Bathrooms, thanks to our smart wall panel system and efficient planning, we can complete a full bathroom in 2–3 days and a walk-in shower in just 1 day. Read more about how a 1-day bathroom renovation works.
