During a renovation, a lot of people don’t pay much attention to the bathroom because it’s such a small space. Some barely care at all. They let the contractor do whatever, skim a few tips online, and then end up with one problem after another after moving in. So how can you avoid some of the common pitfalls when renovating a bathroom? These small details might help.
Always separate the wet and dry areas in a bathroom, or you’ll definitely regret it after moving in. It has several benefits. First, it makes better use of the space, giving washing, showering, and toilet use their own zones, so you can avoid conflicts when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. Second, it improves safety by helping prevent falls caused by slippery bathroom floors. Third, it helps prevent bacteria from growing, because when steam stays in contact with furniture and building materials for a long time, the room becomes damp, and dampness leads to bacteria. Fourth, it contains steam, which also helps avoid the damp conditions that encourage bacteria.
There’s no need to go on about how important bathroom waterproofing is; most people already know. Apply waterproofing two to three times, but don’t overdo it—too many coats can peel off. Also, the waterproofing should go at least 1.8 meters up the wall, since showerheads are usually installed around that height. Make sure the waterproof coating is applied thoroughly at the joints between the wall and floor and around the pipe openings for water supply and drainage.
If you use a glass partition between the wet and dry areas, the wet area still needs a height difference. The drainage slope in both the wet and dry areas has to be done properly, or water will easily pool on the floor. Also, waterproof the dry area and the area outside the door. Outside the door, about 10 cm is recommended, and the dry area should ideally be 1 to 1.5 cm lower than the floor outside.
If the bathroom drainpipe isn’t wrapped with soundproofing cotton, you’ll hear every toilet flush from upstairs. Soundproofing cotton gives you a quieter environment. Without it, the sound of running water in the bathroom can constantly be in your ears. If you want sound insulation, pay attention to the material and choose a product with guaranteed quality so you won’t have to worry later.
Whether it’s a traditional mirror or a smart mirror, a mirror is a must-have in the bathroom. But more and more people aren’t satisfied with a mirror that only lets them look at themselves; they want it to store things too. In terms of practicality, a mirrored cabinet is the more popular choice. A mirrored cabinet is basically a mirror with storage. A good one can hold plenty of everyday items. It’s best to choose a smart mirror if you can, because it’s more user-friendly and practical in terms of lighting and performance. Also, during renovation, be sure to reserve a power supply for the mirror light so you can install a mirrored cabinet that matches better.
For the bathroom, an aluminum-magnesium alloy glass door is best. Bathrooms are humid, and solid wood doors can crack and peel over time. Sliding doors also aren’t recommended because they don’t seal well and offer poor sound insulation. Fluted glass looks high-end, but the glass itself isn’t frosted, so privacy can be an issue. Choose a double-layer setup with one layer of fluted glass and one layer of frosted glass, and make sure both are ultra-clear; otherwise, they’ll be a bit see-through. If you want a high-end look, choose a door frame within 2 cm and a door casing within 4 cm. The profile thickness should be no less than 2.0. If you like a minimalist style, go with a single casing. If the bathroom door is less than 70 cm wide, a double casing is more suitable. One more important point: make sure the material has 3C certification, since certified tempered glass is safer. For the lock, choose a quiet magnetic lock—it’s quieter and more durable.
During renovation, the bathroom floor tiles have just been laid and haven’t been exposed to water, so the joints are dry and clean—ideal for grout sealing. If you wait until the joints are damp, moisture in the backfill layer will later turn into vapor and can make the sealed grout lift or even fall off. Ordinary grout sealant also tends to yellow and fade quickly when it gets wet. So bathroom grout sealing should be done before the bathroom is connected to water. Second, moisture between the tile joints can keep the sealant from bonding properly, causing peeling, whitening, and other problems. That’s why grout sealing should wait until the tiles are fully installed and completely dry. Keep the room ventilated before and after application. This helps the sealant cure, speeds up the release of renovation odors, and keeps the indoor air dry. In rainy seasons, however, it’s best to close the windows. Grout sealing is often said to be 30% material and 70% workmanship. Choosing a good installer means you’re more than halfway there, so pick someone with plenty of experience.
Here are a few things to keep in mind for bathroom outlets. First, if you put an outlet near the sink, make sure it’s high enough—ideally no lower than 1.5 meters—so it isn’t too close to the floor and doesn’t create an electrical hazard. Second, choose outlets with switches. That way you can cut the power with a press, reducing the risk of electric shock if your hands are wet, and you can leave them off when not in use. Third, you can add waterproof covers. After renovation, if you want extra safety, use self-adhesive waterproof covers to keep splashes from showering, hand-washing, or other water use from reaching the outlet. Reserve an outlet next to the bathroom cabinet too, so after using an appliance there, you can put it straight into the cabinet—quick and convenient. Also reserve an outlet beside the toilet, since more and more households are using smart toilets, and smart toilets need power. Planning the outlet ahead is a must.
