As property stylists, we're often called upon to advise clients who are considering bathroom renovations before listing their homes. A beautifully renovated bathroom can significantly increase property value and buyer appeal, but costly mistakes can undermine both the budget and the result. Here's how you can help your clients navigate the potential pitfalls of bathroom renovations to achieve maximum return on investment.
Mistake #1: Blowing The Budget
Budget overruns are the most common renovation complaint we hear from clients. As property styling professionals, we should encourage clients to thoroughly research and set realistic budgets before demolition begins. Remind them that bathroom renovations typically cost between £5,000-£15,000 for a standard update, with premium renovations potentially exceeding £25,000.
Stylist's Guidance: Advise clients to add a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected issues. This buffer protects them from the stress of a half-finished bathroom should complications arise.
Important Safety Tip: Emphasise that plumbing should never be an area to cut corners. Unregistered plumbers or DIY water work can lead to serious property damage, personal injury, and costly repairs. Always recommend using fully qualified, registered plumbers for all water-related installations.
Mistake #2: Unclear Timeline
Without proper project management, bathroom renovations can drag on for months. Help your clients understand the importance of a clearly defined timeline, especially if they're managing the renovation themselves.
Stylist's Guidance: Provide clients with a basic renovation sequence they can adapt:
1. Demolition (1-2 days)
2. Rough plumbing and electrical (2-3 days)
3. Waterproofing (1-2 days with drying time)
4. Tiling/painting (3-5 days)
5. Installation of fixtures and fittings (2-3 days)
Remind them that this timeline assumes materials are ordered well in advance and tradespeople are booked consecutively. A total timeline of 2-4 weeks is realistic for most bathroom renovations, depending on complexity and fixture availability.
Mistake #3: Selecting Products in the Wrong Order
Impulse purchases based solely on aesthetics often lead to compatibility issues during installation. Guide your clients through a logical purchasing sequence to avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Stylist's Guidance: Recommend this product selection order:
1. Major fixtures (bath, shower, vanity)
2. Tiles and flooring
3. Tapware and plumbing fixtures
4. Storage solutions
5. Lighting
6. Accessories
This approach ensures each element complements the others while maintaining practical functionality. Reinforce that selecting products from largest to smallest helps maintain design cohesion and reduces installation complications.
Mistake #4: Choosing Unsuitable Fixtures and Finishes
Property styling expertise is particularly valuable when selecting fixtures that enhance property value while remaining practical. Fixtures that are poor quality, incorrectly sized, or improperly positioned can significantly detract from a bathroom's appeal.
Stylist's Guidance: Encourage clients to:
- Choose high-quality tapware and fixtures from reputable manufacturers
- Select appropriately sized vanities and baths for the space
- Consider water efficiency ratings for long-term appeal
- Prioritise timeless designs over trendy options for better resale value
- Ensure adequate lighting for functionality and ambience
Remind clients that well-chosen fixtures and finishes not only create visual impact but also demonstrate quality and attention to detail to potential buyers.
Mistake #5: Producing a Disconnected Look
A bathroom that feels visually disconnected from the rest of the home can confuse potential buyers and diminish overall property appeal. This is where your property styling expertise becomes invaluable.
Stylist's Guidance: Help clients achieve cohesion by:
- Continuing design elements from adjoining spaces
- Selecting complementary colour schemes
- Using consistent material finishes throughout the home
- Maintaining a consistent design language (modern, traditional, minimalist, etc.)
For example, if the kitchen features brushed nickel hardware, suggest similar finishes for bathroom tapware. If the home has a coastal aesthetic, continue those elements in the bathroom's colour palette and accessories.
Mistake #6: Overlooking the Small Details
Grout selection might seem minor, but it can dramatically impact the final look of a bathroom. Your expert eye for detail can help clients make choices that enhance their renovation's aesthetic appeal and longevity.
Stylist's Guidance: Offer these practical grout recommendations:
- For a seamless, expansive look: match grout to tile colour
- To highlight geometric patterns or interesting layouts: choose contrasting grout
- For floor tiles: suggest mid-tone grout that hides dirt while complementing the tile
- Advise against bright white floor grout which quickly shows discolouration
Remind clients that epoxy grout, while more expensive, offers superior stain resistance and longevity—a selling point for potential buyers concerned about maintenance.
Mistake #7: Overwhelming Pattern Use
While patterned tiles add character and visual interest, they require careful balancing to avoid dating the space or overwhelming potential buyers.
Stylist's Guidance: Help clients create balance by:
- Limiting bold patterns to one focal area (either floor OR feature wall)
- Pairing patterned elements with complementary solid surfaces
- Selecting timeless patterns rather than trendy options
- Considering the bathroom's size when selecting tile dimensions
- Evaluating all materials together before installation
Waste Reduction Tip: Advise clients to discuss tile layout with their tiler before purchasing. Tile size should be proportional to the bathroom dimensions to minimise cutting and waste—an eco-friendly selling point that also saves money.
Adding Value Through Expert Styling
As property stylists, our expertise extends beyond furniture placement to understanding how renovation choices impact buyer appeal and property value. By guiding clients through these common renovation pitfalls, you provide value that extends well beyond the typical styling service.
Remember to emphasise that a well-executed bathroom renovation can deliver returns of 70-80% on investment when selling. By helping clients avoid these seven common mistakes, you're positioning their property for maximum market appeal and ensuring their renovation investment translates to genuine property value.
Comments