8 Common Mistakes You Want To Avoid During Your Puyallup, WA Bathroom Remodel
8 Common Mistakes You Want To Avoid During
Your Puyallup, WA Bathroom Remodel
(And How To Take Full Advantage
Of Your Opportunity To Upgrade)
Excited about your bathroom remodel in Puyallup, WA? You should be – it’s the perfect chance to transform your bathroom into something more modern, stylish, and functional.
But a remodel isn’t just about picking out new tiles and fixtures. Even the best bathroom remodel ideas can flop if certain design choices are overlooked or forgotten.
Whether you’re planning a bathtub replacement, shower conversion, or a full-scale renovation in the Greater Seattle Area, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what you want. And avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and a ton of frustration.
Overlooking The Layout During
Your Bathroom Remodel
Ignoring your bathroom’s layout is kinda like assembling IKEA furniture without reading the instructions – you think you know what you’re doing, but halfway through, you realize everything’s backwards, and now you’re frustrated.
But why does this happen? People get caught up in aesthetics – sleek black faucets, high-end vanities, stylish tile – and assume the layout will just fall into place. But without proper planning, a bathroom can feel cramped, awkward, and uncomfortable to use.
Small mistakes make a bathroom dysfunctional, but the biggest issue? Plumbing placement. Unlike cabinets, pipes aren’t easy or cheap to relocate. If you don’t design around existing plumbing, your project could end up over budget – or worse, end up impractical.
How To Avoid This Mess
Forgetting the layout can lead to a variety of frustrating issues for homeowners down the line. But there are some easy steps you can follow to make sure it doesn’t get overlooked.
- Map It Out (Literally) – Measure everything and sketch the layout to scale. Apps can help, or you can work with a contractor.
- Follow the Rule of 3 – In a bathroom, three key areas must flow well:
- Sink/vanity (getting ready)
- Toilet (obvious reasons)
- Shower/tub (cleaning up)
- These should be arranged so they don’t block each other or create a traffic jam in the bathroom.
- Test Movement – Can doors, drawers, and cabinets open fully? Is there enough space to stand comfortably?
- Prioritize Plumbing – If replacing a bathtub, don’t just pick a random spot – work within the existing plumbing footprint to avoid costly reroutes.
A well-planned layout makes your bathroom effortless to use – no awkward door swings, no squeezing into tight spaces. Nail this first, and the rest (materials, aesthetics) will fall into place.
Choosing The Wrong Materials For
Your Bathroom Remodel Designs
It’s easy to pick materials based on looks alone, but durability and upkeep matter just as much.
- High-end wood vanities? Gorgeous – but without moisture resistance, they’ll warp.
- Natural stone? Beautiful – but it needs regular sealing and maintenance.
- Budget-friendly laminate? Great – if it’s rated for high moisture.
The key isn’t cheap vs. expensive – it’s choosing materials that fit your style and your lifestyle.
How To Avoid This Mistake
Before committing, ask: How does it handle moisture? How much maintenance does it need? Will it last in a high-use space?
Yes, quality matters (but you already knew that). That doesn’t mean you have to choose low-maintenance materials like quartz or porcelain tile. If you love the look of natural stone and don’t mind the upkeep, go for it – just make sure your choice works for you.
Overlooking Storage As A Major Part
Of Your Bathroom Remodel Ideas
Bathroom storage is often an afterthought – until you realize you don’t have enough.
Why This Happens
Homeowners are used to working with limited space, so they assume storage is a luxury, not a necessity.
When remodeling, they focus on big-ticket upgrades – new vanities, fancy fixtures – without considering how much storage they actually need to keep the space functional and clutter-free.
How To Avoid This Mistake
A beautiful bathroom gets frustrating fast if there’s nowhere to store anything. Here’s how to maximize your space:
- Plan Storage Like Fixtures – Built-in shelving, vanity drawers, and recessed niches should be mapped out before choosing materials.
- Maximize Vertical Space – Use wall-mounted cabinets, floating shelves, or built-in shower storage to free up floor space.
- Customize for Your Needs – Store a lot of hair tools? Add a vanity drawer with built-in outlets. Need extra towel space? Make room for a dedicated cabinet.
Storage is one of the easiest upgrades to add during a remodel – but only if you plan for it.
Skimping On Ventilation In
Your Bathroom Refresh
Think your old exhaust fan is doing the job? (Spoiler: It’s not.)
An underpowered or rarely used fan lets moisture build up fast – leading to mold, peeling paint, and warped fixtures. It’s easy to overlook when you’re focused on tile and vanity choices, but without proper ventilation, your dream bathroom slowly turns into a swamp.
Thankfully, it’s an easy fix.
- Get a fan rated for your bathroom size and make sure it vents outside, not into the attic.
- Use smart tech like a timer or humidity sensor so the fan runs automatically after every shower.
- Consider a second fan if your space traps a lot of moisture.
A well-ventilated bathroom isn’t just about comfort – it’s the key to keeping your remodel looking fresh for years to come.
Not Budgeting For The Unexpected
Bathroom Remodel Costs
Most homeowners budget for the obvious costs – fixtures, flooring, labor. But what about the hidden ones? The old plumbing behind the wall, the rotting subfloor, the outdated electrical that’s not up to code?
If your contractor brings these up, it’s not to squeeze more money out of you – it’s because these problems don’t show up until the demolition starts. And by then, you have to deal with them.
Now, imagine your bathroom is halfway torn apart, and work grinds to a halt because you suddenly need to fork over thousands more. It happens all the time – which is why we always recommend setting aside 15–20% more than your expected costs.
A good contractor can often spot potential issues during a pre-remodel inspection, but with a built-in contingency, your renovation is far more likely to stay on track without a hitch.
Forgetting To Layer Lighting For
Your Bathroom Remodel
Much like storage, lighting is often an afterthought – maybe because of that old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
But just because ambient lighting (the most common type) technically lights up the room doesn’t mean it gives you the visibility you need for every bathroom task.
Think about it – ever tried to groom under weak overhead lighting? You almost see what you need to, but not quite. Or have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why do I look so harsh?”
That’s ambient lighting casting unflattering shadows, making everyday tasks frustrating when they should be effortless.
How To Avoid This Mistake
The key to great bathroom lighting? Layer it.
- Ambient (overhead) – Softens the whole space.
- Task (mirror & vanity) – Eliminates shadows for grooming.
- Accent (wall sconces, LED strips, shower lighting) – Adds depth and warmth.
Placement matters too.
Side-mounted vanity lights or backlit mirrors reduce shadows way better than a single overhead fixture. And with dimmers, you can switch between functional and relaxing lighting as needed.
Accent lighting might seem like an extra, but it’s what turns a bathroom from purely functional to a true retreat. Your bathroom is where you take care of you – so designing it to feel good isn’t just a luxury, it’s a smart choice.
Ignoring Accessibility In Your
Bathroom Remodel Ideas
Accessibility upgrades aren’t just for mobility issues – they’re about future-proofing your bathroom so it works for everyone long-term.
Why Accessibility Matters
Even if you don’t need accessibility features now, will that still be true in 10–15 years?
Features like curbless showers, wider doorways, and easy-to-reach fixtures make a bathroom more user-friendly for all ages – and keep you from needing another remodel down the line.
But accessibility isn’t just about mobility concerns. These upgrades make bathrooms safer for kids, easier for pregnant women, and more convenient for everyone.
Plus, a bathroom designed for comfort and ease of use has way more appeal to future buyers. Even younger homeowners appreciate features like a spacious shower with a bench, non-slip flooring, and well-placed grab bars – especially when they blend seamlessly into the design.
Easy Ways To Add Accessibility Without Compromising Style
The good news? Accessibility upgrades can enhance your bathroom’s design while making it more functional for everyone.
- Floating Vanities – Provide extra knee clearance for wheelchair users and make the space more open.
- Grab Bars That Look Like Towel Racks – Discreet and stylish.
- Non-Slip Flooring – Prevents slips without looking industrial.
- Curbless Showers – Sleek, modern, and easy to step into.
Even if accessibility isn’t a priority now, adding these upgrades during a remodel is a smart, long-term investment – one that boosts comfort, resale value, and usability for everyone.
Not Working With A Trusted Bathroom
Remodeling Contractor
DIY bathroom upgrades might seem like a way to save money – until plumbing, waterproofing, and structural work come into play. These aren’t just complicated – they need to be done right to avoid leaks, water damage, and costly repairs down the line.
That’s where Bath Planet comes in. As a trusted local company specializing in custom bathroom designs, we ensure every detail – big or small – is tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re planning a bathtub replacement, shower conversion, or installing accessibility upgrades, our expert team delivers high-quality craftsmanship with a customer-first approach.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Puyallup, WA, and want a contractor who won’t overlook the details, contact Bath Planet at (866) 758-2416 for a free quote.
