Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make During Bathroom Makeovers in Mosman

A bathroom reno is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's comfort and value - even more so in an upscale, style-driven area like Mosman. Given the number of beautiful heritage homes, as well as numerous new builds in the area, it's no wonder many people in Mosman spend a fortune doing their bathrooms up. But with a big spend comes a risk of making some expensive mistakes.

Whether you're updating a powder room or building a casual-sophisticated spa-like ensuite, here are the five most common bathroom renovation mistakes Mosman homeowners make - and how to avoid repeating them.

1. Forgetting about Mosman's heritage and council requirements

Many heritage-listed properties exist in Mosman, and there are plenty of local planning regulations. One of the most common mistakes is commencing a renovation without checking whether it needs council approval.

What to do:

Prior to ripping down some walls or putting in a skylight or two, you should check on the Mosman Council website for the development controls or discuss with a local architect or builder well versed in heritage regulations. Some renovations, even if it is only internal, might need council approval if it results in structural change or plumbing changes.

2. Thumbs on the budget

Bathroom renovations can be expensive, especially when you add waterproofing, plumbing, electrical and premium finishes common in Mosman homes. Pulling together a budget without any hidden costs or unexpected issues is a common mistake made by homeowners.

What to do instead:

Consider a realistic budget, and add a 15-20% buffer for contingencies. Get fixed quotes from licensed professionals and always check the fine print.

3. Placing look before function.

A beautiful bathroom does not automatically mean a functional one. Expect for many of Mosman residents to fall in love with a Pinterest worthy scheme that may not suit the layout of their home or their day to day use.

What to do instead:

Look for a professional designer who nows both look and function. Consider how the bathroom will be used, do you have sufficient lighting, ventilation and storage? Make a tailored design for your household birthday not what was trending last season.

4. DIYing Without the Right Experience

Although DIY can save money, any serious plumbing, waterproofing and electrics should really be done by qualified trades - and for good reason. You don't want to run into ongoing issues with the structural integrity of your home, or legally.

What to do instead:

Hire licensed trades who know Australian Standards and the NSW Building Codes. Cutting corners in Mosman can not only ruin a high-end renovation, it could also decrease the value of your home.

5. Choosing the Wrong Materials Given the Coastal Environment

Mosman is coastal which can mean higher humidity and some exposure to salt. Using standard materials regardless of the local climate will likely lead to mould, rust and general wear.

What to do instead:

Consider using moisture-resistant paints, non-porous tiles, marine-grade fixtures and the right ventilation systems. Better quality materials may not always be cheap initially but will be durable in Mosman's climate.

Final Thoughts

Mosman bathroom renovation is not only about improving your space but also about investing in your lifestyle and the property market. Staying clear of these frequent mistakes can be a real money-saver and also guarantee that your bathroom is not only beautiful to look at but also perfect in use for a long time going forward.

If you are in the process of planning a renovation in Mosman and need an expert who can give you advice based on your home, then a local renovation specialist is the right person for you as he/she understands the unique character and regulations of the area.