Johann Hunt
Renovating your home is exciting, but small mistakes can turn a dream upgrade into a costly regret. Poor planning, overlooked details, and trendy designs that don’t fit your lifestyle can lead to frustration down the line. To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are 10 renovation mistakes you should avoid.
Shallow Closets That Jam Sliding Doors
Sliding doors may seem space-saving, but shallow closets make them a nightmare. Clothes can get caught or wrinkled, defeating the purpose of convenience. A minimum depth of 24 inches is ideal for sliding-door wardrobes. This ensures smoother operation and better storage options.
Doorless Showers
While doorless showers offer a sleek, modern look, they often lead to slippery, hazardous bathrooms. Water can splash onto nearby surfaces, increasing the risk of damage to floors and walls. That is why properly slope the floor and strategically place drains to control water flow and keep the space safer.
Poorly Designed Wardrobes
Have you ever tried finding a specific outfit in a wardrobe without proper compartments or hanging space? Poor wardrobe planning leads to clutter and inefficiency. Customizing shelves to fit your needs helps maximize storage, while adjustable shelving adds flexibility as your wardrobe changes.
Floating Stairs
Floating stairs are undeniably stunning. However, their open structure lacks the built-in safety of traditional stairs. Without railings, gaps between steps can create falling risks for children and pets. You can add tempered glass or sleek metal railings to enhance security while maintaining a modern look.
Counterless Sinks
Imagine washing your hands and having nowhere to place the soap. Sinks without counter space create frustration during daily routines. To avoid this blunder, pair sinks with vanities or wall-mounted shelves. Proper placement of nearby storage ensures both convenience and a cleaner, more organized look.
Oversized Kitchen Islands
Think bigger is better? Not always in kitchens. Oversized islands can crowd walkways and hinder workflow. Maintaining at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides is key to keeping the kitchen functional. A smaller island with clever storage solutions works just as well without the hassle.
Poor Lighting Placement
To brighten up your space, try layering ambient lighting for overall warmth with task lighting for focused areas like reading nooks or countertops. Poorly placed fixtures often leave these spots in shadows, making the room feel dim and uninviting—even with lights on. A thoughtful setup can completely change the feel of your space.
Airtight Laundry Rooms
Without proper ventilation, laundry rooms turn into humidity traps. This leads to mold, musty smells, and even appliance damage. Install exhaust fans or vents that draw out moisture and improve airflow. Dehumidifiers also help, especially in basements or other naturally damp spaces.
Freestanding Tubs In Tiny Bathrooms
Freestanding tubs make a bold design statement, but squeezing them into small bathrooms creates clutter and cleaning headaches. Space the tub at least 6 inches from the walls for easy maintenance. Alternatively, consider a built-in tub to save space without sacrificing luxury.
Poorly Placed Charging Outlets
Few things are more frustrating than needing to charge your device only to find out that the nearest outlet is across the room. Without outlets near beds or common workspaces, daily charging becomes a hassle. Place them strategically—like near nightstands or kitchen counters—where gadgets are mostly used.