6 Things Most Homeowners Regret Not Doing During a Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation should leave you feeling proud, not frustrated. But according to a recent Houzz survey, over one-third of homeowners say they’d do something differently if they could redo their remodel. That’s a lot of regret tied to expensive decisions.

It’s not always about choosing the wrong tile or faucet. Most regrets come from what wasn’t planned, considered, or prioritized from the start.

If you’re thinking about updating your bathroom, this list is your shortcut to smarter choices. We’re breaking down six common things homeowners wish they had done so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Because when it comes to remodeling, hindsight shouldn’t be part of the plan.

1. Skipping the Layout Review: “We Just Left It the Same”

It sounds harmless, “We didn’t change much, just updated the finishes.”

But ask any homeowner who’s lived with the same old awkward layout in a freshly tiled bathroom, and you’ll hear the same thing: “We should’ve rethought the space.”

Keeping your layout untouched might save a little on plumbing. But what if that means stepping around a cramped vanity every morning or still staring straight at the toilet when you open the door? 

That’s not a win. That’s settling.

A few layout tweaks that can make a huge difference:

• Move the vanity to improve foot traffic

• Adjust door swings to open up wall space

• Shift the toilet placement for more privacy

• Reconfigure the shower entry for better access

Even small updates like these can make your bathroom feel twice as usable, especially in tight spaces.

With support from Reno Bros Bathroom Renovations, homeowners often discover solutions they hadn’t considered, like flipping the vanity wall or expanding the shower just enough to fit a bench. Sometimes, what seems minor on paper completely transforms the experience.

Your old layout isn’t always wrong. But it’s not always right, either. If you never liked the flow before, don’t carry that into the future just to avoid a small cost upfront.

2. Not Adding Enough Storage (or the Right Kind)

When you’re picking tiles and fixtures, it’s easy to overlook storage. But once you’ve moved back in, those beautiful surfaces won’t mean much if your hair dryer, towels, or toiletries are living on top of them.

Storage is one of the biggest regrets homeowners talk about after a bathroom renovation. Not because they didn’t add any, but because they didn’t add the right kind.

We’ve seen people opt for open shelving to “keep it airy,” only to realize later they don’t want all their bathroom essentials out on display.

Here’s what works better:

• Recessed medicine cabinets with mirror fronts

• Vanities with drawers, not just under-sink doors (drawers are easier to access)

• Built-in linen niches inside unused wall space

• Floating shelves above the toilet for compact storage

• Pull-out organizers inside vanity cabinets

Good storage isn’t just about how much you can store but about how usable and accessible it is. If your bathroom looks clean but feels cluttered, the storage isn’t working. 

3. Choosing Style Over Slip-Resistant Flooring

You walk into a showroom, fall in love with a glossy tile, and think, this is it. But three weeks after installation, you’re stepping out of the shower onto a floor that feels like ice and slides like a skating rink.

We get it. The polished look is tempting. However, the wrong bathroom flooring can turn into a daily risk, especially for families with kids or aging parents.

Here’s what many homeowners wish they knew sooner:

• Glossy porcelain or marble tiles look stunning but get dangerously slippery when wet

• Matte or textured finishes offer grip without sacrificing style

• Smaller tiles (like mosaics) mean more grout lines = more traction

• Anti-slip sealants can help, but don’t rely on them as your only solution

Slip-resistant flooring isn’t just a safety upgrade. It’s a comfort upgrade.
You shouldn’t have to tiptoe around your brand-new bathroom. 

Pro tip: Always ask for slip ratings (DCOF ≥ 0.42 for wet areas). The right tile still looks great, it just works better in the space.

4. Forgetting About Ventilation Until It’s Too Late

If you’re like most homeowners, ventilation isn’t the first thing on your renovation checklist. It’s not exciting, and it’s definitely not Instagram-worthy. But it is one of the most common sources of regret.

Why? Because bad ventilation doesn’t show up immediately. It creeps in over time, peeling paint, foggy mirrors, mildew in the corners, and that musty smell that never quite goes away.

What many people overlook:

• Undersized vent fans that can’t handle the space

• Poor fan placement, like near the door instead of over the shower

• No humidity sensor, so you forget to run it or leave it on all day

• Skipping a new fan because the old one “still works.”

Here’s the truth: if your fan is loud, ineffective, or decades old, it’s probably not doing the job.

Better ventilation means:

• Clear mirrors after hot showers

• Longer-lasting paint and fixtures

• A healthier, mold-resistant space

5. Underestimating Lighting Needs

Lighting isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a major factor in how your bathroom feels and functions. Yet it’s one of the most common afterthoughts in bathroom renovations.

We’ve seen bathrooms with stunning tilework and premium fixtures lit by a single overhead bulb. The result? Shadows everywhere, mirror glare, and a space that feels more like a closet than a calm retreat.

What most homeowners regret:

• Not layering different types of lighting

• Relying only on ceiling cans or overhead fixtures

• Skipping dimmers (or thinking they’re just a luxury)

• Placing vanity lights too high or off-center

What works better:

• Task lighting at face level like sconces flanking the mirror

• Overhead ambient lighting to brighten the whole space

• Accent lighting in niches, under vanities, or above the tub

• Dimmers for adjusting brightness based on time of day

Well-planned lighting makes your bathroom feel bigger, more comfortable, and easier to use. It’s not just about visibility but about creating a space you want to be in.

6. Not Budgeting for Long-Term Fixtures

It’s easy to burn through your renovation budget and settle for cheaper fixtures “just for now.” But this is one of the most expensive regrets you can have.

Why? Low-quality vanities, faucets, and shower fixtures don’t just look tired fast. They often need to be replaced within a few years. That means more time, more money, and more disruption down the line.

Common “just for now” choices homeowners regret:

• Pressboard vanities that warp from moisture

• Budget faucets with plastic internal parts that leak

• Showerheads that corrode or lose pressure within a year

What’s worth spending a little more on:

• Solid wood or moisture-resistant vanities (like marine-grade plywood)

• Faucets with ceramic disk valves for longevity and smooth operation

• Well-built shower systems that deliver consistent water pressure and resist wear

The bathroom is one of the most used spaces in your home. It’s worth choosing products that are durable and can withstand daily use, not just photo ops.

Regret-Proof Your Remodel

Bathroom renovations aren’t cheap. And the last thing you want is to invest thousands only to realize you missed something big.

From layout decisions to lighting, these regrets aren’t rare, they’re repeatable. Unless you plan ahead.

So, before demo day, take a step back. Ask the right questions. Make choices you’ll still love a year from now.

A well-designed bathroom doesn’t just look good; it works better every single day. Ready to start smarter? Let’s make sure your remodel gets it right the first time.