Okay, so you’ve decided it’s finally time to give your bathroom that glow-up it’s been begging for. It’s one of those rooms where you don’t need to design for comfort, but it really helps when you actually do. Maybe you’re picturing spa energy, fluffy towels, a tub that screams “self-care Sunday,” and lighting that makes you feel like you’re in a skincare ad.

Like, yeah, it’s perfect, who wouldn’t want to have that gorgeous spa bathroom? Well, anyways, while switching out towels, and maybe a faucet is simple enough, that’s technically just the tip of the iceberg, especially if you want new shower heads, new sinks, new bathtubs, well, new everything. Think of it like this: bathroom remodels look simple, but they’re kind of like those fancy layered cakes you see online; they’re pretty on the outside, but a total structural nightmare underneath if you don’t do it right. You absolutely can’t DIY any of this either.

Contents show

The Layout isn’t Just About Looks

So, this is where most people mess up. They start moving stuff around because it “looks better.” Like, sure, the toilet would look nicer if it weren’t the first thing you see when you open the door. But the second you decide to move it, you’re basically opening up a can of plumbing worms. Okay, what’s the problem, though? Well, those pipes weren’t just placed randomly. They were put there for a reason, and moving them means you’re tearing through floors, changing drainage lines, and yeah,  spending a lot more money than you planned. If you want to call Bluefrog Plumbing and get them to help you out, yeah, sure, by all means, go for that.

But just keep in mind that it’s going to be a lot of work and a lot of time, too. And honestly, that’s the part no one ever tells you. You can’t just “shift things a little” without a domino effect. Seriously, if you’re lucky, you’ll just blow your budget. If not, you’ll end up with a plumbing issue that shows up right when you thought you were finished.

Water Does Whatever it Wants

Oh yeah, you better believe it! It really doesn’t care what your plans are, well, nature in general really. But yeah, it goes where it wants, when it wants. So here’s a great scenario: you want a rainfall shower. Well, in that case, you have to remember that you need to have sloped drainage, or else you’ll have a puddle. Here’s another one: that gorgeous new tile you picked out ends up cracking because the subfloor wasn’t sealed right. It’s not dramatic to say water can literally destroy your entire remodel if things aren’t done correctly underneath.

No, really, it’s not as simple or straightforward as you might think, hence why contractors usually do this, and it’s not recommended to DIY it.

Pretty Comes After Practical

No one wants to hear it, but every beautiful bathroom starts out looking like a disaster zone. Yep, that’s the truth. So yeah, pick your tiles, light fixtures, and fluffy towels, yeah, sure, have fun with it. But make sure all that behind-the-scenes stuff gets the attention it deserves, too.