The Bathroom Reno Regrets: What Homeowners Wish They’d Added
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You finally did it. The bathroom renovation you’ve been dreaming about is complete. The tiles are gleaming, the vanity is showroom-worthy, and you swear the shower is singing your name. It’s perfect. Almost.
Because here’s the truth: ask any homeowner who’s renovated a bathroom, and they’ll admit—there’s always something they wish they’d included. Always.
We call these the bathroom reno regrets. The little details that get left off the plan in the excitement of picking faucets and tiles, only to come back and haunt you once you’re brushing your teeth in your brand-new space.
The good news? You don’t have to join the “I wish we had…” club. After 35 years of bathroom renovations, we’ve seen the common regrets again and again—and we’re about to share them all with you.
1. Heated Floors: Because Cold Feet Belong at Weddings, Not in Bathrooms
If there’s one regret we hear time and time again, it’s this:
“We really should have added heated floors.”
At first, it feels like a luxury. You’re already investing in tiles, vanities, plumbing fixtures—do you really need warm toes, too? Fast-forward to the first frosty morning when you step out of the shower onto tiles colder than your in-laws’ kitchen floor at Christmas. Suddenly, you realize: yes, yes you did need that.
Heated floors aren’t just a bougie extra. They:
Keep tiles dry faster (less chance of slipping).
Help with overall bathroom heating.
Add resale appeal (buyers notice).
And here’s the kicker: installing them during the reno stage is far easier and cheaper than adding them later. Once those tiles are set, you’re not going back without a mess.
Takeaway: If you’re on the fence, do it. Future You will want to hug Present You for this one.
And if you’re curious why heated floors have homeowners swooning (and why cold tiles are the enemy of happy toes), we’ve written an entire blog about it. 👉 The Luxury of Heated Floors
2. Outlets Where You Actually Need Them
Let’s be honest, bathrooms are often designed by people who’ve clearly never wrangled a curling iron, an electric toothbrush, a shaver, and a phone charger all at once.
Ever noticed how outlets always seem to end up in the most inconvenient spot? Usually too close to the sink (hello, splash zone) or tucked behind the vanity where you practically dislocate a shoulder trying to plug in your straightener.
Modern bathrooms demand strategically placed outlets:
Inside vanity drawers (perfect for hairdryers or toothbrush charging stations).
Beside the toilet (if you’re planning a bidet now or later).
At the makeup area (with actual good lighting).
Even a discreet USB outlet for charging while you soak in the tub.
It’s not glamorous, but when you’re rushing out the door with perfectly curled hair, you’ll thank yourself.
3. Storage, Storage, and More Storage
Every homeowner underestimates how much storage they’ll need in their bathroom. Every. Single. One.
You think, Oh, this sleek vanity will be enough. Until you realize:
You forgot about storing 20 rolls of toilet paper.
Towels are bulkier than you remembered.
Cleaning supplies don’t magically disappear on their own.
Options you’ll wish you included:
Recessed shelving in the shower.
Built-in niches above the tub.
Tall linen towers or hidden pull-outs.
Vanity drawers instead of doors (trust me, drawers are life-changing).
Recessed shelving in your walls (particularly behind your entrance door, an otherwise unused space)
Remember, no one has ever said: Wow, I regret all this storage.
Think you don’t have room for more storage? Think again. There’s one piece of bathroom furniture that punches way above its weight, and even tiny spaces can benefit. Curious? Check out our blog on Why Every Bathroom Needs a Tall Linen Tower
4. Lighting That Doesn’t Make You Look Like a Zombie
You know the bathroom lighting that highlights every under-eye circle and makes you wonder if you should audition for the next season of The Walking Dead? Yeah, that’s what most people end up with.
Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of bathroom design—and one of the most regretted. You want layers of light:
Overhead (general lighting). This is your workhorse, the light that brightens the whole space. Keep it simple with a flush mount ceiling light or a sleek LED fixture. Bonus points if it’s dimmable.
Task lighting at the mirror. This is where the magic (or the disasters) happen. Skip the overhead-only setup that casts shadows under your eyes. Instead, go for sconces mounted on either side of the mirror, or a backlit LED mirror for an even glow.
Accent lighting. Think of this as your “spa lighting.” A soft strip of LED lights under the vanity, or a little spotlight over a feature tile wall, can instantly elevate the mood.
Dimmer switches. Nothing ruins a relaxing soak like interrogation-room lighting. With a dimmer, you can switch from “morning rush” brightness to “wine and bubbles” ambience in seconds.
Pro tip: always stand where your mirror will be and test the direction of light. If it’s highlighting pores you didn’t even know existed, rethink it.
5. Ventilation That Actually Works
Okay, it’s not sexy. But it’s the difference between a bathroom that looks brand new in five years and one that looks like a mushroom farm.
Here’s the technical bit: according to the Ontario Building Code, if you’ve got a functioning window in your bathroom, you’re not required to install a ventilation fan. Sounds great in theory, right? Just crack open the window and let the steam escape.
But here’s what we’ve experienced in real life after 35 years of bathroom renovations:
Sometimes homeowners remember to open the window, sometimes they don’t.
Sometimes it’s pouring rain, and the last thing you want is water splashing in.
And sometimes—let’s be honest—it’s minus thirty degrees outside, and nobody’s throwing that window open after a hot shower.
That’s why we always recommend a proper, high-quality exhaust fan regardless of window placement. It takes the guesswork out of protecting your bathroom from mould, mildew, and moisture damage. Even better, modern fans come with humidity sensors, so they switch on automatically when needed.
And here’s a little spoiler alert: just because you have an exhaust fan doesn’t mean it’s actually doing its job. Sometimes all it’s really doing is making noise while the steam happily settles into your drywall. That’s why we wrote an entire blog post on this very topic—complete with the toilet paper test, tips on vacuuming and cleaning your fan properly, and what to do if it isn’t functioning the way it should. You can check it out here 👉 Is Your Exhaust Fan Really Working?
Ready to start planning a bathroom with no regrets? Our team at Multi-Trade Building Services has been transforming bathrooms in Durham Region and Clarington for over 35 years. Take a look at our Bathroom Renovations page for inspiration and details on how we can help make your dream bathroom a reality.
6. The Throne Zone: Toilets With Benefits
Ah, the humble toilet. It doesn’t usually get the glory in a bathroom renovation—but it should, because nothing sparks daily regret quite like cutting corners on the throne.
Let’s start with dual flush toilets. On paper, they sound brilliant—press one button for a little flush, the other for a big flush, and voilà, water savings galore. In practice? Not so much. What we’ve seen time and time again is that homeowners aren’t thrilled with them. The “low flush” button rarely seems to flush properly, which means people end up pressing the full-flush button anyway. So instead of saving water, you just get frustrated. For that reason, we never recommend dual flush toilets to our clients.
What we do recommend is thinking about comfort and modern convenience. Taller “comfort height” toilets are easier on the knees. Soft-close lids save marriages (no more midnight seat slams). And elongated bowls tend to be more comfortable than round ones.
But here’s where things are really starting to get interesting: smart toilets. One of our clients recently ordered a smart toilet model, and let’s just say it came with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking heated seats, built-in bidet, even a blower fan to dry your backside. Yes, you read that right—no more toilet paper. These things do require an electrical outlet nearby, but the comfort (and hygiene) factor is on a whole other level.
Now, are smart toilets for everyone? Not necessarily. They’re definitely more of an investment, and you’ll need to plan the electrical hookup during your renovation. But for homeowners who want the ultimate in bathroom luxury, they’re fast becoming a popular choice.
7. Shower Envy: Size, Storage, and Steam
If there’s one area people chronically under-plan, it’s the shower.
Regrets often include:
Not making it big enough.
Skipping a bench (shaving your legs without one is basically an Olympic event).
Forgetting storage for shampoo bottles (hello, cluttered floor).
When it comes to storage, you’ve got two main options:
Niches. These are recessed shelves built right into the wall. They’re sleek, modern, and keep everything off the floor. But here’s the key: niches have to be planned before the tile goes in, because they’re part of the construction.
Corner shelves. These can be installed after the tiling is complete, and they come in ceramic or glass. Ceramic ones blend seamlessly with your tile, while glass shelves add a decorative touch that feels light and airy. Both are excellent choices, depending on your style.
Now, let’s talk about the ultimate shower indulgence: the steam shower.
If you’re picturing a spa-like cloud of steam enveloping you while you relax, you’re not wrong. But what most homeowners don’t realize is that steam showers are far more complex—and costly—than a regular shower.
Here’s what’s involved:
Fully enclosed glass. Your shower has to be sealed from top to bottom, so no steam escapes. One of our clients in North Whitby opted for a transom window at the top of their enclosure. With it closed, the steam stayed inside perfectly, but they could crack it open mid-shower if they wanted to release some steam without opening the door completely.
A steam generator. This is the equipment that creates the steam, and it’s not small. You’ll need space to house it—often in a nearby closet or utility area—and you’ll need access for maintenance.
Proper waterproofing. Steam showers produce far more moisture than a typical shower, so every surface has to be sealed and protected to avoid long-term damage.
Cost. Between the generator, the specialized glass, and the additional labour, a steam shower will add a significant bump to your renovation budget.
Is it worth it? For many homeowners, absolutely. But it’s not something you decide at the last minute—it’s a big commitment that requires planning, space, and investment.
8. A Tub You’ll Actually Use
The great tub debate: to soak or not to soak.
Some homeowners rip out tubs entirely, only to regret it when resale rolls around (families with kids need tubs). Others install massive soaker tubs that become glorified laundry baskets because they never actually take baths.
The key: choose a tub you’ll really use. If you’re a bath person, invest in one with lumbar support, a sloped back, maybe even air jets. If not, skip it and expand the shower instead.
Let’s be honest—your tub shouldn’t just look good holding laundry. The right bathtub is about comfort, style, and whether you’ll actually use it for more than soaking the dog. Curious how to pick one you’ll love? Check out our blog 👉 Finding the Perfect Bathtub: What to Consider
9. Technology That Makes Life Easier
Bathrooms aren’t immune to tech upgrades anymore. Imagine:
Bluetooth speakers built into your mirror.
Smart lighting that remembers your settings.
Heated towel racks (hello, spa vibes).
Smart mirrors with anti-fog and weather displays.
You might laugh now, but one day you’ll wish you could blast your “morning motivation” playlist without balancing your phone on the sink.
Smart mirrors, heated towel racks, and voice-controlled lighting are just the beginning. Technology is changing the way we think about comfort, convenience, and even energy efficiency in our homes. We dig deeper into how tech is shaping renovations in our blog 👉 The Role of Technology in Modern Home Renovations
10. The Unsexy, Unforgettable Details
Finally, the little things that make a big difference:
Waterproofing done properly (future mould nightmares avoided).
Good quality grout and caulking (cheap materials will crumble).
Accessibility considerations (a low-profile shower curb, wider doorways).
Hooks, shelves, and towel bars in the right spots (no more dripping across the floor).
These aren’t glamorous. But they’re the difference between loving your bathroom for years and muttering under your breath every morning.
Why These Things Get Missed
Here’s the kicker: most regrets happen because homeowners are trying to save money in the moment. Heated floors? Out. Extra outlets? Not in the budget. Storage tower? Meh, we’ll live without it.
But the reality is: cutting these corners usually ends up costing more down the line—either in resale value, retrofits, or sheer annoyance.
How to Avoid Regret
Three golden rules:
Think long-term. Don’t just design for today—design for how you’ll use the bathroom in 5, 10, 20 years.
Be honest about your habits. If you never take baths, don’t install a $5,000 soaker tub. If you need counter space, don’t pick a tiny vessel sink.
Work with experts. (Hi, that’s us.) We’ve seen it all, and we’ll ask the questions you haven’t thought of.
The Multi-Trade Difference: Renovating With Heart
At Multi-Trade Building Services, we don’t just renovate bathrooms. We listen. We ask about your habits, your quirks, your storage battles, and your secret love of singing in the shower. We help you avoid the “I wish we had…” moments, because we know those are the regrets that stick.
We’ve been in business for 35 years, right here in Durham Region and Clarington, making renovation dreams a reality. Our clients trust us not just because we know our stuff (though we really do), but because we care. Communication, transparency, and a little bit of humour are baked into everything we do.
Final Thought
So there you have it—the most common bathroom reno regrets homeowners confess after the dust settles. Some are practical, like outlets in the right spots. Some are luxurious, like heated floors or towel warmers. And some are just plain common sense that somehow gets overlooked in the flurry of decisions.
The takeaway? Bathrooms aren’t just about tiles and taps. They’re about comfort, function, and all the little details that make you smile every morning instead of muttering, “Why didn’t we think of that?”
Ready to keep the bathroom ideas flowing? Don’t stop here—check out these other posts packed with tips you won’t want to miss:
What Does a Bathroom Renovation Really Cost?
10 Timeless Bathroom Choices You’ll Never Regret
How to Design a Bathroom That Works for Everyone in the House
The Role of Colour in Bathroom Design
5 Surprising Causes of Bathroom Mold and How to Prevent Them
At Multi-Trade Building Services, we make sure you don’t miss those details. We ask the right questions, listen to your needs, and help you plan a bathroom that works beautifully today—and ten years from now.
Because no one should spend thousands on a renovation only to walk away with regrets.
Ready to design a regret-free bathroom? Let’s talk. Call us at 905-999-8524 or email info@multitradebuildingservices.com. Together, we’ll create a bathroom you’ll love every single day.
