Ask The Expert July 2025

When a Bathroom Renovation Goes Wrong: A Cautionary Tale of Poor Planning and Worse Execution

What was supposed to be a sleek, modern update to a tired bathroom turned into a costly disaster for the Jackson family of Collesville. Their story is a stark reminder of how easily a renovation can go off the rails when expectations aren’t grounded in solid planning, or in reliable contractors.

The Dream

Like many homeowners, the Jacksons were eager to transform their dated 1980s bathroom into a contemporary retreat. “We had Pinterest boards, color schemes, everything,” said Erica Jackson. “We imagined floating vanities, frameless glass showers, and matte black fixtures. We were excited to invest in something beautiful.”

They hired a contractor recommended by a neighbor.  Someone who seemed competent but didn't have a website or portfolio. “That should’ve been the first red flag,” Erica admits.

The Reality

From day one, problems mounted. The demolition crew arrived two days late with no explanation. When they finally got started, they cracked a water pipe that flooded the hallway. “The plumber they brought in wasn’t even licensed,” said Erica. “We found out after the fact.”

Then came the tile. The Jacksons had chosen an elegant porcelain tile, but what was delivered didn’t match. “It looked like something from a discount warehouse—completely wrong color and texture,” said Erica. Despite their objections, the contractor insisted on using it, claiming it was "close enough."

Perhaps the most frustrating failure was the installation of the shower. Improper waterproofing led to leaks that soaked the subfloor. Within two weeks, mold began forming under the vanity. “We could smell it before we could see it,” said Erica. “That’s when we knew we had a serious problem.”

Cutting Corners, Paying the Price

An independent inspector later found that corners had been cut at every step. The electrical outlets weren’t up to code. The vanity wasn’t secured properly. And worse, the contractor had used drywall in areas where moisture-resistant board was required.

The Jacksons spent over $15,000 on the renovation and are now facing another $12,000 in repairs. “We’re basically paying twice for one bathroom,” said Erica.

What Went Wrong?

The Jacksons’ story isn’t uncommon. “People often get seduced by low bids and promises of fast timelines,” said Mike Elston, a home inspector with 20 years’ experience. “But if a contractor can’t provide credentials, references, and a detailed plan, walk away.”

Some key lessons from their experience include:

·         Always verify licensing and insurance.

·         Get everything in writing, including materials, timelines, and penalties for delays.

·         Don’t pay in full upfront.

·         Have a contract reviewed by someone who knows construction law.

·         Ask to see prior work or speak with past clients.

Moving Forward

Though burned, the Jacksons haven’t lost hope. They’ve since hired a licensed contractor to redo the job correctly and have filed a complaint with the state licensing board. “We want others to learn from our mistake,” Erica said. “The bathroom of your dreams shouldn’t become your worst nightmare.”

Bottom line? A bathroom renovation is more than just new tiles and faucets—it’s about trust, craftsmanship, and careful planning. Skip those steps, and you may find yourself literally flushing money down the drain.