7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid in Shower Recess Refurbishments

Renovating your bathroom? Avoid these seven costly shower recess refurbishment mistakes that lead to leaks, mould, and expensive repairs. Common issues include inadequate waterproofing, ignoring proper slope for drainage, using the wrong materials, and poor ventilation—all of which can ruin your new bathroom fast. From grout lines to shower head placement, overlooking small details can compromise your entire renovation.

Whether you’re a homeowner hiring a tiler or planning to DIY, understanding these bathroom renovation mistakes is key. Don’t let a poorly installed fixture or vanity cost you more down the line. Learn what to avoid before you renovate a bathroom.

Neglecting Waterproofing

One of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes is neglecting proper waterproofing. This step is often rushed or skipped altogether—especially in a shower recess.

If water seeps behind the tile, it can damage the shower wall, subfloor, and lead to costly repairs. In Brisbane, where humidity is high, mould and mildew develop fast when waterproofing fails.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Hiring licensed installers or waterproofers
• Asking for a certificate and warranty
• Ensuring all corners, niches, and floor junctions are sealed

Your bathroom is a wet zone. Don’t assume the tiler covered everything—ask to see it before tiles go in.

Improper Niche Installation

A shower niche adds style and storage space, but poor installation causes leaks. This is a common mistake in Brisbane renovations, especially when done by an inexperienced tradesperson.

Placing the niche on an external wall, not adding slope, or skipping waterproofing invites moisture damage behind the wall tile. Over time, this weak spot becomes a source of mould or even wall failure.

To avoid it:

• Never install on external or uninsulated walls
• Slope the base slightly to drain water
• Fully waterproof the niche and all edges

If you’re planning a bathroom upgrade, confirm your installer has done niches before and uses proper materials.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

Using the wrong tile, grout, or fittings is a common issue. Many choose products by appearance—not by function.

Not all ceramic tiles, grout, or adhesives are rated for shower floors or high-moisture areas. In Brisbane, this can lead to cracks, leaks, and premature wear.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Choosing non-slip, waterproof materials
• Using moisture-resistant adhesives and grout
• Asking if your tiles are rated for wet zones

Bathroom tiles that look great in a showroom might fail in your main bathroom. Always verify suitability for floor and wall use in wet areas like walk-in showers or a glass shower enclosure.

DIY Plumbing and Electrical Work (Beyond Expertise)

DIY work beyond your skills—especially plumbing and electrical—is not just risky; it’s illegal in QLD.

Installing your own shower head, vanity plumbing, or light fittings without a licensed contractor or a licensed plumber can cause leaks, short circuits, or worse. In a wet zone, these errors can become serious safety hazards.

Want to avoid disaster?

• Call a professional for plumbing and electrical
• Never DIY what you don’t fully understand
• Ensure the work is compliant with QLD building codes

Bathroom reno projects require certified trades for insurance coverage. Always check for a license and experience in complete bathroom renovation.

Overlooking Ventilation

Poor ventilation is one of those easy to overlook issues that causes long-term damage.

Without proper airflow, moisture builds up quickly—especially in a small bathroom or poorly ventilated guest bathroom. Over time, this leads to mould and mildew on your walls and floors.

What to do:

• Install the right size bathroom fan (not just any exhaust)
• Consider humidity sensors or timers
• Avoid blocking airflow with a poorly placed fixture

In Brisbane’s humid climate, ventilation is essential. Always factor it into your bathroom design—especially if you’re using a glass shower or closed shower panel.

Poor Planning and Layout

Bad layout leads to daily frustrations and expensive fixes. It’s a common mistake when people skip the design phase or copy someone else’s layout without measuring properly.

Mistakes include:

• Drain too far from the shower spray
• Clashing doors or cramped walkways
• Misaligned shower floor slope

A poor layout makes cleaning harder, limits your storage space, and disrupts the whole renovation journey.

Avoid this by:

• Mapping your layout to scale
• Considering access, movement, and drainage
• Involving your tiler or contractor early in planning

A dream bathroom starts with a good plan—not just choosing finishes.

Inadequate Budgeting

.Budgeting only for tiles, fixtures, and labour—but forgetting the rest—is one of the biggest bathroom renovation mistakes to avoid.

Hidden costs in Brisbane renovations can include:

• Water-damaged substrate
• Upgrading ventilation
• Replacing old plumbing

You also need to budget for certified tradespeople, waterproofing, and changes during the project.

To save time and money:

• Add 15–20% buffer for surprises
• List all components including bathroom products, waste disposal, and accessories
• Don’t rely on vague quotes—ask for a full breakdown

Trying to save upfront usually means paying double later. If you want to avoid common renovation setbacks, plan your budget thoroughly from day one.

Let Professionals Handle Your Bathroom Renovation

Avoiding these common bathroom renovation mistakes can save you thousands in future repairs and ensure your shower recess stands the test of time. From choosing the right materials to proper planning, every detail matters in a complete bathroom renovation—especially in Brisbane’s humid climate. Whether it’s waterproofing, layout, or ventilation, cutting corners often leads to mould, leaks, and structural issues behind the tile. Don’t leave your project to chance or inexperienced trades.

Let AC Bathrooms handle your Brisbane bathroom renovation from start to finish. Contact us today to book a consultation and get expert advice tailored to your home. Dial (07) 3088 9213 to get a quote.

FAQs

How can I ensure proper waterproofing in my shower recess?

Ensure waterproofing by applying a high-quality waterproof membrane to the entire shower wall, extending up to 1800mm above the floor or 50mm above the shower rose—whichever is higher—as required by NCC 2022. Use water-resistant substrates like AquaCheck and seal all joints and corners with reinforcing fabric. Follow Australian Standards AS 3740-2010 for compliance. Proper waterproofing prevents leaks, mould, and structural damage behind the tile. Always hire a licensed professional to guarantee durability and long-term protection.

What are the most common tiling mistakes to avoid in renovations?

Typical tiling mistakes include uneven tile placement, poor waterproofing underneath, improper grout sealing, and using incompatible adhesives. These issues can cause cracked tiles, water ingress, or long-term damage to your bathroom wall and floor. Always clean and level surfaces before installation, and seal grout lines properly. Avoid this mistake by working with an experienced tiler who understands wet area requirements and uses approved tile and grout systems.

Why is moving plumbing fixtures so costly and how to prevent it?

Moving plumbing fixtures is expensive because it often involves rerouting pipes, modifying floors or walls, and ensuring compliance with plumbing codes. Labour and materials add to the cost. To avoid unnecessary expenses, plan your layout before starting your renovation project. Try to keep the existing location of your shower head, vanity, and toilet to stay within budget and reduce complications during the build.

How do I choose durable, moisture-resistant materials for my shower area?

Select materials rated for wet zones, such as AquaCheck plasterboard, waterproof membranes, ceramic or porcelain tiles, and moisture-resistant grout and adhesives. Avoid materials that swell or support mould growth. Always check if the product meets Australian Standards and is suitable for shower walls and floors. Choosing the wrong materials is a common renovation mistake that can shorten the life of your new shower.

What small details should I plan for to improve daily bathroom convenience?

Focus on practical features like built-in niches or shelves for storage, proper lighting, non-slip flooring, grab bars, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Consider walk-in access, benches, and thoughtful shower spray positioning. These small upgrades make a big difference in usability, especially in a small bathroom. Planning ahead helps you avoid common issues and improves daily comfort in your main or guest bathroom.