How do I know when it’s time to remodel my bathroom?
There are certain things you can look for which might indicate the need for a bathroom remodel.
Some of these include cracked tiles or missing grout, peeling paint on the walls, or stains from water damage on your bathroom’s ceilings or walls.
But how do you tell the difference between a simple change and a full-on bathroom renovation?
Here are six signs that it’s time for a bathroom remodel:
Sign #1 to Remodel Your Bathroom: Your bathroom is outdated
The biggest reason to remodel your bathroom is that it might be out of date.
A lot can change in a short amount of time, and what was considered “in style” when you first moved into your home may not be anymore. Perhaps you’ve lived with that avocado green wallpaper for ten years now or your bathtub has been in the house for over twenty years.
You may not know exactly what you want your remodeled bathroom to look like, but you just know that you want to upgrade what’s currently there.
If this sounds like you, consider taking some time to really think about what you’d like the space to look and feel like. Also, consider hiring an interior designer, if even just for a few hours of consultation, so they can help you figure out what style best fits your taste and the new room’s layout.
When it comes down to it, don’t be afraid to invest more in order to get the most out of your home improvement project.
Sign #2 to Remodel Your Bathroom: Your bathroom is not being used efficiently & you desire a more functional space
This can be for a number of reasons. It could be the layout is poor or maybe the space is cluttered and feels more like a hallway instead of a bathroom.
The point here is that if the current layout isn’t really working for you, it may be time for a bathroom remodel.
If you’re looking to increase the efficiency and functionality of your bathroom, especially if it’s on the smaller side, it may be helpful to install a large, frame-less shower. This will create more space in the room without having to completely remodel or knock down walls.
Also, consider ways to add space through storage or layout changes. Whether that’s by repositioning the toilet, adding vanities, or installing a hanging cabinet for towels and other bathroom products – there are many small touches you can do which will make your space feel more functional and larger than it actually is.
Sign #3 to Remodel Your Bathroom: Your bathtub or shower has a crack in it
A cracked or damaged bathtub or shower can be really unsafe and unsightly, not to mention the fact that it could lead to further damage in your bathroom.
If you see a crack (or worse!), then you’ve reached the point of no return – it’s time for a bathroom renovation.
You will want to change out the old bathtub or shower for a new one. To increase durability, you may consider installing an acrylic shower, which also offers you sanitary benefits as well.
Leading us to our next sign…
Sign #4 to Remodel Your Bathroom: If there are any stains on your tub or shower surround, tile, or flooring from mold/mildew growth
As much as we’d like to pretend that all bathrooms are clean and free of mold, they often aren’t.
It’s not a good idea to just assume your bathroom is in pristine condition – especially if you’ve built up some stains over time or there’s mildew/mold growth present. And one of the worst things you could do is to ignore mildew/mold growth. Not only is it hard to get rid of, but it can also be dangerous for your health.
If it continues after you try and get rid of it, this is the perfect opportunity to renovate the ventilation and/or shower surround, which will reduce the potential for mold/mildew growth.
Sign #5 to Remodel Your Bathroom: When the grout between tiles starts to show signs of wear and tear from use and age, such as discoloration or cracking around the edges
If you’ve ever lived in a home with tiles, it’s likely that the grout started to look worn over time. It’s also possible that if you tried to clean them yourself, there were some spots that wouldn’t come off no matter how hard you scrubbed.
This is an obvious sign of wear and tear which will only continue over time, so it might be best to get rid of the tiles and start fresh with new ones.
If the discoloration is fairly recent and you don’t feel it would be worth removing tiles for, consider giving the grout another coat of sealant to restore them to look like new again.
Sign #6 to Remodel Your Bathroom: You are moving soon and you want to increase the value of your home
If you know that you will be moving soon and would like to increase the value of your home before you put it on the market, consider replacing tubs with showers and possibly even knocking down some walls.
Most people enjoy bigger bathrooms, so upgrading to a larger shower area may help draw more buyers in.
If you have enough space, consider adding a second sink to the bathroom which will give people more room to get ready and store their toiletries.
So, you decided it’s time to remodel your bathroom… What should you do next?
When thinking about remodeling your bathroom, consider how you’re using it now and what you want this project to accomplish. A great bathroom should be the perfect place to reflect, rejuvenate, and relax.
The type of features you need will vary depending on your priorities for this space. Are you looking for a luxurious, spa-like retreat or just a functional space that’s easy to maintain?
Once you know what you want your perfect bathroom to be like and how you plan on using it, take some time to look at relevant bathroom designs.
Then, when you’re ready, you’ll want to talk to a professional bathroom remodeler. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have and help you move to the next step in the remodeling process.
If you reach this stage, don’t hesitate to give us a call or to fill out the form below. We’re happy to talk through any questions you have and help you make your dream bathroom a reality!
Jace Darling, Owner, American Home Remodeling
