If you have the budget there is no excuse to live with a boring bathroom that leaves you uninspired.
If you needed a nudge to start your bathroom remodeling project this might be exactly what you needed. Remodeling your bathrooms is considered an investment and one of the top improvement projects to tackle. Good looking bathrooms increase the value of your home and are a drawing card for potential buyers. You can easily get over 70% of the money you spent on the bathroom renovations added to your selling price. Even if you have no intention of selling your home anytime soon there is no reason not to update your bathroom. A bathroom should be a relaxing oasis you want to spend time in. There are telltale signs that it is time to upgrade and rejuvenate your bathroom and here are a few.
1. You Can See Mold
Due to the high humidity levels in bathrooms, you will sometimes see the wallpaper starting to turn yellow or the edges peeling off. The area around your fan sometimes shows watermarks or your mirror is losing its shine. These are all signs of a lack of ventilation and this can cause other more serious problems.
Bathrooms get hot and steamy and this humidity also attracts mold and mildew growth. If you can see mold, it means there is a lot more you cannot see somewhere. You have two options at this time. You can bring in a mold removal expert for testing and remediation. This will cost you money and the expert will recommend that you upgrade the ventilation and improve the insulation in your bathroom to prevent a return. The other option is much more exciting. Instead of cleaning your mirror and bathroom surfaces with bleach, you can invest in a bathroom revamp. During the bathroom remodeling your bathroom will be insulated and the ventilation improved with the added benefit of updating the design and using modern tiles and fittings. This will also remove all current mold and prevent a return.
2. Leaking Fixtures
Is one or more of your faucets dripping non-stop? A continuous dripping problem not only stains your porcelain or keeps you up at night, it is also hurting your pocket. Water wastage through dripping can run up your water bill quickly. Almost 10,000 gallons of water is wasted per average household due to leaks, according to the EPA.
Typical areas where leaks occur include:
· Worn toilet flappers
· Dripping faucets
· Leaking valves
It is estimated that you can easily save up to 10% on your water bill if you just fix all your leaks. The bathroom is the best place to start and there is no better time than during your bathroom remodeling project. Adding modern water smart fixtures will save you even more money at the end of the month than your old fixtures ever would.
3. You Have Ugly Grout Stains and Chipped Tiles
The grout between your tiles is porous and this means that it stains quickly and mold can easily take hold in it. Cleaning grouting is difficult and hardly ever produces perfect results. Replacing grouting is a laborious and dirty job that will cost you a pretty penny. Repairing chipped tiles is easier and less costly.
If you need to replace broken or chipped tiles and discolored grout it might be better to rather redo the tiles in the bathroom as part of an upgrade for the entire space.
4. Your Needs and Style Has Grown
As you taste, preferences and style changes so your bathroom should reflect these changes. The bathroom is the one room that is a true testament to your taste and standards. Your needs also change and you might no longer need the bathtub that was handy when the kids were small or you had to bath the big dog. You no longer need the handheld showerhead or the bathtub as it is no longer used. Instead, you would prefer a large shower or walk-in tub. Your elderly parents could be moving in and you need a shower with a bench. A bathroom remodel can update the functionality and style of your bathroom to match your current requirements.
5. Your Bathroom Looks Ancient
Having the same bathroom for years can make you extremely tired of the same décor and makes the bathroom feel dirty and draining on your soul. You do not have to wait for something to break to change your bathroom. Styles change and your bathroom look should too.
Perhaps there was a time that the yellow and brown shag carpeting look of the 1970’s was chic or the pink and seafoam green color palette of the 1980’s was the height of fashion. These days are gone, thankfully and the classic clean and minimalistic looks are here. Modernize your bathroom into a calming and surreal space you want to soak in all day.
6. You Want To Maximize Your Small Bathroom Space
With careful design and modern cupboard options you will be amazed at how much storage discreet space you can create during your bathroom revamp. You can open up your bathroom by replacing the unnecessary bathtub with a shower, especially with a clear glass door. Use under sink cupboards and extra shelving for easy to reach items. Clean light cors on the wall combined with mirrors can make the room look bigger. New bright lightning, with a dimmer for when needed, will have you not notice the lack of natural light.
7. You Are Thinking of Selling Your House
Nothing puts a potential buyer off quicker than an old dated, dark and musty bathroom. Cracked basins, stained baths and toilets, leaking taps and outdated décor will either chase away a buyer or have it use the states of the bathroom to argue your price down. It makes the whole house seem dirty and outdated. Even small changes can make a world of difference. You can also consider your market and create appealing features for them such as a bathtub for families. Using granite and tiles rather than laminate adds modern appeal.
Bathroom remodeling projects aimed at making your house more appealing must focus on upgrading the visual aesthetics. The most favorable option is to upgrade the flooring which gives a return of 107%. It is best to focus on items that have the biggest impact like freshly painted walls in a neutral color, especially if you have a small budget. Big ticket items such as replacing your tub with a jetted tub is hardly worth the effort as most people find it an occasional luxury at best.