The idea of home renovation projects often feels daunting, but taking them on in smaller parts can help. Most homeowners choose to remodel their bathrooms first, and even those who aren’t planning on doing over the rest of their houses often choose to focus on these small but essential spaces. Read on to find out about a few signs it’s time for a bathroom remodel that can’t be ignored.
- Changing Needs
As a family’s needs change, so must their bathroom. New parents often remodel to ensure that these rooms are baby, toddler, and child-proof, while older homeowners might consider renovations before asking aging parents to move in.
Of course, not all changes to a family’s needs and lifestyle are so momentous. Sometimes, homeowners just want a little extra space and realize that since no one ever uses the bathtub, it might make more sense to replace it with a shower.
- Plans to Sell
Homeowners planning to sell usually don’t go for high-end remodels since they don’t tend to produce a good ROI in the short term. That said, even minor updates can turn an old bathroom into a selling point. Cracked tiles, leaky fixtures, and an outdated feel can deter buyers, while newer fixtures and finishes like granite vanity tops can make a home look more appealing.
- Leaky Fixtures
Leaky fixtures are more than just an annoyance. They waste gallons of water and leave spaces prone to water and mold damage. While some homeowners choose to repeatedly repair dripping faucets, leaking valves, and worn toilet flappers, many turn a problem into an opportunity by viewing it as a sign it’s time to upgrade the entire bathroom.
- Mold Problems
Bathrooms tend to harbor humidity, especially if there are any leaky fixtures or pipes. In older bathrooms, inadequate ventilation can make this problem even worse. If people are noticing discolored, peeling wallpaper, unpleasant odors, or visible mold stains, it’s time to take action. The mold problem will only get worse from there and a full remodel that addresses the underlying moisture issue is the best solution.
- Chipped Tiles and Discolored Grout
While it’s true that chipped or otherwise damaged bathroom tiles can be repaired, it’s much more difficult to deal with discolored grout. Whether the discoloration is due to stains or mold growth, it can be next to impossible to remove, even with the help of professional cleaners. If both aging tiles and the grout that surrounds them are starting to show signs of excessive wear, that’s a great reason to consider remodeling the bathroom and replacing them with more modern alternatives.
- Generally Outdated Designs
Homeowners who like to follow all the latest trends may find that their bathroom decor doesn’t stay in style for long. Even families that don’t care about keeping up with the Joneses might find themselves thinking twice about continuing to use a bathroom that looks like it’s straight out of the 1970s.
There are two options for dealing with outdated designs. Some homeowners like to remodel their bathrooms every decade, or even every few years, to keep up with trends, but that’s not strictly necessary. There are plenty of bathroom fixtures and features that will offer timeless beauty for a lifetime.
Get Some Help
Whether homeowners just want to replace aging tile or they’re trying to turn a bathroom into an entirely new space, it’s always best to enlist some professional help. DIY remodels almost always wind up taking more time and costing more money than homeowners expect, and they usually end in a call to a bathroom remodeling company, anyway.
