You may not think about it often, but your bathroom is the most important section in your house — unless you’re a foodie because that would be the kitchen. Anyway, the bathroom is where you start the day and finish your skincare before tucking in the night. It’s also where you handle personal matters. This makes it prone to wear and tear. You don’t want an outdated bathroom that serves as an eyesore for guests or pain for family use, right? So it only makes sense that you perform the necessary upgrades. If you’re unsure when is the right time for that, here are six surefire signs to watch out for!
1. Your Bathroom Feels Cramped
Even if the bathroom is the smallest section inside the house, this doesn’t mean that it should feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Nothing’s more annoying than having to jump over the tub or getting your elbows all nicked up from bumping them on walls. If the shower and sink seem to be constantly getting in each other’s ways or there’s too much clutter around, then it’s time to expand the space. A happy bath time will most likely improve your productivity for the day. If having a full-fledged renovation is out of the budget just yet, you might want to start by decluttering, cleaning, and adjusting fixtures inside.
2. Visible Damage
Do you see cracks on your tiles? Do the grout lines appear to be dirty and deteriorating? Are there stains on the walls? Chips and gaps can become a breeding ground for mold. These are not just warning signs for a bathroom remodel but a growing problem that should be taken care of as soon as possible. This is especially true if this damage has been going on for some time – the longer it goes untreated, the harder it is to fix. Don’t wait for your bathroom to look like it’s seen better days. Renovations are no longer just for people who want to modernize their bathroom’s appearance. They are also necessary for homeowners who wish to restore or increase the value of their homes.
3. You’re Planning to Sell in the Future
The most important reason to upgrade your bathroom is when you plan to sell your home. Potential buyers will most likely be turned off by dirty, dingy bathrooms that require expensive repairs. And if you decide to stay in your home for a while but want to put it on the market later, then you’ll have an easier time finding a buyer when your bathroom is updated and ready for them.
4. Weird Smell Inside
There are many reasons why your bathroom may smell weird. Usually, it should smell like shampoo or soap. However, if you notice an unusual odor even when the window is open or no lighted scented candles, then it could be an indication that your roof or flooring has water damage. The main culprits are molds that have grown in moist conditions. You can choose to clean up the mold yourself but be careful as they can release particles that are can cause sickness. If possible, always consult and entrust the job to professionals.
5. Bad Lighting
Lighting is a critical factor in a bathroom. Why? Because a well-lit space makes it easier for people to groom themselves. If you have poor light sources in your bath, you might slip on the floor or cut yourself while shaving your beard. This can be very frustrating, especially when you’re running late for work. So if the light bulbs in your bathroom are old or do not function properly, it’s time to replace them. It’s highly suggested that you use LED lights since they’re brighter and consume less energy.
6. Old Design
Old homes never fail to attract people with their historic charm. Can’t blame you if you’ve fallen for one and bought it. However, some things need to be changed. One of them is the layout of the bathroom. Consider getting a full renovation with a modern design where a glass wall separates the toilet and shower. The shower and tub should also be near each other, preferably with small succulent plants for decor.
Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom
Suppose you’ve decided that it’s time to take your bathroom to the next level, good. Know that you’re making the right choice. Here is some additional advice to ensure the quality of your investment:
- Use neutral colors. A bathroom doesn’t need to be fancy. In fact, a simple palette of neutral colors will help enhance and add a modern feel to the place.
- Install the right flooring. The type of flooring that you add will add or detract from its overall value. Whatever your budget is, consider a kind of material that will likely endure daily usage and humidity.
- Mind the ventilation. Airflow in a bathroom is essential. Without a proper one, obnoxious smell and sudden temperature swings might plague the occupants. Ideally, you’ll want a large window and an exhaust fan to maintain the atmosphere inside.
- Add Small Plants. This might seem pretty insignificant to mention, but small plants help add a refreshing feel that can make a difference in one’s bathroom experience.
And that’s about it! Keep in mind that the most important criteria for bathroom remodels are signs of damage. But of course, whenever you feel like enhancing the aesthetics, it’s still an investment you won’t regret.
