(Editor's Note: This guest post was submitted by Darlene Mase of Zumper.com, a full-service property rental company. We occasionally accept guest posts from our partner network. We do not receive any compensation from these posts.)
Bathrooms are one of the most frequented rooms in the house. Most of us start our days in the bathroom — brushing our teeth and getting ready for the day ahead — and end them with a relaxing shower or bath. In fact, we spend so much time in the bathroom that home renovation experts say a you can make in your home.
But even if there are no plans of putting your home on the market anytime soon, a bathroom makeover may be in order. From outdated hardware to leaky faucets and grubby tiles, there are many obvious (and sometimes subtle) indications that it may be time to revamp your bathroom.
1) The lighting in your bathroom is off.
Most of us spend at least a fraction of our mornings in the bathroom getting ready. We shave, do our hair, and put on makeup, but it can be difficult to look your best if the bathroom has bad lighting. A cost-efficient bathroom upgrade can be as simple as changing out the lightbulbs or light fixtures. Adding recessed lighting is a simple way to brighten up the room while simultaneously making a small area appear larger.
2) The faucets continually drip.
Leaky faucets are an obvious indicator that a bathroom makeover is in order. Besides costing you several dollars per month in wasted water, that continual drip sound is annoying. Whether the solution entails a plumber coming out and assessing the damage or you decide just to buy a new faucet instead, leaks need to be addressed as soon as possible.
3) Everything in your bathroom is outdated.
Even if your bathroom is in working order, if it has ugly wallpaper, cracked tiles, outdated fixtures, and just generally looks like it's from the 1950s (and not in a good vintage way), it might be time for a bathroom makeover. If it doesn’t bother you, an antiquated washroom might not be that big of a deal, but if you plan on selling your home anytime soon, you might want to invest in a bathroom renovation sooner than later. Whether you opt for a complete bathroom remodel or choose a few modern updates for your washroom, a little can go a long way.
4) The bathroom lacks functionality.
A dysfunctional bathroom can make it difficult to get ready in the mornings or unwind in the evenings. Is the layout off? Are the toilet and shower cramped together in one small, closed-off area? Do you need a double vanity but only have one? Proper functionality is necessary especially if you have older individuals living in the house. Small bathroom upgrades, like a seat in the shower, grab handles, and a medical raised toilet seat with arms can make a world of a difference.
5) The bathroom just looks worn out.
Many people opt to revamp their bathroom by replacing the standard acrylic and fiberglass shower stalls with a tiled shower. Though tiling your shower adds visual appeal, keeping the grout between the tiles clean can be difficult, especially if the shower stall lacks proper ventilation. If even the best grout cleaner fails to revamp grubby tiles, you may need to apply fresh grout or redo your tiles altogether. Not only are moldy tiles unsightly but if mold spores are inhaled, it can be a serious health hazard.
6) There’s mold growing on the ceiling.
While we’re on the topic of mold, sometimes mold can accumulate in areas of high humidity, especially those that are not properly ventilated. Exposure to mold and spores can lead to significant health complications, including coughing, wheezing, and throat, skin, and eye irritation. If you consistently notice the appearance of mold on ceilings or around your shower, it may be time for a bathroom makeover that includes ventilation improvements, perhaps a vent fan or a window.
7) The bathroom lacks sufficient storage space or is too small.
It can be difficult to maneuver in a small bathroom, especially if you’re sharing it with one or more people. Perhaps your significant other has toiletries strewn all over the countertop and there is only one vanity. Maybe a lack of closets or cabinets causes you to have cluttered and untidy countertops. If you find yourself wriggling around your partner getting ready in the morning or if you can’t neatly arrange your belongings due to lack of space, a bathroom makeover where you add more cabinets or storage space might be in order.
8) The bathroom is too taste-specific.
It’s fine to have quirky and eccentric tastes and to display those preferences as you decorate your home. However, if the reason behind your bathroom makeover is an intent to sell, you may want to neutralize the bathroom. When selling a home, you want to appeal to the most buyers as possible, and not everyone is going to like nautical wallpaper and a clamshell sink.
If one or all of these apply to you, Remodelmate is here to help. Whether you’re seeking to hire someone for your bathroom makeover or are a professional looking to help someone tackle their bathroom renovation, we can help get you connected.