Your bathroom is one of the most-used areas of your home. Beyond serving basic hygiene needs, it is also often a sanctuary for relaxation and escape, so it’s natural to want to enjoy a room that looks and feels special. How do you know when it’s time to call in the contractors?
Does Your Bathroom Need Renovating or Remodeling?
Not every project needs to be a complete overhaul. Often, a small renovation will do the trick. If you simply want to change the color scheme, install a new tub or improve the flooring, you can easily refresh the room in a day or a weekend and extend its lifespan.
However, a complete bathroom remodel typically involves removing fixtures and fittings completely, installing new suites and perhaps changing the entire layout of the room. That is a major commitment both in terms of money and disruption to your home, but if your bathroom has serious flaws, it’s worth it.
Some signs that it’s time for a full bathroom remodel might include:
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Severely outdated fixtures and fittings that are not fit for purpose.
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Persistent plumbing problems or water damage.
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Mold, mildew or poor ventilation that you have been unable to solve.
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Changing household needs, such as a growing family or a desire to age in place.
Of course, you might simply want to update because you wish to enjoy greater comfort and luxury or incorporate new trends and technology into your master bath. You might consider a full upgrade if you are looking to add value to your home. According to figures from 2022, homeowners can recoup 71% of bathroom remodeling costs when selling a home.
How Often Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?
Industry experts have long considered it a rule of thumb that you should renovate your bathroom every 10 years — but is this still the case?
In recent decades, there have been major improvements in the durability of materials, so most fixtures and fittings will last a great deal longer than 10 years. Caring for your washroom fixtures properly will also greatly extend their lifespan. For example, regularly flushing your drains will help to keep clogs and bacteria out of your plumbing and help prevent odors. Preventing hard water limescale buildup through proper cleaning will also improve the longevity and appearance of your bathroom.
However, with trends and technology changing so fast, the desire to remodel is still strong. You might not necessarily need to completely overhaul your bathroom, but you may want to.
Should You Upgrade to New Bathroom Technology When Remodeling?
Updating your bathroom to incorporate new technology can be a smart move, and increasing energy efficiency could save you money over time. The EPA estimates that installing WaterSense toilets, faucets and showers could save the average family hundreds of dollars per year in water and electricity costs.
Smart bathroom features such as touchless faucets can also improve hygiene, while others, like heated floors, add to a luxury experience. If you are intending to remodel your bathroom, take a good look at how technology is improving and see what new features might add value to your home, cut your costs or simply bring your family joy.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Remodel a Bathroom?
You might automatically think that spring and summer are the best times for a bathroom upgrade, due to warmer weather and faster drying times. However, contractors are in high demand during these seasons and prices may rise. Your vacation plans or those of your contractors can also interfere with completing a remodel quickly and efficiently.
Remodeling your bathroom in fall or winter may feel counterintuitive, but it can make sense, especially if your budget is tight or if you need the work completed quickly. A winter building job is likely to cause less disruption in your household if it is completed faster, so factor this into the equation when considering your remodeling timeline.
Your Bathroom, Your Remodel
Ultimately, the decision of when to remodel your bathroom is a personal one. It might be driven by necessity if your fixtures are leaking or beyond repair, or it could be fueled by a desire for a fresh new look and improved luxury in your home. When you do choose to remodel, consider using bathroom tech to improve energy efficiency and schedule the work carefully to maximize your budget and contractor efficiency.
