11 Signs Your Bathroom Needs a Remodel

March 26, 2024

Your bathroom is the room with the second largest amount of traffic in the house. It may not be a room you think about often, but it’s one of the most important. If you haven’t thought about investing money to remodel your bathroom, see if you fall into the category of any of these 11 signs your bathroom needs a remodel.

 

Why you Should Consider Remodeling your Bathroom

You might wonder why you should consider remodeling your bathroom. After all, it’s just a room you take care of the necessities in and then leave, right? Wrong. A bathroom is a place of relaxation, seclusion, and of course, a place to get ready or unready for the day. When your bathroom isn’t functional, is outdated, or makes you feel stressed, it can set the tone for the day. There are many reasons you may consider remodeling your bathroom, including the following:

You can choose to remodel only the cosmetic parts of the bathroom, like repainting and adding new faucets. Or, you can do a full remodel, changing the layout and structure. Either way, you can make your bathroom more functional and pleasing.

 

Does Bathroom Remodel Increase a Home’s Value?

The average homeowner gets a 70% return on investment on their bathroom remodel. That’s a great ROI that you don’t see in most rooms. The key is to use your budget wisely, investing in the parts that will give you the most significant return. For example, if you choose a wildly patterned countertop, you likely won’t see a return on your investment because it’s based on personal taste and not what everyone would choose. On the other hand, if you upgrade the features and keep them neutral, chances are you’ll get a decent return on your investment. For example, the average homeowner sees an increase of 3% in their home’s value or $3,000 for every $100,000 in value just for renovating the bathroom.

 

11 Signs you Should Remodel your Bathroom

If you aren’t sure if remodeling is right for you, here are 11 signs to remodel your bathroom:

 

1. You have Leaky Faucets

If you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve fixed the leaky faucets or ignored them, it’s time to consider remodeling. Leaking faucets waste water, cost you money, and put your bathroom at risk of mold and mildew growth. While you might be able to call a plumber and have leaky faucets fixed, it’s more economical to put new (energy-efficient) faucets in and give your bathroom a facelift. You won’t believe the difference new faucets make in a bathroom!

 

2. The Bathroom isn’t Functional

If you’re constantly fighting for space in the bathroom, it can start your day off on the wrong foot. So whether you have trouble opening and closing doors, can’t find enough room for storage, or struggle to make everything fit, it’s time to create a functional bathroom. When you do a floor plan remodel, you can add an extra sink, remove a tub and even move the shower or toilet if they aren’t in a good spot. Work with a reputable contractor who can help you create the perfect layout, so your bathroom is more functional and meets the local code.

 

3. You have a Mold Problem

If your bathroom has mold you can see, chances are there is a lot more you can’t see. You might see signs like water marks around the bathroom fan or peeling wallpaper, but what you can’t see is a scary thought. If there is a mold problem, a full remodel is the best option. You can get to the root of the problem and eliminate the mold safely, install new fixtures and include a better ventilation system. Taking these steps will help you reduce the risk of mold returning. Sometimes you can remodel only the area the mold exists, such as right above the shower, but if it’s gone on too long, a full remodel may be better.

 

4. Your Bathroom is too Dark

Everyone gets ready in the bathroom, so the lighting of the space is important. If you have old lighting or the layout isn’t conducive to receiving the bathroom’s natural light, consider it a sign to remodel your bathroom. Transforming your space might be as simple as improving lighting. You may also consider the placement of the counter and mirror to the window (if you have one), or how other fixtures affect the bathroom’s lighting. Sometimes the shadows overtake the area and can make the room darker than you’d like, but changing the layout may help.

 

5. The Bathroom is Outdated

If you can’t remember the last time you remodeled your bathroom, chances are it’s outdated. If you have peeling wallpaper, cracked tiles, and rusty fixtures, it’s time to replace them. Sometimes updating a bathroom is as simple as removing the wallpaper, installing new light fixtures, and updating the faucets. You may not have to do a complete overhaul and can keep the costs reasonable. If the shower or tub has seen better days, you can have them refinished rather than replaced if they are still functional. This adds many years to the existing tub or shower but gives the room an entirely new look.

 

6. Your Needs Changed

If you’ve been in your home for a long time, your bathroom needs may have changed. For example, if you bought the house when you had small children, you likely have a bathroom with a tub and decorations meant for kids. If your kids are no longer home and you want to create a nice guest bathroom or need an accessible bathroom, you may consider remodeling it. Don’t hesitate to create the bathroom you’ve always wanted but had to sacrifice because you had kids at home.

 

7. The Shower Grout Has Seen Better Days

You can re-grout a shower only a few times before it just doesn’t look good anymore. There’s nothing worse than stepping in the shower in the morning to be greeted with yellow, brown, or missing grout. You have two options:

  • Replace the shower – You can replace it entirely, even changing its structure to create the luxurious bathroom you’ve always wanted.
  • Refinish the shower – If you like the shower and it’s in decent condition, you can have it refinished. This gives the shower a facelift while keeping its function the same.

 

8. No Storage

If you’re constantly looking for somewhere to store linens, hair products, and other bathroom essentials, it’s another sign to remodel your bathroom. Today there are many ways to improve your bathroom storage. Some simple ways include installing new vanities with cabinet space, taking advantage of wall space with shelves or vertical storage units, adding towel racks, or installing racks to the back of your bathroom door.

 

9. You Need More Room

If you have a bathroom with a tub and shower but only need the shower, consider removing the tub. However, for resale purposes, at least one bathroom should have a tub, so if your other bathroom doesn’t have one, consider a combined tub/shower in your remodel.

 

10. You Need Accessibility

If your bathroom isn’t conducive to kids or the elderly and you have either in your home, consider remodeling your bathroom. Making it safer for everyone who uses it is worth its weight in gold. Here are a few ways to improve a bathroom’s safety:

  • Install grab bars
  • Install shower seats
  • Add non-slip tiles
  • Improve the lighting and add night lights
  • Add a removable showerhead

 

11. You’re Selling your Home

If you’re selling your home soon, you may consider remodeling your bathroom to make it more attractive for buyers. Consider what buyers in your area want, and see if you can make it happen. Most importantly, if there are any cracks, mold, or other issues, make those a priority. Most buyers will bypass a home with a cracked tub, cracked flooring, or mold in the bathroom. If the bathroom is functional but outdated, consider today’s trends and see what you can do to remodel it to make it more attractive while getting a good return on your investment.

 

FAQs

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

The cost to remodel a bathroom depends on a variety of factors including the size of the room, the type of materials used, and the level of complexity. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 or more depending on your project’s scope. That said, there are a range of ways to cut costs – such as utilizing reusable fixtures and seeking out discounts on supplies – that can drastically reduce overall expenses. Check out our bathroom remodel cost guide for more detailed estimates.

 

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

The length of time it takes to remodel a bathroom depends on the size and complexity of the project. Generally, simple renovations like updating fixtures or laying tile can take as little as 1-2 days while more complex projects such as adding additional space, replacing plumbing fixtures, changing the layout, or installing new cabinets may take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

 

Is it feasible to do a DIY bathroom remodel?

Absolutely! You can remodel your bathroom yourself if you have the necessary skills and tools. However, it’s important to plan carefully in order to avoid costly mistakes. Consider hiring a professional contractor for best results. With their proven experience in handling bathroom renovation work, they can ensure the project is done correctly and on time.

 

Final Thoughts

If you resonate with these signs to remodel your bathroom, it’s time. Don’t wait, especially if there are functional or safety issues. For example, a crack in the tub can cause major water and mold issues if left for too long. So can a leaky faucet that you ignore for too long. Give your bathroom the attention it deserves, and enjoy the return on your investment. Bathroom renovations may seem minor, but they are a big deal when they’re done. Following a remodel, you’ll have a beautiful bathroom to start and end your day, or to help you sell your home faster.