While the bathroom is one of the rooms we spend most of our time in, it’s often last on the list of upgrades. Yet, it’s one of the rooms where we escape for peace and quiet, to have a hot bath, and to get ourselves ready for a night out with friends… And you’ll find that it is a much warmer place if it’s looked after and clean. An old bathroom never quite feels that clean no matter how hard you seem to scrub. All of this to ask one simple question – how frequently should bathroom remodeling be done?
If you’ve been in the shower and noticed some cracks starting to appear, or you’re finding the paint is peeling on your bathroom walls, the taps are dripping, and you just don’t love the bathroom like you used to … you’re probably trying to decide whether or not it’s time to upgrade.
There’s nothing worse than remodeling sooner than necessary or, spending too much to replace items that could have been saved had you decided to take this step sooner. So, when should you remodel your bathroom?
The Frequency
In an ideal world, you would remodel your bathroom every five years. Here’s why.
After five years, the colors begin to date. The fixtures and fittings start to cause problems. You start to get sick of the sight of it. If you have plans to sell your home, then you can renovate sooner. If there are issues with your fixtures, you can speed up the renovation timelines. It’s up to you (and your budget) whether you simply replace problem fixtures or take the opportunity for a full remodel.
There are certain points at which a bathroom remodel just makes sense. For example, you want a change, you need a change, your bathroom needs help. A remodeled bathroom will increase the resale value of your home as well, so it’s always a good choice if you plan to sell in the next few years. You might as well take the opportunity to grab the eye of potential buyers.
The Reality
We discussed the ideal world where you remodel every five years or so. The reality is a little different for most people because not everyone has the budget to remodel their bathrooms every five years, especially when other areas of the house may need attention.
In terms of the lifespan of appliances, you could potentially get away with 10 to 15 years. Whether your bathtub shower combination is still in style in 15 years or not, it will likely last you that long if you look after it well enough.
This is just an approximation, though, there is no hard and fast timeline.
The real question is this:
When Should I Remodel The Bathroom?
Rather than putting a strict timeline on the frequency of remodels, it’s easy to highlight at which point your bathroom becomes unlivable. Look out for these key signs.
It Doesn’t Function
One of the most important factors of your bathroom is the layout, especially if it’s a shared space. If you have limited storage or you find yourself constantly complaining about the layout, then a remodel is likely the correct answer.
A change in layout as you remodel is also an excellent option for those with limited mobility or those who have plans to age in their current home. It will make it a safer environment while accommodating your needs.
It Smells
If there are lingering odors in your bathroom no matter how hard or often you clean it, then there could be underlying issues. It could be a sneakily leaking toilet that is causing mold and mildew. When the odor won’t disappear, then it’s time to remodel and take a deeper look to rectify the problem.
It’s Outdated
Trends will always come and go, especially with Pantone announcing a brand new feature color annually. That doesn’t necessarily mean your bathroom will age quickly unless you opted for every trend going when it was first decorated. However, if your bathroom doesn’t match your style, it’s time to remodel. It could be a small remodel that upgrades fixtures and colors without going into too much detail.
To find out more, get in touch with our team today. We’re happy to discuss your requirements and give you our recommendations on bathroom remodeling so you can have a bathroom that’s both comfortable and clean.