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Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the most private and essential spaces in every home. Today, we want to help you breathe new life into this vital space with a bathroom remodel.

Although it may seem like a lot of work, bathroom renovations are well worth the time and effort, offering many advantages for homeowners. They can also boost the value of your home by up to 60 percent, helping you save serious money in the long run. According to Zillow, you can see a $1.71 increase in value for every dollar spent. It’s true!

We understand that the process of a bathroom renovation may seem daunting. You will need to make many important decisions, and it’s hard to know where to start. To help you get the best result, we put together this guide. We’ll start by explaining some common signs that it’s time to upgrade your lavatory.

Custom Kitchens - Bathroom Remodeling

Your bathroom is not comfortable

The first (and most obvious) indication is that you or your family are unhappy with the current layout. The last thing we need is to feel stressed when we use our home bathroom. In fact, it should be quite the opposite. Your bathroom should be a place where you can relax, unwind, and do your business in peace. If you don’t enjoy using your bathroom, consider a renovation!

Your bathroom decor is outdated

It’s important that the vibe of the bathroom aligns with your taste and personal preference. If the decor is out of style, a new bathroom could be just what you need to revitalize your space. By updating the design, you can modernize and add functionality simultaneously.

Lack of space and storage

There’s nothing more frustrating than a cramped bathroom. Unfortunately, scenarios like this are all too common. Today’s families need plenty of personal space and extra room for dry storage. If you feel tired of squeezing in and out of the shower with no room to dry off, it’s time to redesign your bathroom and optimize organization.

Insufficient lighting

Although you may be accustomed to it, improper lighting in a bathroom is horrible for the ambiance. It’s vital to have a well-lit bathroom so you can see yourself in the mirror and properly clean behind the toilet and other dark spaces. Take lighting into account when remodeling, and make sure your bathroom shines bright.

Appliances are falling apart

Aside from being a safety hazard, damaged appliances like sinks, toilets, and faucets can cause further issues down the road, especially when not attended to promptly. A remodel is likely in the works if you notice leaking, rust, smells, or other technical problems.

Presence of mold, odors, or grime

Nobody likes a smelly or dirty bathroom. Actually, this is one of the first signs that your bathroom needs a serious overhaul. Generally, the longer these issues go unchecked, the worse the problem. The good news is that you can address them with little effort. You can start by sanding down the walls and ceilings and slapping on a fresh coat of paint.

Not as young as before

Although it’s no fun to admit, if you’re getting older, you should consider updating your space to avoid accidents and injury. We highly recommend safety features like a fold down bench in the shower, walk in tub, grab bars, or a Toto washlet bidet toilet seat.

Insufficient ventilation

The last issue to ponder is a lack of proper ventilation. If your space is lacking fans, or doesn’t have sufficient ductwork or airflow there are many ways to improve the situation. You could install a window, a recirculating fan, or put a vent under the floor. These tactics will freshen the air and also bring in more natural light.

How can I find a trustworthy bathroom remodel contractor?

The best way to ensure you are happy with the result is to conduct thorough research and review all the local contractors in your area. It’s also a great idea to speak with friends and family and see if anyone has first-hand recommendations.

We strongly advise couples to sit down with their partner and make a prioritized list of wants and needs. After that, come up with a budget and stick to it. Call each contractor and go through the list and see if they have the ability to complete the project within your budget. After that, you can visit the company's social media profiles and read their online reviews to see what past customers think of their service.

Here is a quick rundown of other topics you can discuss with potential contractors to avoid a bathroom disaster. Never be afraid to ask a lot of questions. After all, this is a significant investment in your home and future.

  • Warranty information
  • Contractor licensing, insurance, bonding
  • Estimates and on-site inspections
  • Pricing and payment schedules
  • Project timeline
  • Experience with similar projects
  • Material sourcing (you want high-quality products)
  • Ask about references
  • What if I’m not happy?
Custom Kitchens - Bathroom Remodeling

Will I need a permit to renovate my bathroom?

In California, you will need a building permit for most renovations and all construction projects. This rule applies to all types of rooms and includes activities like renovation, demolition, addition, repairs, and improvements.

There are different kinds of permits, so it’s a good idea to decide upon the specifics first. Depending on the project, you will need permission before undertaking construction or making any alterations to the electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

You can apply for the building permit yourself, although we only recommend this if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you can leave this step for your licensed contractor – they can apply on your behalf.

5 Benefits of upgrading your bathroom

If you are ready to renovate your home, the bathroom is the best place to start. These spaces are used multiple times a day but are often overlooked regarding functionality and efficiency. Let’s look at some of these benefits in more detail.

1) Increase the value of your home

According to HGTV, a minor bathroom renovation can yield an ROI of 102% upon resale. A basic update may include replacing appliances, remodeling walls, floors, or installing new fixtures.

2) Better energy efficiency

Updating your home with modern appliances is sure to increase energy efficiency. These days, top-notch manufacturers design their products to save water and minimize electricity, which can help lower your utility bills and negative environmental impacts.

3) Improved design and aesthetics

Even though you may not realize it, your bathroom's design impacts your emotional state. The good news is a fully functional bathroom can help you feel more relaxed and calm.

4) Enhance safety and compliance

Old and outdated bathrooms pose a lot of safety concerns. From getting in and out of the shower to avoiding harmful mold and mildew, you can’t be too careful. A remodel allows you to update your room with safety features like walk-in tubs, anti-slip flooring, grab poles, and raised toilet seats.

5) Feel better about your space

We all love that feeling of wellness when we pamper ourselves at the spa. By reimagining the bathroom, you can bring all of these elements into the comfort of your own home. Consider adding heated floors, a soft color scheme, and smooth textures to bring harmony to your daily routine.

Custom Kitchens - Bathroom Remodeling

Upgrade your Bay Area bathroom with Custom Kitchens!

If you’re ready to take your bathroom to the next level, contact Custom Kitchens today! We can answer any questions and help you transform your bathroom into a place of peace and wellness.

We are an award-winning design company with more than 70 years of experience building custom kitchens, bathrooms, and whole houses. Whether you are just playing with the idea or have a master plan of your own, we can help make your dream a reality.

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