Holes in the floor, a rusty bathtub, a toilet that just won't cooperate—these are the types of big-ticket bathroom problems that require major repairs. But what about the smaller signs that it's time to upgrade your bathroom? They might not be quite what you expect.
- Little things start to go wrong. All bathrooms are prone to everyday wear and tear, but some problems require more than a simple repair job. "When the tile grout begins to flake out of its joints, the whites in the bathroom turn yellow, or the ceiling is crumbling from moisture, it's time," says contractor Bob Bonano. Depending on the cost of serious repairs, it may make sense to spend a little more and create a brand new bathroom.
- You're stuck in a retro gear. While it's true that yesterday's trends often resurface, some are best left in the past. Some people still have the avocado-and-gold color palette from the '70s. This is not back yet and not in the color forecast for 2007 or 2008! Creating a fresh look can be as simple as using a neutral color in your tub and lavatory, and accenting it with color on the wall and window treatments. If your bathroom sends you into a time warp, it's due for an update. This bathroom needs a complete overhall. Nothing matches, the fixtures are dated and worn, and the layout is inconvenient. Get out the sledge hammer and go for it!
- You're thinking of selling your home. Why would you remodel your bathroom if you're not planning to stay there forever? The answer is simple, says Seattle realtor Sheila Sabine: Making relatively small changes is a smart way to raise your home's value. "You can have a really upscale house, but it won't look good with cheap bathroom or door hardware," she says. "If the bathroom doesn't look high class, you should upgrade it. Or, if you have an older house update an obsolete bathroom and you’ll get between 150 and 200% on that investment."
The bathroom below just needed a fresh coat of plaster to cover the imposing black walls.
The black accent trim in the original 1920’s tile is now what it was intended to be…an accent!!
- Your family's needs shift. When your family situation changes, so does its needs. People often remodel or add a second bathroom when they have children on the way…or they’ve lived with a bathroom full of teenagers who have now gone off to college and they take back their “retreat” space and create a haven for relaxation.
- You plan to “age in place” in your home. As older adults find their mobility changing, they may be more comfortable in rooms designed for their needs. Older people might not want to step in and out of a tub. Why not replace a bathtub with walk-in showers for safety?
This former “basement bathroom” was transformed with the use of a mix of textures including a dramatic split face tile wall, custom walnut cabinetry, new ambient lighting, and a beautiful square vessel sink. The guests using this bathroom may not want to leave!
6. Your bathroom isn't "you" Standard-issue faucets and fixtures may be functional, but there's nothing distinctive about them. If these details don't fit your personal aesthetic, it doesn't take much to find a look that goes with your style. The fixtures in a bathroom are like furniture. Just as you would redesign a living room or dining room, you can create a bathroom that fits your design. Whether you prefer classic lines or sleek modern curves, a few small changes can make a big impact. The bathroom below standard issue all the way. A new cherry cabinet, black granite counter, acres of mirror to enlarge the feel of the room and custom Venetian plaster walls make take this bathroom from ho-hum to enchanting!
Analyze your bathrooms and see if a facelift is in order...then call me at 510.339.3229 for a free 1-hour consultation!
