When is the right time to undertake a home improvement project? One of the first steps in planning a home improvement is to determine what projects you want, or need, to undertake. Aside from necessary structural or safety concerns in the home, which need to be addressed immediately, bathroom renovations are often popular choices. Here are a few common signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom:

1. Your Current Bathroom Layout is Not Functional

Think about the general layout of your current bathroom. If it seems to be creating more difficulty than convenience, it may be time for a new design. When the layout of your current bathroom is failing to meet your family’s needs or is just not functional, it’s time to remodel your bathroom.

One of the biggest bathroom design myths is that you’re stuck with your current layout. Although you do want to take plumbing, electric, and other things into consideration, you can change the layout with a bathroom remodel to get something that works for you. Depending on your home and what and how you want to change, there may be additional considerations, but you certainly don’t have to stick with something that doesn’t work for you.

Exactly what is needed from the bathroom is largely determined by your particular living situation and is just one of the many things to consider when remodeling your bathroom. If it is just you and your spouse, you may want a walk-in shower stall and a double-sink vanity for added efficiency on busy days.

If you have younger children, a tub-style unit may be in order. If you have the space for it, a walk-in shower and a freestanding tub can be a fantastic option. There are several types of bathtubs available, which provides some options for including one in your bathroom renovation.

2. There Isn’t Enough Storage Space in the Bathroom

Storage space within the bathroom is something that is far too often overlooked. In fact, not having enough storage is one of the bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid. The convenience factor of having enough drawer, counter, and closet space in a bathroom cannot be overstated. It is amazing how having adequate storage space reduces clutter and adds to the overall cleanliness of the space.

It is also nice to be able to have room to store extra bath supplies and toiletries in the bathroom itself rather than in a hall or bedroom closet. This is something to consider across the bathroom overall and can help you choose the best vanity for your bathroom remodel.

Regardless of the type of vanity, there are many ways to incorporate creative, custom storage options or bathroom features with more storage capacity. So, if your bathroom is lacking in this area, it’s likely time to consider an upgrade.

3. The Bathroom Plumbing and Fixtures are Outdated or Broken

Old and broken plumbing fixtures are one of the biggest signs that your bathroom is outdated and it’s time to remodel. When bathroom components start to fail, given the wear and tear of time, it is time for replacements. The same is true if there are cracks in the floor or if the flooring material is slippery or unsafe. With remodeling, you can implement bathroom flooring ideas you like while also fixing anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.

In addition to taking advantage of the latest trends, technology, and energy-efficient upgrades, this also creates a great opportunity for a more complete renovation of the entire bathroom or even switching up the types of bathrooms in your home.

4. There Are Leaks or Mold Issues in the Bathroom

Never checking fixtures or replacing them when needed are ways you may be encouraging mold growth in your home. Anything related to carrying water throughout your home can degrade as it ages, issues can arise, things can break, etc. If you’re not checking in on things, doing regular maintenance, and replacing parts when needed, you could be facing moisture issues, water damage, and more.

This is one of the reasons why outdated or broken plumbing and fixtures usually go hand-in-hand with moisture issues, water leaks, or mold issues. This is also why maintaining appliances, checking fixtures regularly, and keeping your bathroom up to date and in good repair can help protect your home from water damage.

However, if you are seeing signs of leaks around fixtures or on the walls, floors, or ceiling or any signs you might have mold behind the walls, it’s time to remodel your bathroom. Even if you are not overhauling the layout completely, you will want to make sure any moisture issues are resolved and that everything is replaced to prevent further issues and damage to your home.

5. The Aesthetic of the Bathroom is Not Appealing

If the overall style and aesthetics of the bathroom are unappealing or no longer in style, you may want to consider a bathroom remodeling project in the near future. If you are remodeling your bathroom because of aesthetics, just be sure to also consider whether or not other areas could use improvement as well. There are plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas to consider.

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel for looks, you should also consider the bathroom’s functionality, layout, and/or storage space available to make sure you end up with a bathroom that works the best for you. Plus, by taking all of these things into consideration, you can ensure that you’re getting all the benefits of remodeling your bathroom.

6. You Need to Add Safety Features to the Bathroom

Remodeling bathrooms is one of the popular home renovations to make during retirement. For homeowners who are remodeling their homes in retirement, it may be a good idea to consider additional safety concerns that may be present in the bathroom areas of the home. Safety features can be a good, and at times necessary, addition to the bathroom. These are also essential features of an accessible bathroom remodel.

Bathroom grab bars, handrails, a shower stall with a bench seat, shower lighting ideas, etc. can all be good options for older homeowners or homeowners who might find themselves providing care for an elderly family member. When these needs arise, it is a good time to look at a more comprehensive bathroom upgrade that will improve safety and provide many other benefits to the residents of the home.

7. The Bathroom Lighting is All Wrong

Lighting is one of those elements that can make or break a room. When it comes to the bathroom, poor lighting isn’t always a sign it’s time to remodel your bathroom. Sometimes, simply switching out the fixture, adding some lighting to the shower, putting more lights around the vanity, etc. can resolve the issue. There are many bathroom lighting options available to help you get the light you want where you want it.

However, if poor lighting is paired with other issues or the current setup doesn’t allow you to make the lighting changes you need, it’s worth exploring a complete renovation. In this case, remodeling your bathroom will allow you to address all of the issues you have with your current bathroom, implement the best ways to update a bathroom, and end up with the bathroom you want and need.

Remodel Your Bathroom With Zephyr Thomas

A bathroom remodel adds value to your home. Keep an eye out for these common signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom. If you find yourself thinking about any of them, it’s a good indication that you should begin planning a bathroom remodeling project, even if you are planning to sell your home.

If you have no plans to sell your home in the near future, you’ll get to enjoy the energy savings, improved comfort, and more that comes with a newly renovated bathroom. If you are planning to sell in the near future, bathroom remodeling is one of the home improvement projects with the highest ROI and could help you sell at a price that makes it more than worth the investment.

Bathroom remodeling projects are great ways to improve your home and can help to add market value as well. To get started on your next home improvement project, give Zephyr Thomas a call at (717) 399-4708 to start a free estimate!

Check out the Zephyr Thomas team remodeling this homeowner’s bathroom in the time-lapse video below!