For families looking to update their homes, bathroom remodeling is one of the best investments one could make. Updating fixtures and features is an affordable option that has a strong impact on the overall value of the home. From completely stripping the room and installing all new drywall to replacing just a few, selected fixtures, the options for renovation are almost endless. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to choose which features to update, or which features to update first. With a look at the available budget, the goals of the renovation, and the family’s lifestyle, the decision becomes clearer.
The age of the home is one consideration when deciding what bathroom remodeling needs to take place. Older homes tend to have more pressing structural issues. If there have been any leaks or backups in the plumbing, it may be wise to tear out the old flooring and replace rotting or soft plywood underneath. Updated flooring can give the room a whole new look. For homeowners with a larger budget, this is also a good time to consider the layout of the room. Tearing out and replacing walls is a big job, but if rearranging the fixtures will result in a more spacious and efficient layout, it may be worth considering. It’s important to focus on the bigger picture of the finished project, and to decide early on the scope and extent of the bathroom remodeling desired.
In a newer home, or on a tighter budget, families may decide that a less extensive renovation is needed. Updating fixtures is another way to freshen the overall look of the room. If the fixtures are still rose pink or olive green, colors that were popular decades ago, it may be time to consider investing the bulk of the budget in updates. While some homeowners enjoy the vintage feel of antique fixtures, older toilets are inefficient, using far more water than necessary. Old bathtubs can become dingy, stained, and cracked or chipped over time. While a replacement tub may take up a significant portion of the bathroom remodeling budget, there are options that reduce the cost. Acrylic walls around the tub and shower can replicate tile, granite, or marble, without the problems often associated with more expensive materials like chipping or cracking. The water resistant material is durable and affordable. As long as the underlying wall structures and flooring are solid, new surfaces can be installed without the hassle of extensive demolition.
Whether bathroom remodeling means an extensive rebuilding of the room or simply resurfacing and replacing outdated fixtures, a fresh new look adds value. Changes to flooring, walls, and fixtures work together to give one of the most important rooms in a house a fresh look. With new surfaces and updated fixtures, renovation is a strong investment in the home.
