It’s no secret that bathrooms can instantly change your feelings about home. Not only is the bathroom a private space for personal hygiene and pampering, but it can also reflect your style and personality.
Unfortunately, over time, even the most well-maintained bathrooms can start to show signs that they need some TLC. Across Winnipeg, we see outdated fixtures, water damage, lack of storage space, and other basic bathroom issues. This article compiles some of the most common tell-tale signs that your bathroom needs an upgrade.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to give your Winnipeg bathroom a facelift without breaking the bank. You can transform this room into something special with a few simple changes.
Outdated Fixtures
When we walk into a bathroom renovation, fixtures are one of the most common indicators of an old bathroom. Outdated fixtures degrade the entire bathroom and are among the first places homeowners should look to when updating their space.
Improving aesthetics and adding features to your bathroom can be as simple as replacing old, worn-out faucets and showerheads with newer, more efficient, and stylish models. For example, low-flow options can save on water consumption while giving your space an instant upgrade in style. There are tons of low-flow and stylish bathroom fixtures to choose from.
If you have older toilets or bathtubs, consider replacing them with new models and styles. You can get a lot of change from a single room just by changing the bathtub liner or style entirely. When you upgrade the toilet or bathtub, you can benefit from additional features that may have been less popular when your original features were installed: such as steam baths or heated seats, for added comfort and convenience.
Updating the lighting can make a huge difference. Not just brighter bulbs or dimmers but inset lighting, hanging lighting, or one of many creative design options. Your lighting can become a space feature and add dimension and personality to the very limited area.
You will be blown away by how much a room can change from updating the fixtures, so we always look to that as a first step.
Water Damage
Water damage can quickly turn a comfortable, cozy bathroom into an uncomfortable and hazardous environment. Many homeowners must notice if mold or discoloration on the walls or floor has begun or been there for ages. It’s often surprising how tenants get used to living in mold. When estimating a bathroom, remodel, we first look for signs of mold. Water seeping through the cracks behind the walls can wreak havoc beneath the surface and compromise the integrity of the walls and supporting structure.
Look for discoloration in the walls, a dank, wet smell, or any sign of leaking pipes to determine the likelihood of water damage. If you can hear dripping sounds from behind walls or see water spots near the ceiling, it could indicate a larger issue.
Mold growth in corners or along grout lines also indicates too much moisture present for too long. (1)
It’s essential to take care of these problems quickly before they become a bigger expense to repair.
Poorly Functioning Appliances
When remodeling your bathroom, one important thing to consider is the functionality of all appliances. Even if they are not outdated or broken, there may be problems with drainage that indicate a potential future problem.
Sinks, bathtubs, and showers should be checked regularly for proper drainage and condition.
If any are not functioning correctly or look worn out, their replacement may need to be included as part of a larger remodeling project.
Make sure you examine each appliance closely so that you can make an informed decision about what needs to be done to bring your bathroom back up to code!
Sinks
You might notice your sinks are beginning to show their age, from the chipped enamel to the clogged drains. This is a sure sign that it’s time to start thinking about remodeling your bathroom.
Besides these obvious signs of wear and tear on the sink, there may also be broken pipes or faulty connections below the surface. If left unchecked, this could cause serious water damage, and further deterioration of the sink features over time.
During your next plumbing inspection, have the plumber check your pipes for structural integrity, so you have a better sense of how much time you have to begin your remodel.
Bathtubs
The bathtub, once a place of peaceful rejuvenation, can become a symbol of neglect and disrepair if left untouched for too long.
One of the first signs your bathroom needs to be remodeled is when you notice cracked tiles and peeling paint around the tub. Over time, these problems can get worse as water seeps into hidden crevices or beneath the tub’s surface.
In extreme cases, it could lead to serious structural damage requiring professional repair services.
If you’ve noticed any areas with cracked tiles or chipped paint around your bathtub, now’s the time to take action and invest in a complete bathroom remodel. Investing in a quality renovation now can save you from potential disasters – such as water damage or mold growth – making it well worth your while!
Showers
Don’t wait until water damage appears – upgrade your shower now for a more enjoyable experience! You do NOT need to wait for the shower liner to fall apart before considering a replacement.
Check around your shower tiles for grout buildup or vulnerabilities. Run your fingers along the edges of your tile and see if anything gives where it’s not supposed to. That is an indication of water damage and issues.
If your bathroom is in good structural shape, you can only focus on an aesthetic upgrade.
Unappealing Design
Aesthetically, the bathroom is a letdown; it’s as dull as dishwater. The color scheme is outdated, and the flooring is stained and worn out.
The room has no vibrancy; its walls are blank canvasses that desperately need some color or pattern to make it more inviting. The fixtures are all aged, too—the sink, bathtub, shower stall, and even toilet show signs of wear and tear from years of use without an update.
In short, the bathroom’s design lacks style and sophistication—it needs a complete overhaul to look its best again.
Lack of Storage Space
One of the simplest problems to solve, even in a small bathroom, is the lack of storage.
Your bathroom should have room for towels, toiletries, and cleaning products.
Adding cabinets, shelving, and mirror cabinets to your bathroom can create space where none existed.
Installing storage options give your bathroom a stylish upgrade and makes it much more functional than it was otherwise. Let’s talk about some common bathroom storage areas and how to use their state to determine if a bathroom remodel is necessary.
Cabinets
If the cabinets in your bathroom are broken or faulty, it’s likely time for a remodel. If the door struggles to open or the shelves never look clean when exposed, it may be easier to refinish or replace those cabinets. Broken cabinets can be dangerous and a daily inconvenience, don’t let them ruin your opinion about the bathroom.
Sometimes WD40 on the hinges and a good scrub are all cabinets need. Alternatively, you can replace them with a more functional and beautiful cabinet to revive the space.
Shelving
Sometimes a bathroom needs a remodel because even with some storage, you can never find enough places for everything. Find yourself precariously balancing your toothbrush on the edge of the sink or getting way too creative with storage outside the bathroom. It may be worth a small investment in shelving as part of a bathroom remodel.
Installing shelves in your bathroom is an easy way to add extra storage and visually enhance it. For example, we often install floating shelves above the sinks in Winnipeg bathrooms to provide room for toiletries and decorations, especially in small bathrooms.
There are metal and wood shelving options to fit different styles, but having shelves will add to the liveability of the bathroom.
Mirror Cabinets
Adding a mirror cabinet to your bathroom can make a significant visual impact, enhancing the overall aesthetic while providing extra storage. Mirror cabinets are great for organizing and displaying towels, beauty products, and decorative pieces. Plus, they often have an integrated lighting system illuminating the whole room.
If your mirror cabinet shows signs of wear and tear, it might be time for an upgrade. Look for one with adjustable shelves and drawers to customize the layout to fit your needs. Also, pay attention to its construction – it won’t last long if it’s flimsy or made of low-quality materials.
Conclusion
You may be feeling like it’s time to remodel your bathroom. There are a few tell-tale signs that you can look out for, such as outdated fixtures, water damage, poorly functioning appliances, unappealing design, and lack of storage space.
Whether it’s a full renovation or just a few minor changes – your bathroom will thank you!
For any bathroom remodeling needs, give Bathroom Remodeling of Winnipeg a call! We’d love to learn about your space and recommend design options that fit your vision and budget.
Follow this link to know more about planning for a bathroom remodel.
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