The clock is ticking–how much time does your bathroom have left? Whether you don’t like the look of your current bathroom or are wondering if that dripping sound is actually a big deal, we aren’t always certain we’re ready to renovate.
That changes today. If you can agree with three or more items on this list, it’s time for a bathroom remodel.
1. It’s not vintage, it’s just outdated.
There’s no pretending that the lopsided particleboard vanity or peeling paint are charming throwbacks. Faulty old fixtures and even shag carpeting plague outdated bathrooms, begging for a remodel.
2. Neither you nor the bathroom feels as clean as you’d like.
You scrub every week, but still struggle with hard water stains and discolored grout. Plus, your water pressure feels low, and the hot water’s gone in what feels like mere minutes.
3. Visible water damage.
Discolored walls and ceilings, as well as visible mold, are just two telltale signs that your bathroom has water damage. Caulk around toilets and tubs that rapidly darken is another.
4. High water bills.
A rise in your water bill may accompany the above symptoms. You might also hear water dripping or running somewhere, but be unable to pinpoint its source.
5. All you can see are broken, cracked, or chipped tiles.
Tile is durable, long-lasting, sanitary, and appealing. But along with the passage of time, improper installation or plumbing issues can reduce its lifespan. Heavy objects and hard impacts can also crack them.
6. Something doesn’t smell quite right.
Musty odors that never completely go away often come down to a former or current plumbing issue. The only way to truly be rid of it is to demolish and remove the materials that mold and mildew have permeated.
7. It takes forever to get ready in the morning.
Low lighting, small mirrors, cramped layouts–some bathrooms are just fundamentally inefficient. You’ll be stunned at how much more convenience and ease of use a remodel can unlock.
8. The floor is uneven or feels soft.
This can be yet another sign of water damage, but sometimes the subfloor is just old, a low-quality material, or wasn’t installed properly. New, moisture-resistant flooring that’s easy to clean and expertly installed lays the groundwork for a bathroom that looks and feels beautiful for decades.
9. There’s not enough room for your linens and hygiene products.
Storage space is an overlooked feature of most bathrooms. A new vanity and cabinet with custom details is just one way to increase storage and organization. Also consider built-ins for the shower, or a floor-to-ceiling closed cabinet as an on-site linen closet.
10. You’re thinking about selling your home.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels offer the highest ROI because buyers want them. Your competition knows this, too. Bathroom improvements are only behind painting in changes sellers make when they want to move a property.
11. You want to introduce more calm into your routine.
All of the benefits of bathroom remodels, from increased storage to efficient plumbing, improve our quality of life. Beginning your day with an energizing shower or ending it with a relaxing soak shouldn’t be considered a luxury.
12. It stays humid in there.
This is an unfortunate indication of poor ventilation. A fresh remodel can remove mildewed materials and get clean air circulating again.
13. You keep calling for repairs.
A leak that never seems to be fully addressed, individual features falling out of repair one after the other–this can end up costing more than a total reset. And by the time you’ve fixed it all, you don’t have a cohesive design. Prevent patchwork replacements with a remodel.
14. Life has changed.
Growing families, changes in mobility, frequent travel, or regular guests. There are many seasons in life, and some of them call for amendments to our space. Keep your property functioning optimally for your needs.
15. You’ve come across The Designery.
It’s no coincidence that you’ve found your local all-in-one designer, materials provider, custom craftsperson, and contractor connect. Reach out for a free consultation or swing by a showroom and get the bathroom of your dreams before 2026.
Bathroom remodeling FAQ
What remodel adds the most value?
Kitchen and bathroom improvements, especially cosmetic ones, are most desirable. Exterior improvements like siding and new doors also help.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Changing the layout of a bathroom will be costly, as it may mean relocating the plumbing stack. If such changes aren’t necessary, you can consider the wettest area of your bathroom–the tub and shower–to be the biggest investment.
In what order do you renovate a bathroom?
Every project is different, but here’s an example of the basic order of bathroom remodels:
-
-
Budget, design, plan, and permits
-
Demolish and remove debris
-
Rough-in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and any ductwork
-
Drywall and waterproofing
-
Install the bathtub and shower
-
Complete tilework
-
Vanity and counter installation
-
Painting, trim installation, and fixture installation
-
Can I renovate my bathroom for $5,000?
A small bathroom can be renovated for $5,000, but it most likely won’t cover a full gut and replacement. It will cover several cosmetic upgrades and a new fixture or two. Remodeling a wet area, such as a tub and shower, will require more budget.
