While you might think your bathroom is functioning fine, there are many signs you may be overlooking. Not only will a freshly renovated bathroom increase your ROI if and when you decide to sell, but it will also make your everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some signs that will give you the push you need to go ahead and renovate your bathroom.
1. Dysfunctional Layout
Having an dysfunctional layout can cause frustration every time you use your bathroom. If you shake your head every morning wondering why the bathroom door opens to hit the toilet every single time you enter, it might be time to consider a remodel. Even if you cannot alter the amount of space, chances are there is something that can be done to make the space more functional. Something as simple as swapping out your bathtub for a shower could completely change the space. Speak to a bathroom renovation specialist to find out your options to make your space more functional.
2. Lack of Storage Space
Having a cluttered or disorganized bathroom is never a good thing. Not being able to find your toothbrush when you’re running late in the morning is sure to start your day off on the wrong foot. If your bathroom is always cluttered and messy, this is a sign you need storage solutions. Before you begin any renovations, take the time to clear out your bathroom and get rid of the clutter. Think about a different layout, or if your budget will not allow it, attempt to find clever ways to store your items. You can have a storage solutions expert evaluate your space so you get as much storage as possible out of your bathroom.
3. Outgrown the Space
The bathroom that once worked when you were single likely will not work if you now have a partner and a couple of kids running around. Your home needs to grow with your family and its needs, and the bathroom is often overlooked during this process. Consider the different needs you might have now at this stage in your life. A bathroom renovation specialist will be able to take these into account and suggest the best options for your home and lifestyle.
4. Old and Mouldy Tile
If your bathroom tile always looks mouldy and dirty no matter how often you clean it, this is a sure sign it’s time for a change. Not only do old tiles look dirty and gross, but if your bathroom is covered in mould, this is a serious issue that could be affecting your health. If your bathroom looks like the one pictured above, stop reading this article and have a mould removal specialist come over asap. If the situation isn’t as dire and you’re just tired of the old tile, have a tile expert come by to discuss your options to make your bathroom look brand new.
5. Old Plumbing
The health of your plumbing is the most important thing when it comes to your bathroom. While you can’t see the complex work that goes into bathroom plumbing, it’s important to keep up to date with how it’s functioning. A plumbing issue can result in major damage to your home, including flooding and clogged pipes. To ensure there are no surprises, it’s a good idea to have a plumber check the status of your plumbing. This is especially true if you’ve never had it looked at and have no idea of what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to a potential flooding hazard.
6. Add Safety Features
If the time has come that you need to install some helpful safety features for you or a loved one, it’s a good idea to renovate at the same time. Many homeowners who plan to age in place will need to update their bathrooms to make them more functional and accessible. Common renovations could include things like converting your bathtub into a shower and adding handrails to the walls. Some people also opt to install a higher toilet and sink. Whatever safety modifications you need to be done, a bathroom renovation specialist will be able to help you get the most out of your bathroom now and in the future.
7. Better Lighting
Poor lighting in your bathroom can lead to a number of issues. From not seeing that toothpaste stain on your shirt, to over applying makeup, to not being able to see what you’re doing in general. Updating the lighting will not only make your bathroom function better, but it will also help it look better. If your bathroom is particularly old, it’s a good idea to have the electrical work looked at as well. From there, you can start choosing new fixtures that will really update your bathroom.
8. Outdated Look
If your bathroom is stuck in a certain era or is a mishmash of different time periods, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Bring your bathroom into the modern era by upgrading your toilet, sink and shower with new models. Also, consider adding a fresh coat of paint and some new tiles. With so many styles and options out there these days, there’s sure to be a design that will fit your taste and budget. Speak to a bathroom renovation specialist to see what your options are.
9. Increase Energy Efficiency
If you live in an older home, it’s likely your bathroom was not built with energy efficiency in mind. Did you know that the average person uses 329 litres of water per day and that 65% of that water is used in the bathroom? Now that we know how much water the average bathroom wastes, it’s important to do what we can to conserve it. If you’re planning to renovate, consider including energy efficient upgrades. Everything from your toilet to your towel rack has energy efficient options these days that can help you save money and the planet.
10. Increase Value Before Selling
You’ve probably heard that the kitchen is the most important room to renovate if you’re planning to sell your home. While the kitchen is still king, an atrocious bathroom could be a deal breaker for some buyers. Some simple updates could make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home and could result in your home being sold for more money. Even if you’re not planning to sell for a couple of years, go ahead with a bathroom renovation now so that you’re ready for when you do sell. You’ll also be able to enjoy it while you’re still living there, an added bonus.
Below are the average costs of Bathroom Renovation services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $9,816 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Calgary | $8,738 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $7,937 | $150 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $15,707 | $150 | $50,000 |
| Oshawa | $14,152 | $300 | $48,000 |
| Ottawa | $11,416 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $9,486 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $8,983 | $123 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 5095 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
How many of these signs does your bathroom have? Are there any others you can think of? When you’re ready to make a change and renovate your bathroom, start on HomeStars to find the right company for your project.
Article Updated June 2022
