Many of us have tired old bathrooms that are not relaxing or restful, and they need an update. Others may simply be tired of their bathroom, and they want to freshen it up or are interested in selling their home. Whatever the reason, a bathroom remodel can be an expensive proposition, and the budget can get out of hand quickly if you don’t keep a close eye on it. But, in certain cases, a full bathroom remodel may be overkill. It is possible to give your bathroom a makeover without breaking the bank. Here are six tips to give your tired bathroom a fresh new take for this year and beyond.
- Examine Your Lighting Fixtures
Many of us have stepped into a bathroom and been surprised that we have been transported to a different era. Many people still use older gold toned light fixtures with multiple bulbs and poor light quality. This type of lighting seriously dates a bathroom, and in all honesty, it’s poor quality light for bathroom related tasks. People with good DIY skills will have no problem switching out an aging light fixture for something up to date. But for the rest of us, it’s a great idea to call a local electrician to install the light fixtures safely. Lighting can make a dramatic difference in any room in your home, and the bathroom is no exception. Modern lighting options such as LED bulbs will provide better lighting for detail orientated tasks such as flossing and trimming nails. As an added bonus, LED lighting also uses less electricity, so you will also save money on your energy bills.
- Replacing Tired Grout and Sealant
White grout can give a clean line between your tiles, but it can fade over the years. That fresh white grout can turn to grey, and this is very noticeable in busier bathroom areas. Every type of sealant will discolor and fade over time, and this will make your bathroom look tired and old. Recoloring or replacing grout every few years will mitigate this effect, but this can be a time consuming process. If you don’t have a great deal of patience or you’re not a detailed orientated person, this will be challenging. A local certified plumber can perform this task in a fraction of the time, and the look will be clean and professional. Many people are shocked at how much better their bathroom looks when they make this change.
- Upgrading Knobs and Pulls
If you want to keep your costs low and your budget won’t extend to a new vanity, you can always upgrade your knobs and pulls. If you hunt around, you’re sure to find an option that suits the look that you’re trying to create. There are some good antique recreations and ultra-modern clean options to choose from. But, keep a close eye on what you spend; the high end knobs and pulls can be more expensive, and the costs really add up when you buy multiple units.
- Try New Colors
Adding a fresh layer of paint will lift the decor if you get the colors right. A serene color can help you to relax after a hard day, and a bright color can help you get a good start. Good quality paint is very affordable, and decorating is one of the easiest DIY tasks. But, you can make changes without paint by adding new towels or a new bath mat that complements the existing colors in your bathroom. Another great way to add color is to place a plant in the bathroom, this adds oxygen, and it can make the room smell nice. Lemongrass is a great option for a bathroom because it has a fresh and zingy odor that can lift your mood even on a Monday morning.
- Install a New Mirror
A mirror that’s cracked or has developed dark patches behind the glass surface can make a bathroom look old and tired. A bright new mirror will be easier to use, and it will reflect light throughout the bathroom. Changing a bathroom mirror is easy, and a good mirror can be purchased for a reasonable price. If you have the budget, a polished steel mirror is a great choice because it will stand the test of time. Most new mirrors come with all the fixing that you need, or you can replace an aging mirror in your existing vanity.
- New Faucets and Fixtures
If you have dated fixtures or flaking faucets in your bathroom, it is not a good look that inspires you to enjoy the space. Now, this may be one of the more expensive options on our list, but it’s worth spending some money to get your faucets and fixtures right. Some DIY enthusiasts may feel confident tackling these types of jobs, but most of us should hire a local certified plumber. Older plumbing can be tricky to work with, and it’s easy to cause more damage that can lead to localized flooding. When you choose new faucets and fixtures, go with something that you love now and will continue to enjoy in the future. Classic designs endure, but modern fixtures may date quickly.
In Conclusion
If you speak to a realtor, they may agree that a bathroom remodel may be necessary, and yet it’s not likely to add much value to your home. So, if you’re planning on staying in your home and your bathroom is in good general condition, a full remodel may be a waste of money. As you can see from our six tips, making your bathroom comfortable and bringing it up to date on a budget is possible. If you need plumbing assistance, this will cost more, but this is a sound investment, and it will pay off. Hiring a “handyman” or attempting DIY plumbing can backfire, and the repairs may well cost more than it would have cost to hire a professional in the first place.
If you’re interesting in updating your bathroom, contact a
local certified plumber for expert help and advice.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
