For many people, taking a shower is one of the most pleasant and relaxing parts of the day. There’s a reason it’s often referred to as a “liquid nap.” It’s much more than just a place to get clean: it’s a place to refresh, reenergize, and renew. However, the shower—and the bathroom in general—is often one of the most neglected parts of the home. It’s hard to find relaxation and renewal in an old, run-down shower that isn’t working properly.
If your shower isn’t what it used to be—or if you’re simply looking to change things up—then it might be time for an upgrade. Enter a search for “shower remodeling near me” and see what’s available in your area. Below, we’ll discuss certain things you should look out for to decide if your shower is ready for a remodel.
If There Are Obvious Signs of Damage
Damage in the bathroom area tends to start gradually and worsen over time. It may begin as a few chipped or cracked tiles here and there and eventually develop into something that is a hazard to anyone who uses the shower area. Cracked tiles can lead to cuts and scrapes, as well as create a tripping hazard. Not only that, they encourage the growth of mold and other damaging and dangerous elements.
If the damage is minimal, then you can probably get by with simple repairs. Older showers or ones that have extensive damage to tiles or grout may not be so easily fixable. In that case, it might be more cost-effective to simply opt for the upgrade.
Look Out for Leaks
A leaking shower head is another surefire sign that a shower is in desperate need of an update. Consider the fact that a leak is a sign of a shower that isn’t functioning at its peak: at best, this means your water bill will increase due to the added waste. At worst, it may also interfere with the efficiency of the shower itself, further driving up your utility bills while also leading to a less satisfying experience.
The shower head is one element that will be replaced as part of the shower upgrade process. Modern, high-efficiency shower heads do a lot more than simply save water: they often come with options that increase overall comfort. For example, a rainfall option or second shower head can make every shower feel like a day at the spa.
If You’re Interested in a More Luxurious Experience
A luxury shower head (or two) is just the beginning of a shower upgrade. Your shower should be a retreat. It should be a place where you can relax at the beginning or end of a long day. To that end, the entire shower experience should be luxurious, every single time. There are several ways you can opt to do this, depending on your budget.
Consider upgrading the entire shower enclosure; it can be transformed from a drab and claustrophobic area into a wider glass area. Not only will glass make the whole shower feel larger, but it can also be made with a specialized hydrophobic coating. This will render the entire thing easier to clean, saving you a lot of hard work over the years.
An upgrade can have practical uses too. For example, if members of the household are getting older, they may benefit from installing a walk-in shower or a built-in bench. This can ensure a more comfortable experience for individuals with mobility issues.
Or If You Ever Plan to Sell Your Home
Upgrading your shower is also an investment. Spending the money on a shower remodel now can help to ensure you’ll be able to sell your home for a higher price somewhere down the line. Prospective buyers will be more interested in a home that is up to date, not to mention more luxurious. An upgraded bathroom and shower can be a major part of this.
According to this recent article in the New York Times, upgrading your bathroom is well worth the cost, as it is likely to pay for itself later on when you sell the property. To take full advantage of the upgrade, however, you must have the entire bathroom remodeled completely. Having a few elements replaced here and there will have some benefits, but a full-scale remodel is what will increase the value of your home the most.
Upgrade When It Suits Your Budget
If you find that you are constantly making repairs in your bathroom, it may be time to pull the trigger on a full upgrade. While this may seem an expensive prospect, you’ll probably end up saving money in the long run compared to the ongoing costs of regular repairs.
To create a budget, start by searching for “shower remodeling near me” and contact a few of the businesses that come up. Discuss with each one of them what your expectations are and ask for a quote on the project. Once you have an estimate of potential costs, you can plan your budget accordingly.
Get Your Upgrade From the Best Contractors in the Business
Since your shower upgrade is directly tied to both your daily comfort and your home’s value, you should consider it a serious investment. That means you should only ever have it done by the best contractors you can find. This means a company that has experience in both the technical side—with an eye toward maximum functionality—and the design side.
Your contractor should also keep you involved in every step of the process. They should work within your budget while helping to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for out of the remodel.
If you live in the Phoenix, AZ, area, consider JMG Contracting for your shower remodel. We specialize in working with everyday homeowners in houses of all sizes and price points. As a young brand, JMG Contracting is at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies, helping to ensure your remodel meets your goals and more.