Bathroom remodeling is one of the ways by which you can instantly achieve better overall value to your property. It not only adds better usability but also adds more style as well. However, bathrooms can be a bit complicated because not only will you deal with aesthetic aspects alone, it is highly likely you will also have some plumbing and electrical fixes to repair as well.
Bathroom Remodeling Sign #1 Presence of Mold
Since the bathroom is a place where there is a lot of moisture, mold is really an issue when it comes to this area of the house. According to the CDC, there is good evidence to link exposure to damp indoor environments and upper respiratory tract symptoms like cough and colds as well as high incidences of asthma. Mold can grow unabated in bathrooms where there is always a moist environment present.
Before you begin your bathroom remodeling and call a bathroom remodeler, always check for mold first. I normally look for black spots on walls just on top o the baseboards or near the ceiling. Look for patches of drywall that look wet even if the bathroom has not been used for several hours. You may also want to use your sense of smell when looking for mold infestation. A musty smell is a dead giveaway. Try opening up the drywall to check. Black mold grows on paper fiber in drywall and if combined with water it has all the elements needed to thrive. The mold behind drywall may be white, green or black. It can normally look like a fuzzy carpet.
Bathroom Remodeling Sign #2 Plumbing Issues
In the event that the original contractor for your property did not install the plumbing correctly then you definitely have a problem. You know that you have poor plumbing when you hear a knocking sound behind the walls each time the shower runs. This is due in large part to improperly secured pipes causing rattling when the water passes through. Moreover, check for water faucets and spouts that still leak even after they are turned off. If your taps deliver inconsistent water pressure then chances are you have bad plumbing.
Bathroom Remodeling Sign #3 Bathroom Drain Issues
One common reason why many homeowners resort to getting their bathroom done over is poor drainage. Check the drains by running the shower and tub and see how the water drains. In the shower, the water should be able to run smoothly to the drain without pooling. If you notice half an inch of water still remaining in the shower pan after turning the water off, then you have a problem. In a lot of cases, a poor seal in the shower drain can cause the water to leak out onto the flooring. If you have a second-floor bathroom, the leak will be felt on the ceiling directly below it.
If you have a tub, check to see if the water drains quickly and look for signs of moisture on the floor nearby. Many homeowners incorrectly assume that they have spilled or tracked water along the edge of the tub while they are getting out from a bath. In many cases, it is because of an improper seal that is causing it.