Question: My home is nearly 50 years old and the bathrooms are looking shabby. Any suggestions for do-ityourself improvements? Answer:
Answer: There are many things you can do
to improve the current look or to create
a new look. The finish on tubs can
become dull from water and soap.
It’s not an easy job but a lot of elbow
grease can improve the looks and the
tub will have a nice sheen. Same for
vanity tops and sinks. Next clean the
ceramic tile. Especially floor tile.
The grout becomes dirty and the
tile loses its gloss. Again – scrubbing
(with a grout cleaner) makes the tile
standout. Another method of cleaning
grout is to use a scrapping tool
that removes the top of the existing
grout. Then you apply a new coating
of the same color or different color
grout.
A new paint job can change the
look of your bathroom. Try a different
color or match the tile color. Either
way it is a new look. Wallpaper can be effective also but be sure you use a wallpaper suitable for damp conditions.
Mirrors can be very effective in
changing the appearance of the bathroom.
A framed mirror can look like
a picture. Which, by the way, is not
a bad idea. A series of small framed
pictures cangive your bathroom a
theme.
Another quick method of improving
the looks of the room – new fixtures.
A new WC (water closet or
toilet) costs about $200 and all the
new WC’s are low volume water
usage. Your savings in your water bill
will help offset the cost.
Don’t forget your towels. They can
add another new color or match the
existing tile or paint. You may want
to add a couple towel ring holders to
display the towels.
Last, but not least, replacing a tub
with a walk-in shower is a major undertaking and generally is best
done by a contractor. Tubs seem to
get less use as a tub but they are not
as convenient or safe as a shower stall.
A shower is costly because it requires
a plumber to adjust the drain and
usually the faucet needs to be
replaced. Then there is the added cost
of a glass door, although a rod for a
shower curtain
works
too.
Try the
cleaning and
painting
project first.
You will
have much
less invested
except for
your time.
Good luck.