Are you ready to renovate your guest bathroom? If this extra space lacks the luster of your master bath, take a look at the answers to some common plumbing upgrade and renovation questions homeowners have.
Should You Renovate the Guest Bathroom's Plumbing System?
Your guest bathroom may only be in operation a few times per year. Does this mean you should ignore plumbing upgrades or the need for a major renovation? If you're not sure whether you should renovate this room, consider:
- The age of the plumbing and fixtures. Plumbing systems and fixtures won't last forever — even if they're seldom used. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), faucets may only last for 15 to 20 years and toilet tank components may have a lifespan of five years.
- Upcoming events. Is there a major in-home event in your future? Consider a pre-event renovation if the use of your guest bathroom will significantly increase.
- Wear or damage. Does the sink clog, the toilet backup, and the shower trickle instead of spray? If the guest bathroom has wear and tear or damage-related issues, it's time for an upgrade.
Aesthetics add another reason to upgrade your guest bath. If the interior décor is dated or doesn't match the rest of your home's style, you may want to replace the tub, toilet, sink, and other fixtures.
What Is the Best Plumbing Upgrade for a Guest Bathroom?
There's no perfect plumbing upgrade that works equally well for every home's guest bathroom. But you can consider a few options if the space is less than spa-like, un-inviting, or cramped and hard to navigate. These include:
- A frameless glass shower. Create a tranquil, open, and visually larger space with a frameless glass shower enclosure. If the room currently has an old stall shower or just a tub, you'll need a plumber to install new pipes, drains, and fixtures.
- A soaker tub. Give your guests the experience of a weekend getaway or relaxing bed and breakfast — in your home. A large soaking tub is an upgrade almost everyone will appreciate. But, like a new shower, you may need a professional to add new plumbing for this fixture.
- Low-flow fixtures. Is your guest bath filled with older fixtures? You may not notice the water the shower, toilet, or sink wastes if you rarely use your guest bathroom. Low-flow fixtures can prevent your guests from accidentally wasting water and lower your utility bills.
Along with these upgrades, you may want to consider other less obvious options. Even though you can't see the pipes in the walls or the drain in the floor, older plumbing may have wear or damage. Reduce the risks of leaks, clogs, and other plumbing problems with a professional service. As you start the demolition process, ask the plumber to inspect these areas and replace or upgrade parts as needed.
When Should You Schedule a Guest Bathroom Plumbing Upgrade?
If you've thought about this upgrade for years, you may not know when to turn your dream guest bathroom renovation project into reality. Before you schedule this service consider:
- Holidays. Do you typically invite family or friends to visit during major holidays? If you'll have holiday guests, make sure the renovation is complete well before your family and friends arrive.
- Special events. Weddings, graduation parties, and other special events may also require guest bathroom use. Like holidays, schedule your plumbing services around these events.
- The plumber's time-line. How long will the renovation take to complete? Discuss the overall plumbing time-line with the contractor. This reduces the likelihood guests will arrive mid-renovation.
If your guest bath renovation requires other contractors, coordinate everyone's schedule. Discuss the order of upgrade renovations with all of the contractors involved in this project before you choose a time to install new pieces of the plumbing system.
Do you need professional help to upgrade your guest bathroom? Contact
Shamrock Plumbing
for more information.
