Bathroom remodel question?

[jaysonsmom]

Hi all,
Seems like there are a lot of home remodeling projects going on in 2020

I have a bathroom remodel question for realtors, Interior designers, home improvement gurus or just parents with multiple kids sharing bathrooms.

We have a 5 bedroom 3 bath house. 1 bedroom and bath downstairs, 1 master with bath upstairs and 3 other bedrooms that share a small bathroom located in the hallway. This hallway bathroom is tiny, yet it is divided by a wall and a door between the vanity and the bath/toilet area, making borne areas really claustrophobic. I would love to knock out that wall And make the bathroom one square area, but a contractor came in and advised against it, he said that people who buy houses this size usually have multiple kids sharing a bathroom, and keeping the dividing wall allows one kid to shower while the other kid(s) use of the vanity area to get ready for school.

I don’t have that problem anymore because one of my kids has moved out and the other will be the only one using that bathroom.....do you think I should keep the wall or remodel to my liking, and why?

 

[Skyjems]

I just had a $6800 renovation turn into a $14k renovation, so I'm definitely biased...

My $.02, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Add some mirrors and light paint, maybe some nice wallpaper on one wall and call it a day.

 

[Arcadian]

If you're planning on staying in the house for 5+ years do what you want to it.

 

[Taylorbug!]

@jaysonsmom Your contractor is correct. I just remodeled a bath in my house that is a "jack and jill" that is shared by two bedrooms. I wanted to take down the dividing wall, but my DH is a contractor and said that was a definite No No....along with appraisers I spoke to. So to make it less obvious, I installed a pocket door so that it isn't bulky and in the way. HTH

 

[SallyBrown]

I just had a $6800 renovation turn into a $14k renovation, so I'm definitely biased...

My $.02, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Add some mirrors and light paint, maybe some nice wallpaper on one wall and call it a day.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

@jaysonsmom Your contractor is correct. I just remodeled a bath in my house that is a "jack and jill" that is shared by two bedrooms. I wanted to take down the dividing wall, but my DH is a contractor and said that was a definite No No....along with appraisers I spoke to. So to make it less obvious, I installed a pocket door so that it isn't bulky and in the way. HTH

I second the idea of replacing the door with a sliding door (which is what I assume a pocket door is) or screen if that’s possible. Should help with the claustrophobic feeling!

 

[Polabowla]

Also a cheap fix, replace the vanity with a lighter color one.
I just did that & it made a massive difference in how spacious & clean & bright the bathroom looks

 

[Missy]

If you're planning on staying in the house for 5+ years do what you want to it.

This. Life is too short to make do. To settle. If you can afford the remodel do what you want and enjoy it. My parents took two small bathrooms and combined it into one large one because that is what made them happy. Did it decrease their resale? Maybe. But right now they have been enjoying their "new" bathroom for decades. They did it when my younger sister moved out. And they have zero regrets. It is exactly what they wanted and they did it for them. Not for resale value. The truth is buyers want what they want and will probably renovate lots to make it theirs anyway. I wouldn't worry about the future here. I would enjoy what you have and make it the best you can for you. Now.

 

[Tartansparkles]

I'd do what what you want to do - and anyone who buys the home in the future probably won't even know that there was a dividing wall.

 

[Elizabeth35]

I am in the Midwest and am a RE broker, I have not ever seen a bathroom like this for the shared upstairs bath. So in my area, it would not be a detriment to have it open---nobody would object. And it's nice that you have room for 2 sinks--that is a big plus.
Maybe it is different in your region though.
Updated bathrooms are never a bad investment---I would do what you want so you get to enjoy it!

 

[jaysonsmom]

This. Life is too short to make do. To settle. If you can afford the remodel do what you want and enjoy it. My parents took two small bathrooms and combined it into one large one because that is what made them happy. Did it decrease their resale? Maybe. But right now they have been enjoying their "new" bathroom for decades. They did it when my younger sister moved out. And they have zero regrets. It is exactly what they wanted and they did it for them. Not for resale value. The truth is buyers want what they want and will probably renovate lots to make it theirs anyway. I wouldn't worry about the future here. I would enjoy what you have and make it the best you can for you. Now.

@Arcadian and @missy This is where the thread on "seeing the future" would come in handy! We have no idea where we will be in 5 years! Our house already seems too big with 1 kid gone, and once the second leaves my husband an I will not need such a big house....BUT, I everyone tells me that a lot of adult kids move back home after college these days due to lack of employment etc so we may not sell this house, but rather keep it as a rental property and buy a second, smaller home to live in. As for enjoying this bathroom.....my husband and I don't use this bathroom at all. We usually use our own. when I asked my kid's opinion, she doesn't care either!

 

[jaysonsmom]

@jaysonsmom Your contractor is correct. I just remodeled a bath in my house that is a "jack and jill" that is shared by two bedrooms. I wanted to take down the dividing wall, but my DH is a contractor and said that was a definite No No....along with appraisers I spoke to. So to make it less obvious, I installed a pocket door so that it isn't bulky and in the way. HTH

@Taylorbug! I think a pocket door is a great idea, and we are getting quotes for that plan as well. Notice how our current dividing door (when open) blocks the only small window that allows light into that side of the bathroom, so a pocket door will allow light to come in whether the door is open or closed.

 

[SallyBrown]

I would be concerned about having contractors coming into my home right now and bringing COVID with them. But we might be at higher risk for complications than you. Or paranoid. Or both.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

@SallyBrown

yes, i would be incredibly concerned with introducing contractors into my home and risk covid infection

 

[SallyBrown]

@SallyBrown

yes, i would be incredibly concerned with introducing contractors into my home and risk covid infection

You should see my anti-COVID safety routine when maintenance comes into our apartment to change out our furnace filter...lol.

 

[jaysonsmom]

I would be concerned about having contractors coming into my home right now and bringing COVID with them. But we might be at higher risk for complications than you. Or paranoid. Or both.

Also both of us used hand sanitizer on his way out.

@Sally Brown. That is a legitimate concern....but I would hope and assume that everyone would be
Wearing masks during the remodel process...we would probably stay in our downstairs suite and only use the downstairs bathroom which is not getting remodeled. When the estimator came both of us wore masks inside my own house.

 

[dk168]

When I bought my house that I am in now, the bathroom suite was pink/peach and it had to go!

I decided to rip out the bath and turn it into a wet room as I prefer to have showers.

I asked the estate agent at the time if it was a good idea as the house is a 2-bedroom (1 double room and 1 single/small double room) semi detached with only one bathroom upstairs where the bedrooms can be found.

The estate agent commented that my house if not really suitable for a family more than 1 child with only just 2 bedrooms. Therefore, it would not matter much if I decided to rip out the bath and have a wet room with just a shower instead.

I would have installed a wet room with just a shower regardless of what the estate agent might have said, as the house was bought for me to live in it for as long as I can.

My advice would be, unless you are planning to relocate and sell the house within a couple of years, then re-model it to suit your own needs.

Personal opinion and all that - I generally consider my own needs and wants when considering a significant purchase (house, car, RV, jewellery, etc.), to get the most out of it for my own pleasure, and do not take much consideration about the re-sale value.

Good luck!

DK

 

[marymm]

If it were me, and I'm not using it all and kid that is using it is fine with it the way it is, I'd hit the "pause" button on this elective improvement project and see what's happening in 2021/2022 ...

my two cents

 

[Polabowla]

@dk168 what's a wet room?

 

[dk168]

@dk168 what's a wet room?

It is usually a room with a shower and a water-proof floor without a shower tray,

It works well with small bathroom such as mine.

Hope that makes sense.

DK

 

[seaurchin]

Since you (1) don't plan to really use that room, (2) don't know if you'll stay in the house for long and (3) don't expect removing the wall to add value, I'd either leave it as-is for now or do a more minor (less expensive) update on it.

All that said, if you just really, really wanna remove that wall, then that's different.

 

[jaysonsmom]

You guys are so awesome. Can I share an observation.....you are such enablers where it comes to jewelry splurges, but when it comes to a bathroom remodel, the majority is
saying DON’T DO IT or DO THE BARE MINIMUM! Heehee. Love you all!

I think I’m going Ito update the bathroom with lighter colors, get a pocket door, rip out the shower/tub contraption to a shower only, and call it a day. Thanks for talking some
Sense into me, so I can buy more BLING!

 

[ZestfullyBling]

Good luck!!! I just ripped out my plastic shower liner and had It tiled to ceiling and added shower glass door. I have before and after shots. Please show yours when finished. So exciting

 

[jaysonsmom]

Good luck!!! I just ripped out my plastic shower liner and had It tiled to ceiling and added shower glass door. I have before and after shots. Please show yours when finished. So exciting

@ZestfullyBling would love to see your before and after shots. That ugly plastic shower liner is the bane of my existence!

 

[nala]

So I’m kind of in the same boat as you when it comes to remodeling a third bathroom. DD’s move is pending but for the time being, she was really unhappy with her bathroom. I last remodeled it 15 years ago and thought it would be for life, lol! Bc I never go there and bc she went off to college. But when she brought it to my attention i realized there was no need to neglect any part of my house if I had the means not to. I wish I had taken before shots! Ugh! Now we are in the middle of it. And I’m sooo excited. Even if she only uses it for a few more months, I will have a gorgeous bathroom that should not need remodeling again. As for Covid, dh has been working in people’s homes throughout and with a mask, he’s fine. The restroom is upstairs and we stay downstairs while they work. But there’s no time like the present to remodel bc everyone is spending time at home and we have the time to monitor the project!

 

[ZestfullyBling]

ha ha...my Sentiments exactly. I had to get rid of it. Lol

here are Photos per your request. Removing the shower liner seems to give my bathroom a larger feel. Opened it up a bit.


..

 

[jaysonsmom]

ha ha...my Sentiments exactly. I had to get rid of it. Lol

here are Photos per your request. Removing the shower liner seems to give my bathroom a larger feel. Opened it up a bit.


..

Wow, what a difference! Really makes the shower look so much bigger!

 

[Missy]

@Arcadian and @missy This is where the thread on "seeing the future" would come in handy! We have no idea where we will be in 5 years! Our house already seems too big with 1 kid gone, and once the second leaves my husband an I will not need such a big house....BUT, I everyone tells me that a lot of adult kids move back home after college these days due to lack of employment etc so we may not sell this house, but rather keep it as a rental property and buy a second, smaller home to live in. As for enjoying this bathroom.....my husband and I don't use this bathroom at all. We usually use our own. when I asked my kid's opinion, she doesn't care either!

So I am changing my answer since your DD nor you nor your DH want to change the bathroom I see no point. Based on the new info I say just do whatever minimal spruce up you want to but leave the remodel for another home another day if you decide at some point to go that way. If no one cares and you guys don't even use that specific bathroom there is no point as I see it. Enjoy what you have and enjoy the savings!