Red Flags in the Bathroom
When you’re in the market for a new home, make sure to take a close look at the bathrooms. They may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but they’re also one of the most important rooms. Look beyond the lovely décor and find out if any bathroom red flags could make your home deal go down the toilet.
Water Damage
Check thoroughly for signs of previous water damage or current leaks. Look around the base of the toilet for stains, around the edges of the shower or tub, and under the sink — yes, it’s fine to peek in the vanity to look for water stains!
Signs of water damage can mean there are current plumbing issues or damage to the flooring that need to be addressed. Discuss any water stains or evidence of leaking with your realtor. If you have any questions about the extent of the damage or future damage, make sure your home inspector takes a good look at the areas.
Look Carefully at the Tile
Check for cracked tiles in the shower. While these can be replaced, pay particular attention to the direction of the cracks. Vertical cracks are indicative of normal house settling. Horizontal cracks may indicate structural issues.
If the bathroom has a tile floor, take note of any stains in the grout that may be from water. Soft spots in the floor indicate water has seeped under the tile to the wood below. You may have to replace a portion or the entire subfloor to keep wood rot from spreading.
Mold
Mold doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Common enough in high-humidity places like bathrooms, mold can be cleaned. The issue is whether it is growing due to improper ventilation of the bathroom. If there are no windows or exhaust fans, the moisture has nowhere to go and it provides a warm, wet environment for mold to grow. Consider whether you will need to add a window or an exhaust vent to prevent mold.
Function Over Fashion
It’s most important that the bathroom has enough space, is laid out in a convenient way, and is functional. While some elements are easy to change, functional elements, like a built-in shower, are more difficult. Make sure everything is working properly and is right for your family’s needs. You can take on the appearance later!
Bathroom Remodeling
If you love the house, but the bathroom has some issues, you always have the option for a bathroom remodel. Quality Homes of Rochester has years of remodeling experience and would be happy to help you make your new home perfect! Call 585.429.5400 for more information.
Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.
Spa-Like Touches
Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.
Natural Ventilation
Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.
Soothing Scents
Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.
Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind
You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.
Incorporate Natural Forms
Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.
For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.
Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe
Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.
Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.
Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access
A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.
A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.
At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!
Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.
