Comparing Remodels: Wet Areas vs. Entire Bathrooms

Are you think about doing some renovations to the bathrooms in your house? The National Kitchen and Bath Association states that the renovation industry is growing even faster than expected.  

Additionally, bathroom renovations are one of the most common ways to improve a home's value. 

However, a full bathroom remodel can get expensive. Unless the entire bathroom is falling apart, you don't need to do a complete remodel to fix the space. A much cheaper option is to do a wet area remodel.

Well, what is wet area remodeling? Keep reading this article to find out more and see if it's right for you!

Wet Area Remodeling 

The wet areas of a bathroom refer to the parts of the bathroom that get wet. That is the shower and tub areas. It also includes the floors, walls, and lining surrounding them.

These bathroom areas need the most maintenance because they are exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity. The moisture and humidity cause mildew and mold growth.

The wet area doesn't include the toilet, sink, or vanity. These stay in good condition longer and don't require as much attention. 

Wet area remodeling focuses on replacing the bathtub and shower areas. It is a fast and affordable way to fix up a bathroom. Modern wet area bathroom fixtures are built for hard water use. 

Acrylic materials combined with mildew-resistant advanced technology allow wet area remodels to last longer than before. In addition, the material will not chip, crack, or dent.

A wet area will help with appearance, but convenience and safety will be even more improved. It would be best if you did not let mildew or mold build up in the bathroom. 

It is a health and safety hazard that you need to address. 

Remodeling Ideas

There are several common ideas that homeowners choose when doing a wet area remodel.

The first is a bathtub or shower replacement. The bathtub or shower is the focal point of the bathroom because of its size. It is also usually opposite the entrance, so it draws your eye first.

If you like everything else in your bathroom, you don't need to start all over. Simply upgrading the bathtub or shower will make a huge improvement to the bathroom.

Another idea is a tub-to-shower conversion. If you want to create more space or make better use of your space, this is another great option.

Bathtubs that don't get used also build up dirt and mold. This is especially true for bathtub, shower combinations. So designers say if you're not using the tub, swap it for a shower instead. 

Additionally, you can consider a walk-in shower installation. Walk-in showers feel luxurious. They also option up the floor plan and add space. A walk-in shower is perfect for aging family members too.

You can use no-slip flooring, handrails, or other safety features you see fit for your household.

Replacing just the walls and liners is also an option. Maybe nothing is wrong in your bathroom except for these areas. It is easy to replace wall surrounds and bathtub liners. 

As mentioned above, when you start to have mold growth in the bathroom, you need to address the issue before it gets worse. 

Full Bath Remodeling

You can replace everything in a full bathroom remodel, including the walls, floors, fixtures, and even the layout. 

You can rip it all out and start fresh. However, knocking out wall sections, adding windows, and all-new furnishings will cost much more than a wet area remodel.

If you have cracked tiles, excessive amounts of mold, poor electrical, water damage, or structural issues, you should consider a full bath remodel.

Additionally, if your bathroom is significantly out-of-date, consider a full remodel. Nice-looking bathrooms are a great selling point for a house when it goes on the market.

Who Remodels the Wet Area?

Wet area remodeling is common for people who want to make stunning changes to the bathroom without breaking the bank. 

Bathrooms are one of the highest traffic areas in the whole house. Because of their use, they deteriorate faster than in other areas. If you remodel the wet areas when necessary, you will save a lot of money in the long run.

In addition, wet model remodels will usually have a higher return on investment than a full bath remodel. If you can spend less money on the changes you want to make, you will recoup more of the money you put in.

Reports are conflicting on whether full bathroom remodels are good investments. While for some homes, a full bath remodel is worth it, for many, it is not. 

Remodeling your bathroom will indeed increase the home's value. However, that doesn't mean the return on investment is great. You need to consider your location and the local housing market to know what return you will get.

It would help if you also thought about why you are doing the upgrade. For example, if you want to sell your home soon, you may not want to spend as much money. 

Your real estate agent will be able to help you figure out if you should do a wet area or full bath remodel. In addition, they will have insights on the return on investment in the community for different-sized projects.

On the other hand, if you have been saving money to build the bathroom of your dreams for yourself, you might consider more than a wet area remodel.

Renovate Your Bathroom Today

Whether you choose to go for a wet area or a full bathroom remodel, now you know which is best for your home. Full bathroom remodeling continues to be very popular amongst homeowners. 

However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider a wet area remodeling for your bathroom. On the contrary, there are a lot of benefits to a smaller remodeling project.

Contact us at GVD Renovations, Inc. to get a free estimate if you're ready to start your bathroom renovations. Our experts can guide you on what kind of remodeling you should do.