There is a misconception that winter is a bad time for home renovation projects.
While it’s true that bad weather can derail projects that involve exterior upgrades, interior redesigns can be cheaper and quicker in winter because contractors have better availability. This makes winter an ideal time for bathroom renovation which is all enclosed and often requires expert hands.
Winter renovations are also ideal if you’re preparing to put your house on the market in the spring which is traditionally the optimum time for selling a property. The facilities, age, and quality of your bathroom can have a big impact on the sale price and the number of offers you receive.
So, you’re ready to renovate your bathroom this winter, but what changes should you be making? Keep in mind these key priorities when doing your bathroom remodel and you won’t go far wrong.
Priorities for a winter bathroom remodel
- Improve energy efficiency
With energy bills staying high this winter, taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of your bathroom could save you a significant amount of money.
You could look into renewable energy heating technology such as a solar water heater or switch to an electric shower so that you’re not reliant on gas. To use less electricity, change your old bulbs to modern LED lights. These last longer because less energy is wasted on unnecessary heat.
Ensuring that heat stays in the bathroom for longer will also reduce your overall energy use. Identify gaps such as where pipes meet the wall and use adhesive materials such as pipe sealants to improve the insulation.
- Plumbing maintenance
Especially in the winter when temperatures can fall below zero, plumbing maintenance is one of your most important home renovation tasks. This is because pipes can be susceptible to freezing which could lead to cracks and leaks, and cold temperatures can affect plumbing efficiency.
Get a gas engineer to service your boiler and make sure that it’s working to the best of its ability. They will also be able to recommend a thermostat temperature to prevent pipes from freezing and bleed the radiators and towel rails in your bathroom for optimum hot water circulation.
- Protect against the weather
As well as freezing temperatures the winter brings a lot of rain, both of which can increase condensation levels in your bathroom and heighten the chance of damp on the walls.
Invest in special protective products to safeguard your space against weather damage. This might include damp-proofing paint for the walls and using silicon to line windowsills and the sink and bathtub.
- Make the space cosy
Once you’ve made the major changes to your bathroom, don’t forget the final finishes! Concentrate on making the space cosy so that it’s a pleasant place to be this winter.
Invest in new towels made out of a soft and absorbent material and choose a matching bathmat to keep floors dry and your feet warm. You can also add candles to create a cosy ambience for when you’re relaxing in a hot bath.
