4 Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Empty Nesters

You have just aced the world’s longest test – your kids have flown the coop and you’re now an empty nester. You finally have the space (and the money) to do some of the things you’ve been dreaming about for the past 18 years. At the top of many people’s lists is a home remodeling project. 

Your house has spent the past two decades serving a functional purpose, providing a home that can survive everything toddlers and teenagers can throw at it. 

But now, your home can be all about you! Whether it is your first time working on a project like this or your tenth, here are 4 tips to make sure that your new bathroom feels like home!

1) Add a soaking tub

If you are someone who loves a hot bath at the end of a long week, then it’s time to indulge yourself! Most homes come with a very basic, and usually very shallow, tub. These non-nonsense tubs work great when you have a young family and bathtime is part of your daily routine.

But now that you’re on your own, it’s time to bring your tub from functional to fabulous! Get that deep soaker tub that allows for full-body bathing. Or for a really lush experience, invest in a tub with hydrothermal jets, designed with optimum water pressure to not only relax but also to treat muscle fatigue.

Or, if you are looking for a way to lengthen the time you can stay in your home, consider a walk-in tub. You get all the same premium features as a soaker tub, but with the added benefit of a lower threshold entry/exit point that will ensure you can bathe safely for years to come.

2) Consider a barrier-free entry

Many people aren’t a big fan of baths and have only kept the original-to-home tubs for the needs of their families. 

Many older homes were built with giant garden tubs that take up a huge portion of your bathroom’s footprint. 

One of the most popular trends we’re seeing in bathroom remodeling is to lose that waste-of-space tub and replace it with a large, luxurious shower. Some features that can really make your bathroom look more modern include a wide shower opening and clear glass panels to give the whole room a more open, light, and airy feeling.

Also, consider including a barrier-free entry. In addition to preventing falls and increasing safety, barrier-free entries will also give your shower a sleek and contemporary look.

3) Choose the right materials to keep maintenance low

When your kids have left the house, you expect to drastically reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning. But if you replace your dingy old tub or shower with something like ceramic or stone tiles, you could spend just as much time trying to keep them looking new and clean.

Why should you consider acrylic showers? They are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. All you need is a mild cleanser and damp cloth to keep them looking great for years!

Acrylic does not crack, fade or peel over time unlike those made with other materials which may break down easily. The shower will also be easier to maintain because there are no grout lines that require regular cleaning.

4) Keep it simple

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to try and include everything they’ve ever thought of in their bathroom remodeling project. But if you try to put too much in a single space, you end up with an awkward and cramped area that doesn’t provide the relaxation you’ve been looking for.

Working with a professional bathroom remodeling contractor, like the team at Express Bath, will ensure that you’re maximizing, and not overdoing, your space. Our design & build crew take detailed measurements to plan out how to best use the footprint of your bathroom. And we help choose the right features and fixtures when renovating that don’t overwhelm the room. Our goal is to keep your project affordable and give you a new bathroom that is beautiful and easy to maintain.

If you’re ready to bring life back into your bathroom, contact us for a free estimate!