I love bathrooms.

I mean I really love bathrooms.

Like Quasimodo, the deformed hunchback bell-ringer of Notre Dame, in the classic book, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” who sought sanctuary in the cathedral, I seek sanctuary in our bathroom.

I live with my wife, mother-in-law, my two boys(ages 3 and 5) and a dog named Speed.  If I sit down anywhere in our house, the boys use me as a human jungle gym, or if they happen to be outside, my wife or mother-in-law will remind me of some things that need doing around the house.

I have found that seeking sanctuary in the bathroom works. It’s a place I can escape to and think. No one will bother me when I am in the bathroom. (For the record, my wife does not read my blogs –so my secret is still safe.)

I guess the fear of what they  might see or smell keeps them from wanting to open the door.

Besides spending considerable time in my own bathroom, I have also remodeled many bathrooms for other folks.

So I consider myself a bit of an expert on the subject.

How do you tell if you need a new bathroom or just a little makeover? Everyone has different needs and I’ve worked the spectrum of bathroom projects.
You may need a new bathroom if you find yourself making statements like this.

1)      “My bathroom is too small and crowded. I wonder if I could make it bigger.”

2)      “I wish I could get to my bathroom from my bedroom.”

3)      “ Gosh, my husband’s shaving is getting everywhere. I wish I had two sinks in my bathroom.”

4)      “Boy, it would be great if there was a separate bathroom for the kids.”

5)      “I wish my guests didn’t need to go upstairs every time they needed to use the bathroom.”

6)      “I wish I didn’t need to go downstairs every time I need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.”

7)      “Hurry up and get out of the bathroom. I’m late for work!”

You can probably get by with a bathroom make over if you find yourself making statements like this:

1)      “ Gosh, my bathroom always seems dirty and germy no matter what I do.”

2)      “Why the wall is crumbling by my shower?”

3)      “I wish my bathroom didn’t look like it was done in the 80’s.”

4)      “I am embarrassed to have anyone see my bathroom.”

5)      “Ugh. That stupid black gunk is in my shower again.”

6)      “Darn. The blow dryer blew the electricity again.”

7)      “My bathroom seems gloomy and not a nice place to be.”

Everyone’s bathroom circumstances are different, and it can help to talk with a good designer or contractor to figure out what the best solution is – a makeover or  a new bathroom.

Remember these three rules  about changing bathrooms:

• Not all bathroom problems need to be solved by a new bathroom.  A makeover is less expensive and could be your ideal solution.
• Don’t assume that you can solve your problems with a bathroom makeover and blow your makeover budget half way through the project.
• Talk with someone who has your best interests in mind and can help you figure out the right solution that fits your needs and your budget.

What’s your bathroom situation like?

Tell Us What You Think.