Making over a bathroom is not a quick or easy task. It requires a lot of time and effort, and it requires lots of design decisions. For example, looking at a shower and evaluating whether to replace or repair fixtures and tiles can be a conundrum. It may be necessary to repair one component of the room and replace others, so the answer may not be particularly easy. Here is a list of things to consider when faced with the dilemma as to whether replacing or repairing a shower stall is the best way to go. Always remember that when in doubt about how to proceed, seek out the advice of an expert at a local home improvement store.
Pros and Cons of Repair
Pros
A good reason to repair a shower stall rather than completely replace it is that repairing it may be the cheaper choice. When the budget is extremely tight, it is probably prudent to repair rather than completely remodel. A simple repair can also buy some time before a full renovation is needed, and sometimes the fix is as simple as a minor plumbing repair. Even though the shower stall is slightly dated, if it is still working properly, a basic plumbing repair done now can free up time and resources to complete a renovation elsewhere that cannot wait. Another thing to consider is that if the shower stall simply needs is a facelift, it may be quite possible for the homeowner to install new fixtures and new tile on their own just to update its appearance.
Cons
Depending on where the problem lies it may be necessary to hire a professional to repair the shower, and this can be quite expensive. However, there are times, especially when dealing with electricity or plumbing, when it is well worth the money spent on a professional, because the repair has no margin for error. Leaky plumbing can cause devastating damage to a home. So if a homeowner does not have plumbing experience, it is advisable to hire an experienced plumber rather than attempting to make repairs on their own. However, there are times when a major repair will cost almost as much as updating; rather than repair the plumbing and be stuck with the same outdated shower, a complete renovation, including new plumbing, may be the better way to go.
Pros and Cons of Replacing the Shower
Pros
When modernizing a bathroom, updating the shower stall is absolutely essential. An updated master bath adds value to a home, so it may be a wise decision if a homeowner is planning to sell their home any time soon. Sophisticated and inviting, a modern bathroom improves the look of any bathroom in the home. Replacing a shower stall can also be a perfect chance to get a slightly larger space in the shower. Depending on how the bathroom is being used, replacing the shower offers the opportunity to reconfigure the bathroom to suit the homeowner's needs.
Cons
It is much more expensive to completely renovate the shower than simply repair it. There is the demolition of the old one to consider plus new materials, including tile and fixtures. There is the expense of labor to be considered. Remember too that the bathroom will be out of commission while the shower is being replaced. If the labor is being done by the homeowner, then there is the delivery or pickup of materials to consider as well as the time and effort of completing the project. Whenever a homeowner opts to take on a plumbing project to save money, it may end up costing more in the long run. Even the smallest leak can do serious damage to a house, so a homeowner needs to be brutally honest when assessing their plumbing skills.
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