I'm really frustrated with my shower. I can either deal with a freezing cold shower that lasts 20 seconds or a scalding hot one for as long as I'd like. I'd love to replace the cartridge, but the system is discontinued, and local plumbers can't find a replacement. Two plumbers told me I need to replace the entire shower system, but doing so might damage the tiles, meaning I could end up needing a full bathroom renovation. My condo is 11 years old, and other neighbors have had similar issues -- one even cleans their shower cartridge twice a year for about $300! While some have replaced their systems, they faced tile problems too. Our bathroom is pretty worn; the vanity is cheap and damaged, the toilet flapper fails every three years, and the cupboard is separating from the tiles. So my questions are: 1) Should I just go for a full bathroom reno (including shower, toilet, cabinets, and repainting), or is it good enough to just fix the shower? 2) What's the estimated cost difference between just fixing the shower and doing a full renovation? The bathroom size is about 9.5' x 4.5'.
2 Answers
I feel your pain! If you're tired of the shower, a full bathroom reno could prevent future headaches down the line. Just fixing the shower might fix the immediate issue, but down the road, you might still end up with tile damage and more repairs. It could be worth the investment to do it all at once, especially if you're thinking about long-term enjoyment of your space.
Given that your shower system is discontinued, tackling a full bathroom renovation might be the way to go. If you just fix the shower, you're looking at costs between $1,500 and $3,000, but it might not fix all your problems. A complete remodel could range from $10,000 to $20,000 based on materials and labor. I know that sounds hefty! If it's too much at once, maybe consider a home equity line of credit to spread out the costs.
That's a solid suggestion! Plus, a full renovation could modernize your bathroom and increase property value.
For sure! It’s better to do it right the first time, you won’t regret having a nice, functional bathroom.