Episode Details

Episode Summary

This week on Home In Progress, Dan dedicates the whole show to bathroom remodels -- why they're trending, and how to think one through before spending anything. He covers the tub-or-shower decision, storage planning, lighting that stops working against you, upgrades worth baking in while walls are open, aging-in-place choices, and a full closing section on painting the bathroom right. A practical episode worth saving if a bathroom is anywhere on your horizon.

In This Episode

• [00:00] -- Bathrooms Are Trending
• [02:15] -- Start With What Bugs You
• [05:04] -- Tubs or Showers First
• [07:45] -- Freestanding Tub Reality Check
• [10:43] -- Tub to Shower Conversion
• [13:41] -- Storage That Fits Life
• [16:15] -- Smart Storage Ideas
• [18:31] -- Bathroom Lighting Problems
• [19:25] -- Why Mirrors Make You Cringe
• [20:22] -- Fixing Harsh Shadows
• [21:43] -- Layered Lighting Basics
• [22:14] -- Mirror Task Lighting
• [23:56] -- Sconce Placement Tips
• [24:54] -- Shower and Night Lighting
• [26:02] -- Bulb Temperature Consistency
• [28:00] -- Remodel Upgrades to Add
• [30:44] -- Aging in Place Choices
• [33:52] -- Bathroom Paint Essentials
• [37:02] -- Paint Cure and Humidity
• [39:10] -- Prep and Tight Spaces
• [41:19] -- Ceilings and Caulk
• [43:05] -- Wrap Up and Store Deals

Bathrooms Are Trending [00:00]

Bathroom remodels aren't overtaking kitchens -- kitchens are still the most popular project -- but bathrooms are closing the gap. They're smaller, usually less expensive, and more manageable. And the daily impact is bigger than most people give them credit for. If a kitchen remodel feels out of reach right now, a bathroom is worth serious consideration.

Start With What Bugs You [02:15]

Before looking at tile or faucets, walk through the bathroom you have and write down everything that bothers you. Not what you'd love to have -- what actually annoys you about the space right now. A lot of renovations look great but feel disappointing because they didn't solve the actual problems. New finishes don't fix a bad morning. Start with what the bathroom needs to fix, then work forward from there.

Tubs or Showers First [05:04]

The shower or tub is the biggest decision in any bathroom remodel and where serious money gets spent. Dan breaks it into two parts: what fits your life better (some people love a bath; others haven't taken one voluntarily in years), and what fits your existing bathroom layout. Getting swept up in a vision without looking honestly at the space is where projects get expensive.

Freestanding Tub Reality Check [07:45]

A freestanding soaking tub is a popular idea that can get complicated fast. Most existing bathrooms have an alcove setup -- tub against three walls, drain in place, plumbing at one end. Switching to a freestanding tub means relocating the drain, addressing the floor and walls after the old surround comes out, and making sure there's enough clearance around the tub for it to look intentional.

The alternative worth knowing about: deeper alcove tubs, drop-in tubs, or soaking tubs designed to fit a traditional footprint. These can deliver the soaking experience without requiring a full redesign. Even replacing an older alcove tub with a newer one in the same footprint can be a meaningful gain.

Tub to Shower Conversion [10:43]

If baths aren't your thing, converting a tub surround to a walk-i