Whether you’re getting ready for work, preparing to go out, or just relaxing in the evening, we spend over two years of our life in the bathroom. It’s estimated a bathroom remodel can provide between 80 – 130 percent return on your investment, so spending your money wisely is important.
Regardless of what the rest of the house looks like, bathrooms can instantly date a property. The 1950s sea-green bath and patterned tile surround won’t add nostalgia value. Think timeless updates that give a clean, modern look. It’s easy to personalise a neutral room with towels, furnishings and other accessories, making it easier for potential homebuyers to see themselves living in your house.
Work with the space you have. When installing a bath, think about the comforts like whirlpool jets to make the bathroom extra luxurious. If it will seriously impact on space making the rest of the bathroom a squeeze, forget the bath and invest your money in a decent shower instead. Most people don’t have time for baths in their regular schedule, but the pleasure of a floor-to-ceiling steam shower can be enjoyed every day. Another great space saving tip is to opt for a toilet that has a concealed cistern.
Read more: Kitchen renovation ideas that add value
Think twice about completely remodelling your bathroom if it’s the only one you have. A better investment might be introducing a second bathroom or an ensuite off the master bedroom. In this age where we expect convenience and don’t like waiting, a four-bedroom one-bathroom home has limited appeal. In such cases, an extra bathroom (or even the addition of separate toilet) will likely add more value.
What’s going to make your house stand-out from all the open homes people are visiting? If you’re already replacing the floor, go a little further and add heated tiles. Heated mirrors offer a clear view every time after a shower, making shaving or doing your hair that much easier. These features have a ‘wow factor’ buyers will remember, and can create an emotional tie to your property.
Get rid of any signs of damp or mildew and potentially add a new ventilation unit to prevent the room from steaming up. What’s the state of the dry wall? Is there adequate drainage? Protecting the bathroom against water damage seems obvious, but homebuyers want to know they’re not taking on a liability.
Not all bathroom renovation ideas require a big budgets. Replace the old grout (or to change the colour use grout paint), buy a new matching towel set, and switch the dirty shower curtain to instantly freshen up a room. Do you really need a whole new vanity, or will new faucets fix the dripping and update the look and feel of your bathroom? Think about how you’re presenting the space. Hide your clutter from the vanity shower top. Some shelving with neatly arranged towels and other necessities will change the way buyers view your bathroom and increase the value of your home.
Want to give your home the best chance of success on the property market? Check out the tips in our free guide:
