If our fascination with property programmes demonstrates anything, it’s that we’re always looking for quick and easy ways to improve our own homes. Long-running series like “Homes under the Hammer” and “Love It or List It”, get massive viewing figures and it’s hardly surprising, given the profit that many home developers can make.
One area of your home which can make a massive difference in terms of the price you get, is the bathroom. A dilapidated, run down and out-dated suite will certainly go against you when the time comes for a valuation.
The good news is bathrooms are relatively easy to renovate and can be brought up to standard with relatively little outlay. In this article, we’ll demonstrate 5 easy things you can do to your bathroom to increase the value of your property.
- Give it a thorough clean
The first thing to consider is whether a full bathroom makeover is entirely necessary. Get a friend or relative to pop over and give you some no punches pulled feedback on the state of it.
In many cases, all that’s required is a thorough clean to get rid of mould, mildew and limescale, a repaint and the odd fixture replacement. For example, a new set of taps can do wonders, bringing back that new bathroom gleam. You’d be surprised at the transformation.
- Treat your walls and floors
One thing that can be off-putting in any bathroom are grimy tiles and manky old flooring. If both your walls and floors are beyond the point of no return when it comes to cleaning, why not consider making some cosmetic changes?
Regrouting your tiles is quite simple, although you may want to retile entirely. This is a job you can do yourself, as long as you have the right equipment and could be viewed as a more long-term project. Better still, shower wall panels offer a quick and cost-effective alternative. They can be fitted directly over the top of your existing tiles and provide an almost seamless surface that’s easy to clean.
Again, flooring is a job you can easily do yourself. Instead of tiles, which can be difficult to install, why not fit vinyl or laminate flooring? Gone are the days of cheap, thin lino which looked and felt terrible underfoot. Modern vinyl or laminate flooring is incredibly hardwearing, easy to fit, insulated and comes in a variety of wood and stone effect designs which look just like the real thing!
- Tend to ventilation
Damp and mildew don’t just look horrible, they also hint at an underlying issue with ventilation.
Whilst you can usually scrub damp and mildew away using a stiff brush and a mix of bleach and water, you can solve the problem by fitting an extractor fan.
In this instance, you will need to hire a professional tradesperson who is experienced in this type of electrical work. However, for relatively little spend, you’ll end up with a well-ventilated space that is clean and free from damp and mildew.
- Fit a new shower
If your shower has seen better days, you may be able to swap certain components over, rather than purchase a whole new set. Instead of a manual mixer valve, swap for a thermostatic valve which keeps your water temperature consistent and comes with an anti-scald safety feature, bringing added peace of mind to potential buyers with young children.
If your bathroom doesn’t currently contain a shower, it is certainly worth fitting one. Electric showers are relatively straightforward to install, as they only require a cold water supply. Turn your existing bath into a multi-purpose shower bath by fitting a shower screen.
- Consider larger projects
According to Propertymark, 29% of homes sold in 2019 had a new bathroom fitted, so perhaps it is time for a more extensive renovation?
If your bathroom really is in a bad state of repair and if your budget will allow, it may be worth considering larger bathroom projects. Changing your bathroom suite isn’t as expensive as you might think. A good quality toilet and basin combination can be purchased for less than £100. You could always apply for an unsecured personal loan to help fund bathroom renovations.
To make your property more attractive to older people, a walk in shower is a great option as it provides greater accessibility for those with restricted mobility. Better still, a wet room is a highly desirable modern convenience, meaning step-free access and an open plan feel. Plus, with the added benefit of a completely watertight room, this can really add value to your property.
As with everything in life, the more you put into your bathroom renovation, the more you’ll get out in the long run. Plus, if you decide against selling up, you can lie back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.