If you’re looking to increase the value of a property, you can’t overestimate the effect installing a new bathroom can have on how much the building is worth. Known to be one of the most important rooms assessed by potential buyers, the bathroom can really make a difference to the value of a property.
Along with the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most influential parts of the house when it comes to selling up, so you’ll want to make sure the space is as appealing as possible. Research has shown that if you install a new bathroom, you can add 2.88 per cent on to the value of the property, which means that a house worth £170,000 could achieve almost £5,000 more. Keep reading for a guide to some of the elements you should consider when doing up the bathroom.
The suite
If the bathroom suite is tired and dated, it’s well worth replacing it. The new bath, sink and toilet don’t need to be top-of-the-range – simple functional white suites are fine as long as they are plumbed in correctly and the finish is good. It’s best to avoid coloured suites, which can put potential buyers off, and there’s little point opting for something expensive if you want to ensure you make some money rather than simply break even when it’s time to sell.
Not all suites will need replacing – as long as they’re clean and still working, you could instead simply add accessories like chrome taps to give the suite an elegant, contemporary finish it may have lacked previously.
Radiators and towel rails
Another area to consider encompasses radiators and towel rails. If the radiator is too big or too small for the space, it’s a good idea to replace it. Bring the room up-to-date by choosing a contemporary heated towel rail rather than a traditional radiator, as this will not only make the room appear modern, but it also takes up less space than installing a radiator and a separate towel rail.
If the bathroom you’re renovating is in a period property, however, you might want to extend the theme throughout the house – and you’ll find a range of period-style designer radiators that will complement the space perfectly. Heated towel rails can cost under £100, making them cost-effective ways to renovate the bathroom.
The shower
A shower is a necessity in many homes but gone are the days when a basic head and a flimsy shower curtain were the order of the day. To maximise added value, install a power shower and a large shower head – the bigger the better – and replace the shower curtain with a glass screen or door. You might have to spend a few hundred pounds, but the shower will more than pay for itself by impressing buyers and garnering you a higher sale price than an older bathroom.
Decor
It goes without saying that the decor in the bathroom needs to be maintained to appeal to potential buyers, so it’s a good idea to sand down walls and give them a new lick of paint. Tiled areas will benefit from a deep clean to reveal the white grouting, or you might need to replace them. Simple decor works in the bathroom, so don’t waste time and money trying to achieve an effect if you’re not certain you can pull it off. Plain white walls are ideal, along with spotlights on the ceiling, and you can add some variety by installing floor tiles or lino in a darker shade and adding a matching blind.
