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Adding value to your home by updating your bathroom

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Along with the kitchen, the bathroom is considered by many as being one of the most important rooms in the home, a place to relax and unwind after a hard day, somewhere to get ready before a night out or an area to wash up and get ready for bed.

Bathrooms are also great for adding value to your home, not just for when you decide to sell, but also for if you need a valuation to remortgage, take out a loan against the house or release some equity.

When looking at a house, it’s often the bathrooms and kitchens that we take note of.  If they are old and outdated then this can be off-putting.  They are two of the most expensive rooms to update, so it’s no wonder why.

Unless a potential buyer has enough budget to update a dated bathroom, then it can be a deal breaker.

Either that, or they might offer much lower than the asking price as they’ll need to factor a bathroom refurbishment into their moving costs.

If you have the opportunity to update a bathroom that’s in need, before listing your house, then it’s a wise decision.  It can ensure you get the asking price, entice even more viewers and even add value to your home.

There are several ways that you can update your bathroom to add value to your home, here Bathroom Planet give us their top tips to make the most out of your bathroom.

Check your plumbing

If you are keeping the layout of your bathroom the same, but your house is an older property it is worth taking the time to check the plumbing system to make sure that it is in a good state of repair and still meets the current building regulations. An experienced plumber can advise you on your current system and can point out any potential problems before you start.

For those who are changing the layout of the bathroom, it will cost more, but giving the room a more practical layout can help to add even more value to your home in the long run. Again, hiring a professional plumber is a must to ensure that everything is done right and is up to code.

It is also a good time to repair and maintain any fixtures and fittings that are likely not to be changed such as light fittings, extractor fans and window seals which can often be overlooked.

Replace outdated furniture

Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a trend for installing bathroom suites in a multitude of pastel colours, but in modern times we have seen a shift back to a standard white finish. So, if you have a lime green or pink bathroom suite then it is time to replace this with something more neutral.

For those who have a white bathroom suite, it does not mean that the rest of the room has to be bland. Add colour with feature patterned tiles or painted walls, or choose from an array of natural stone finishes now available on the market.

Replacing the tiles and fixtures such as taps and shower heads for more modern pieces is a cost-effective way to update your bathroom and can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the room, increasing the saleability of your home.

Consider adding a wet room

If you're going for a complete bathroom rennovation then consider installing a wet room.  Not only can wet rooms offer a luxurious bathroom experience, if high quality tiles and fittings are used, but they also offer better access and appeal to those with mobility issues.

Wet rooms give a luxurious hotel or spa feel to a bathroom, but also offer a practical solution to those who might not be able to step over a bath edge or up onto a shower tray.

A wet room can add value to your home if installed properly and especially if it's a second bathroom.  It will open your home up to buyers with mobility issues, increasing your chances of a quick sale by appealing to more people.  A wet room is an easily adapted bathroom for the disabled and elderly. 

Add luxury features

The key to adding the most value to your home is to create a luxurious room which is practical and makes people want to spend time in it. Power showers, whirlpool baths and heated towel rails are all great choices and are great accessories for conveying luxury.

If you have room for a countertop, choose a durable and strong material such as granite or marble as this will provide that wow factor to your bathroom. Feature tiles are also a great way of creating a focal point in the room while choosing taps and mixers in different finishes such as brushed steel or brass can add a new dimension to sinks, baths and showers.

Add an ensuite or cloakroom toilet

One of the best ways of adding value to your home if you have the space is to add an ensuite or cloakroom toilet. Having an ensuite bathroom is practical in several ways as it provides some much-needed personal space away from the main bathroom, means that multiple people can get ready at the same time and adds real value to your home.

Adding a cloakroom toilet is also a great way of maximising the available space in the home and provides the convenience of having more than one toilet, as well as accessibility for family and friends who have limited mobility.

Final word

Whether you are planning to sell your home or are looking for a change, updating or installing a new bathroom is a great way of adding value to your home.