Realise your property's potential with a bathroom makeover!

If you're thinking of adding some saleable value to your home without undertaking extreme construction projects, then spend on a little time on the 'smallest room' in your house. If your bathroom is victim to a dated avocado suite or is looking a little drab, a few improvements could add vital selling potential to your home. In all home improvement ventures, there is of course the question of expenditure vs. added value. A quote from B&Q spokesman on the BBC website says that a;

"bathroom upgrade is likely to pay for itself in added market value."

Bathrooms tend to be a sticking point for buyers. If they do not have to hassle themselves with refitting a bathroom which is clearly in need of a facelift, then it's another plus for your property. Not forgetting, that the bathroom is subjected daily to a lot of household use, this room should definitely not be put on the decorating backburner. Although updating your bathroom is not going to cost the same as a few tins of paint, a few adjustments could really boost the buying potential of your property.

There are several means of attacking a tired looking bathroom, all of which can be fitted into various budgets. Top tips from 'Move or Improve' magazine include; keeping an existing white suite in your bathroom, supplementing with a few additions such as fitting designer style taps or putting down waterproof laminate in place of that horrible pink carpet. Ultimately, if you do need to replace the suite, you can purchase them relatively inexpensively from high street stores. If your budget and space permits you can purchase free standing shower enclosures or steam room enclosures at very reasonable prices. A steam shower looks impressive to buyers and does not need tiling or intensive plumbing work unlike fully fitted in power showers.

Bathrooms do need good planning, if you intend to sell your property imminently carefully consider the benefits of spending thousands on your bathroom. 'The Bathroom' website suggest that;

"Makeovers do not necessarily add value either, however they can help to sell a home"

If your estate agent has told you that your bathroom is putting off buyers, then it is possible to make the changes to encourage a sale.

Alternatively, if you are not looking at selling immediately, investing in a full bathroom upgrade may well be worth the while. Adding in luxurious tiles and a designer suite is a fabulous addition to any home. This is where value can be added by estate agents further down the line. Certainly if you do decide to splash out on a full bathroom renovation, it isn't just for future purchasers but for your own enjoyment and design aspirations. There is an infinite number of possibilities, all suited to your own personal taste, whether you want a sleek, modern bathroom or to make the bathrooms central feature an ornate roll-top bath.

Bathrooms are not solely for function, they can ultimately be a worthwhile investment for you and your home. Should you decide to sell, consider your 'smallest room' and ensure that it's a plus point within your property's interior.

References

• www.bbc.co.uk
• www.thebathroom.info
• 'Move or Improve' magazine (October 2008)

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