A remodeled bathroom is one of the most valuable features that you can present in a home if you are determined to achieve the maximum price when the time comes to sell.
Buyers know that upgrading a bathroom is expensive and a significant project – and they love the idea that they can walk into their new home and immediately enjoy a bathroom fit for a five-star hotel.
The key to a successful renovation is the choice of cabinetry, tiles and fixtures. As an experienced local agent, I know that prospective buyers appreciate a neutral palette rather than a striking color scheme.
Embracing natural elements, such as wood textures for the vanity, work well at the moment. For splashes of color, you can use towels hanging from the rails. When buyers visit a home, brand new, fresh towels hanging in the bathroom gives an additional sense of luxury.
For an inspection or walk-through, you can add candles, scented soaps, and spectacular bath oil bottles to achieve a memorable experience for the buyer.
Below is a five-point guide to help you to purchase the most important elements of a bathroom so you can create a sanctuary that will achieve the best possible price when you sell.
Vanities
Vanities are the glamor piece of any bathroom, but the trick is to ensure your selection remains in context with the rest of the design. Avoid installing an oversized model, as this will make your bathroom feel much smaller. Drawers rather than doors are the height of fashion right now. Take note of whether your waste pipes go to the wall or the floor to choose the appropriate internal design so you don’t lose storage space. Select hardwood over veneer for the cabinetry as it is more water-resistant.
Tubs
Deep, soaking baths are no longer the fashion item they once were. For many people, it feels like over-indulgence. They get a big tub but then baulk at the time it takes to fill or even all the water required. Keeping to a standard size bath gives you the luxury of a soak more frequently, without crowding your bathroom and is more water friendly.
Fixtures
There are so many exciting and wonderfully attractive fixtures for a bathroom. This is the territory of you “get what you pay for”. You don’t need gold-plated, German industrial design, but buy the best quality you can afford in tapware as it is the quality of the internal plumbing elements where the real value lies. Great quality tapware turns on and off easily but firmly, doesn’t leak and doesn’t move about once installed. Keep a keen eye on the water efficiency of each fixture. Seek out form and efficiency.
Tiles
If you’re thinking of selling in the short to medium term, don’t fall into the trap of picking fashionable color schemes. Stay with the classic looks that will not date in five years. Use magazines, Pinterest, Instagram and other digital publishing sites to find inspiration. If your tiles are rectangular in shape, think of the direction they’ll be laid (horizontally or vertically?) as this will affect the perception of room size. Think about the grouting too. Do you want the grout to match the tiles or add a contrast? There are lots of options to consider.
Showers
Avoid sliding or concertina doors. They’re usually at the cheap end of the market for a reason. They’re also a nightmare to clean. Select full-glass screens and ask your supplier about spraying them with a solution that stops soap scum and dirt sticking to the glass. You’ll pay around $100 for that little addition but think of the hours you’ll save from not having to clean the glass continually.