Renovating your bathroom is one of the best ways to increase the value of your property.
Together with the kitchen, it is the hottest item for prospective buyers and right at the top of most-wanted lists.
If you’re thinking of selling your property, then installing a modern bathroom is one of the best ways to maximise the value of your home.
But, even though most bathrooms are small, a lot is going on in there. A renovation can be complex and costly without proper planning, so here’s our Top 10 Tips to get you started:
Plan your project
Don’t rush into any renovation. You must take your time and cover every angle. In the case of a bathroom upgrade, you’ll often need two visits by certain trades. For example, a builder might do the demolition and then return to hang towel rails, mirrors and the like.
Know your schedule
If you’re replacing shower screens, your bathroom will be out of commission for several weeks. The last job to do is the measure and fit of glass screens. These are made-to-measure and will take up to three weeks to be delivered and installed. Don’t shower without them, or you’ll splash water over your lovely new fittings.
Be leak-proof
It’s essential your contractor doubles down on water-proofing. Do not skimp on this, as water damage is costly to rectify. You’ll not only have to fix wet and rotted timbers but pull up all your new tiles to do it.
Don’t get into hot water
If you’re putting in a bigger bath, make sure your water heater or boiler can fill it. If not, you’ve wasted money on an oversized bath or you’ll need a new water heater.
On the tiles
Talk to your tiler about the appropriate size of tile for your job. In most circumstances, tilers prefer small tiles for the floor as this gives them more flexibility to control drainage into waste traps.
Custom fittings
Anything that needs to be custom-made, such as a vanity unit, will add time to your project. So, make sure your contractors are aware of the delivery schedule.
A plumb job
No bathroom fit-out can be completed without a plumber. They will install all your fittings, such as showerhead, taps and vanity unit. Their cost will rise significantly if you want to move the pipes from their original position. Try to avoid this.
Sparks of inspiration
Don’t forget to budget for the cost of electrical work. Powerpoints inside shaving cabinets and vanities are very popular with buyers. And maybe you love the idea of a heated towel rail?
Not moving on its own
Make sure you’ve organised to remove old fittings, tiles and concrete. It’s best to ask the builder to include this in their quote, otherwise you’ll have an unwanted job on your to-do list.
Nasty surprises
Almost every upgrade comes with a surprise or two. It’s best to put aside 20% of your total project budget to allow for the unexpected. There’s no harm done if you don’t spend the money. But it’s good to know you have a cash reserve if a serious problem arises.