Five tips that make bath-buying easy

There’s plenty to think about when you start on a journey to renovate your bathroom or update items such as shower screen, vanity units and baths.

A new-look bathroom can add thousands of dollars in value to your home, and it is one of the best ways to gain a return on investment when the time comes to sell.

As experienced local agents, we know a good quality bathroom is very high on the list of must-haves for most prospective buyers – and it doesn’t matter whether they’re in the market for a house, townhouse or apartment.

One challenge in a bathroom renovation is to select a bath. The wide choice of design and materials can be bewildering. Here is a small list of tips on how to choose the right material for your bath to make your purchase a little less stressful.

  1. Fibreglass & Acrylic – Baths made of these materials are the most competitively priced and offer the greatest variety of design options. Their insulation properties also mean it will keep the water warmer than enamel or cast-iron baths. But don’t use an abrasive cleaner on them, as this will scratch away the top service and dull the colour. 
  2. Composites – Resin is a relatively new material that offers steel-like strength but only 50% of the weight. They’re worth pricing if you want a five-star renovation.
  3. Enamelled steel – These are the most inexpensive options. The coating of porcelain enamel tends to chip, and thermal properties make it a poor insulator. They’re also significantly heavier than fibreglass and acrylic models so be careful if you’re putting it on a second floor. 
  4. Polymer – This material is used to create the effects of classic finishes, such as marble and onyx. They’re similar to acrylic baths but not as hardy. Over a few short years, you can expect to see the gel top-coat dull. Eventually, it’ll break down and suffer chips or cracks, and it might even wear through to the base material. However, it offers an amazing first impression when installed.
  5. Cast-iron – This is your heavyweight option. Second-floor bathrooms will have to take 250kg-plus in weight. If you take this path, you may need to consult a structural engineer.