When it comes to increasing the value of a home, many of us look to the kitchen, the garden, or the living room as key areas to work on. The bathroom often finds its way into the list, but sometimes it’s overlooked. Perhaps because it’s one of the smaller rooms in your house, or maybe you don’t see it as a project that will wow potential buyers.
The thing is, a bathroom can add as much as 10% to your house value in some cases, and with relatively little expenditure needed to achieve this, it could well be the best room to consider upgrading if working to a strict budget.
We’ve put together a few tips that won’t break the bank but will help you see that house price rise. Some, you may already have in mind, others may be a nice little surprise (hello, vinyl flooring!)
Let’s dive in.
What Shall I Improve In My Bathroom To Increase House Value?
There are plenty of things that can be improved in your bathroom that drive up the house value, without spending lots of cash.
Refresh Or Replace The Vanity Space
If your vanity has seen better days, simply swapping it out for a sleeker option with plenty of storage could be a quick win. Pair it with an undermount or vessel sink, and you can already sense the future buyers being impressed.
In some cases, you can make subtle changes. The whole unit may not need replacing, but changing the taps or even door handles can significantly upgrade a vanity area and sink. Matte black, chrome, or brushed gold are the on-trend choices at the moment!
Level Up The Lighting
Lighting plays a huge part in how a room feels and looks. It also helps change how we see ourselves. (We’ve all heard of celebrities asking for pictures to capture the right light, haven’t we?!)
A quick change of lighting in the bathroom can help improve the atmosphere and perception of the room and make it much more inviting for you and those who may consider buying your home.
A backlit LED mirror can be a quick fix that looks great, costs next to nothing, and helps create a different aesthetic for your bathroom. Also consider a dimmer switch for setting the mood when a late-night, wind-down bath is needed, vanity lights for when getting ready and overhead lights for functionality.
Out With The Old, In With The New
Even if most of the bathroom looks great, old taps, showerheads or baths instantly become noticeable. A quick transformation to more modern taps, a rainforest shower or a more curvaceous bath could instantly give your bathroom an additional touch of class.
Factor in the more water-efficient taps or shower heads too, and you’ll find you spend even less as you’ll be saving on your water bills!
To pull the look together, think about towel rails and toilet paper holders that match the style.
Think About Storage
Not all properties optimise the storage opportunities within the bathroom. In most cases, they look cluttered and disjointed. A quick fix changes this and brings your bathroom into the present day at the same time.
Look at getting some floating shelves (that plant on the windowsill could now sit on these and free up some space!), some wall-mounted baskets or think about whether your shower could benefit from some built-in storage. Why have all those shampoos and shower gels filling space when they could just slot into an area where they are used the most?
Make Flooring A Favourite
Just like people judge your bathroom by the state of the shower or taps, they also cast an eye over the flooring. If it’s stained, cracked, well-worn, or dirty, they’ll assume you don’t keep the house in its best condition.
A quick, affordable and high-quality solution is bathroom vinyl flooring. Made to replicate wood, stone or tile, it gives an incredible look at way less cost. Add in that it’s waterproof, easy to clean and ideal for underfloor heating, and you’ve got an easy win.
It’s a job you can do yourself too, although it’s probably best to get a professional in so you know it’s done properly! (Not doubting your skills at all!)
The Power Of Paint
Sometimes, a new coat of paint can transform a room from a 1 to a 10. Soft neutral colours are often best. You can even look at wallpaper, just make sure that whatever you choose can handle humidity, otherwise you’ll be revisiting this upgrade every few weeks!
Toilet Troubles
Just like the other areas that people may judge, the toilet scores highly on the importance chart when considering a bathroom upgrade. They don’t cost a great deal, and changing a stained or outdated toilet for something fresh, new, and economical will benefit you and those who may buy your home in the future.
Energy Efficiency
We all have an increased focus on energy costs, and the effect energy use has on the planet at the moment. Tap into this and do your bit to not only save cash and the planet, but also to appeal to potential buyers.
Think heated towel racks, motion-sensor lights, and underfloor heating. These all add a slight touch of luxury whilst also delivering environmental and financial benefits.
Style It Up
Now, this can be simple, but it can also be extremely difficult. Everyone has different tastes. What works for you might be viewed as awful by others. So, the important thing is, be subtle. A few candles, some hanging artwork, perhaps a plant or two and some plush towels can be all you need. They help elevate your bathroom and make it a place of luxury, comfort, and tranquillity.
So, there you have it! Quick, affordable fixes to upgrade your bathroom that can also increase your house value should you decide to sell. Remember, there is no guarantee of your house value increasing, but these changes can certainly help.
