July
06
Selling up? Here’s how to spruce up your outdated bathroom and boost the asking price
ver step out of your shower in the morning and feel you’ve just exited a time machine? Out of the transtemporal steam emerges avocado-toned tiling, a worn wooden loo seat, rusted light fittings and all manner of other lavatorial abominations. You quickly realise your bathroom’s well past its shelf life – yes, after a while, it’s always a good idea to give it a redesign to bring it up to date with modern standards and styles.
The picture’s even worse if you’re selling your home, since not sorting out your bathroom could impact the asking price. According to Propertymark, in 2019, 29% of homeowners redid their bathrooms, hoping to boost the asking price by up to 10%.
Sprucing up your bathroom doesn’t need to be a whole-remodel affair though. Here are some of the key things to sort out if you want to bring your bathroom, kicking and screaming, into 2023.
Install new light fixtures
Updating light and plumbing fixtures is a quick way to modernize an old bathroom. Light fixtures are simple enough to pick up from the hardware store and swap out on your own—no electrician needed.
However, make sure that the light fixtures you choose are rated for use in bathrooms. A good baseline to go for is an IP44 rating – this will ensure that any water spray won’t find its way through to the electrics.
Install new bathroom hardware and accessories
This upgrade requires zero DIY skills, and it’s guaranteed to instantly elevate the look of a bathroom. All you need is a few hours and a screwdriver. If you’re unsure what options are available to you, consider heading to a bathroom showroom where you’ll be able to take your pick from the latest taps, mirrors, shower heads and more.
Update old flooring
If you have scuffed-up vinyl, chipped tile, or—heaven forbid—carpet in your bathroom, you’ll definitely want to invest in new flooring. There are plenty of options to choose from here, from tiles, more vinyl, or even concrete, but just make sure that it’s laid airtight, so you don’t get any water leaking into your flooring or ceilings.
Add space and storage
Many buyers are looking for more space when they’re searching for a new home, and the bathroom is no exception. Add in extra cabinets where possible – beneath sinks or in nooks can be a good place to start. And if your washing facilities are on the miniscule side, consider expanding the shower in the master bathroom to fit a bench or seat – or replace the base entirely and add in a bath (bonus points if it has feet).
How would you like to update your bathroom? Which elements do you think might have the biggest impact on asking prices? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.