Expert Know-How: 5 Smart Ways to Add Value to Your Bathroom Reno
The bathroom is one of the first things buyers look at in a property for sale – here are the main upgrades worth making
A bright, contemporary bathroom with stylish fixtures and decent storage is a key selling point in any home. But that doesn’t mean you have to rip out everything and start from scratch. Here are five key upgrades that will vastly improve the appearance and functionality of a tired, dated bathroom and ultimately improve your home’s value.
Choose a style with a luxurious and appealing finish. I love using engineered stone for vanity benchtops. It’s durable and stain-resistant, yet has a beautiful, natural feel. Timber tops also look amazing, but they do need to be well-sealed and protected in order to reduce wear and tear.
2. Extend your mirror
Adding a new mirror above the vanity can transform a tired bathroom, increasing the sense of space and making it feel brighter and more welcoming.
My tip is to take the mirror as wide as you can – ideally the full width of the wall.
See more stunning bathrooms
Adding a new mirror above the vanity can transform a tired bathroom, increasing the sense of space and making it feel brighter and more welcoming.
My tip is to take the mirror as wide as you can – ideally the full width of the wall.
See more stunning bathrooms
Choose a mirror that complements the style of your bathroom. And be sure not to hang it too high. This is one of the most common mistakes people make with mirror placement, and it means you end up cutting yourself off when you’re doing your hair or make-up.
Tip: If possible, position the mirror in a spot where it will reflect natural light and greenery, effectively drawing them into the bathroom.
Tip: If possible, position the mirror in a spot where it will reflect natural light and greenery, effectively drawing them into the bathroom.
3. Splash out on a new toilet
Updating your toilet is another great improvement to make before selling your property. It’s easy to see why – no-one wants to use an old toilet! You will be amazed at the difference upgrading this one component can make to the look of your bathroom.
If the toilet is in perfect condition, but the seat and lid are not, consider simply replacing the dated elements.
Updating your toilet is another great improvement to make before selling your property. It’s easy to see why – no-one wants to use an old toilet! You will be amazed at the difference upgrading this one component can make to the look of your bathroom.
If the toilet is in perfect condition, but the seat and lid are not, consider simply replacing the dated elements.
For a modern look, opt for a wall-hung style. You just need to ensure there is enough room inside the wall cavity behind it to accommodate the cistern. If not, consider constructing a nib wall to increase the width of your existing wall so it can house a cistern. And don’t forget to factor in access if you have an in-wall cistern.
3 Bathroom Trends You Need to Think Twice About
3 Bathroom Trends You Need to Think Twice About
4. Invest in a bath or shower that suits the space
When deciding whether you need a bath, shower or both, consider the needs of the space and the person who will be using it. For example, do you need that double-head shower or huge spa bath if you’re renovating a one-bedroom apartment? Probably not.
When deciding whether you need a bath, shower or both, consider the needs of the space and the person who will be using it. For example, do you need that double-head shower or huge spa bath if you’re renovating a one-bedroom apartment? Probably not.
When renovating for profit, consider the market in your area. Is your property going to attract families who would expect a bath? If so, it would be a mistake not to have one. If you try to squeeze a bath in with your shower but your main interest will be from those who are downsizing, then you’re making a massive error; older people don’t want to be stepping over a bath to get in the shower.
There are so many shower screen options available today that it’s easy to upgrade your shower affordably. Start by figuring out your budget and go from there. If you’re not able to stretch to a top-end frameless style, check out more mid-range options. It’s not just fully framed or completely frameless anymore – there are plenty of stylish alternatives to consider.
There are so many shower screen options available today that it’s easy to upgrade your shower affordably. Start by figuring out your budget and go from there. If you’re not able to stretch to a top-end frameless style, check out more mid-range options. It’s not just fully framed or completely frameless anymore – there are plenty of stylish alternatives to consider.
5. Upgrade your tapwear
Sometimes just a simple change, such as new tapware, can really modernise a dated bathroom. A new tap is a simple and cost-effective way to slowly add incremental improvements to your space. You can usually DIY new tapware, just make sure you take the old set with you when you buy, so you get new ones that will match your bathroom.
Sometimes just a simple change, such as new tapware, can really modernise a dated bathroom. A new tap is a simple and cost-effective way to slowly add incremental improvements to your space. You can usually DIY new tapware, just make sure you take the old set with you when you buy, so you get new ones that will match your bathroom.
Timeless, quality tap styles are always a winner. It’s important to seamlessly complement the style of your bathroom without being so on-trend that your new additions will date quickly. I recommend choosing a combination of both square and round fittings.
You can also mix different styles and materials for your basin and shower and/or bath. In fact, mixing different looks in this way can add warmth to your bathroom. Just be sure the styles complement one other so you maintain a cohesive look.
Room of the Week: Mixed Materials Shine Bright in This Ensuite
You can also mix different styles and materials for your basin and shower and/or bath. In fact, mixing different looks in this way can add warmth to your bathroom. Just be sure the styles complement one other so you maintain a cohesive look.
Room of the Week: Mixed Materials Shine Bright in This Ensuite
Don’t make these common reno mistakes
- Sticking to white for everything – white paint, white vanity, white accessories and white tiles. It can make a bathroom look and feel so clinical. I love white, just don’t use it everywhere.
- Not including enough storage. A pretty vanity is great, but make sure it has enough storage space for the number of bedrooms of the home. Add it behind the mirror, in the sink, and with shelving. A space that is beautiful but unliveable is not one that will stand the test of time.
My golden nuggets for bathroom renovating success are…
- If your budget is limited, focus on those elements that are showing the most wear and tear. Replace or update these items first.
- Don’t think you always have to take tiles from floor to ceiling. Take your cues from the home’s style and architecture. With some styles, such as traditional or retro spaces, floor-to-ceiling tiles will actually detract from your look. Floor-to-ceiling tiles look best in contemporary bathrooms.
- Follow the high/low styling principle. This is when you spend on a hero – it might be a stunning bath, tiles or vanity. You then save on the ‘supporting elements’ in the bathroom, such as tapware or flooring.
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Are you planning a bathroom reno? Tell us about your plans in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like or share this story, and save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Find a bathroom designer or renovator near you
Are you planning a bathroom reno? Tell us about your plans in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like or share this story, and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a bathroom designer or renovator near you
Updating your vanity is one of the quickest and easiest ways to boost the appearance and functionality of your bathroom.
It’s a key piece of furniture in your bathroom and something that instantly draws the eye the moment you step inside, so it’s important to choose a quality piece with a durable finish that will last the distance. It should also include plenty of storage so you can keep surfaces clear and tidy.