If you’re trying to sell, most real estate professionals will tell you that the best rooms to update are the bathrooms. Sadly, if you have particularly pokey bathrooms, the cost to renovate these spaces can be extensive. Luckily, there are inexpensive ways to make this space look and feel larger without resorting to construction or over-extended lines of credit.
“The key consideration when renovating to sell is the return on investment on whatever project you choose to undertake. It may sometimes be necessary to inject some capital into your home to give it a fair chance of selling, but sellers should try and keep these costs as low as possible in order to avoid negative returns,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
As a simplified example, if a seller pays R50 000 to renovate his or her bathroom, but the value of their home only increases by R10 000, then the seller would experience a negative return of R40 000 on that investment.
SEE: Make a small bathroom appear bigger with these tips
Renovating an existing bathroom or having a new home built? Deciding on what goes in the bathroom can be a difficult decision when there are pros and cons for bathtubs and showers. Not all bathrooms have enough space for both but there are things to consider for a family bathroom or if this is not your forever home.
The pros and cons of a bathtub
- Good selling point
Some homes only have one bathroom while others have a second, en-suite bathroom for the master bedroom. But in a house that has a dedicated family bathroom that is used by young children, or perhaps you are planning to start a family soon, a bathtub is a priority for bathing toddlers and children. So much so that not having a bathtub in a family home could be negative when the time comes to sell your property.
- Durability
Take the time to shop around for options but bear in mind durability. A bathtub needs to be durable and not chip easily, it also needs to be accessible if children will make use of it and have easy access to taps and fittings.
A bathtub is also easier to clean than a shower. Cleaning a shower requires cleaning walls and doors to prevent hard water stains or build-up of soap scum whereas a bathtub is a quick wipe with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Something else to think about.
- Luxury
Another reason to try and keep a bathtub in the bathroom is that nothing beats the luxury of a long, relaxing soak in bubbles with candlelit surroundings to soothe you after a long day at work, even if you only get to enjoy it once a week. For that reason alone, you will want to consider whether to replace the bathtub with a shower.
- A Statement piece
There are some stunning designs out there for bathtubs, ranging from sleek slipper baths to contemporary curves and deep-soak tubs. There is always the option to have a curtain rail installed or a glass panel fitted to equip any bathtub to that of a dual-purpose one for both bathing and showering.
- Privacy
A glass-paneled shower is generally fitted with clear glass, either for the surrounding panels or the glass door. Even a walk-in shower is open or has clear glass panels. If you enjoy a certain amount of privacy in the bathroom, a shower might not be the ideal choice. At least with a bathtub, you can fit a privacy curtain.
The pros and cons of a shower
- Good selling point
Having a shower in a bathroom is considered a good selling point provided the shower is on-trend and fitted with water-saving features. A point of interest though and one mentioned above, replacing an existing bathtub with a shower in a family home is not a good idea and may devalue the price of a property.
- Durability
A shower is only as durable as the quality and installation. An incorrectly fitted shower can result in leaks and damage to surrounding walls and fittings. Other than that, showers should be fitted with safety or shatterproof glass for the safety of you and your family.
Showers on the whole are considered far more water-wise than a bathtub, but there is still the option to use a shower every day and enjoy a relaxing bath once a week.
- Luxury
There is no doubt that there are some pretty showers on the market. Nowadays, you can choose a walk-in shower with all the bells and whistles and rain showerheads, as well as numerous spray nozzles and jets to cleanse and soothe the body. But, like everything else, these luxury showers come at a price. A luxurious shower is a great investment for a master bathroom but consider wisely before spending the same amount in a family or guest bathroom.
- A statement piece
Nothing makes a statement in a bathroom than a walk-in shower or wet room, especially one that is fitted with all the latest water-saving devices and jets. If you are thinking about such an option, double-check to make sure you have enough water pressure or you will need to have a pressure regulator installed. Another thing to consider is having a water softener installed if your water is hard and filled with minerals that can easily build upon surfaces.
A walk-in shower at one end or side of the bathroom, or even fitted into a corner is the best solution for a small bathroom and having a walk-in shower installed means that you don't have to worry about opening or closing doors. Ad adjustable shower head allows for variable height settings and a more immersive showering experience.
Source: HomeDzine
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