Splish splash … it’s time for a bathroom renovation

Almost every real estate professional will tell you that bathroom upgrades generally provide a good return on investment. In fact, a recent Royal LePage House Staging Report found that 73 percent of potential buyers would be willing to pay more for a renovated bathroom. So, if you are considering a renovation for both personal reasons and with an eye for your home’s resale potential, the bathroom may be your choice for change.

Design magazines are loaded with pictures of luxurious and expansive bathrooms, and if you have both space and finances, you will be thrilled with your options. Current trends are for oversized open showers with fantastic rain showerheads, wood, marble and stone finishes, soaker tubs, crystal chandeliers and artfully chosen hardware. There is also a growing trend toward employing neutral, natural tones, which help to create an agelessness and openness to space and provide decoration flexibility.

How do I start? To begin, remember that the layout of the new bathroom doesn’t necessarily have to be the same as the old one. A new approach is to not make the toilet a focal point. A partial wall will give a sense of privacy and block the eye, without chopping up the space the way a full wall might. When it comes to lighting, think versatility. You will want brilliant illumination by the mirror and the option of more subdued ambience when soaking in the tub. If you have an old linen closet, think out of the box. For example, consider converting the façade to resemble a cabinet and perhaps take it right to the ceiling. You may also want to add additional storage space. In many locations, a shallow cabinet can easily be built between your wall studs. Bathrooms are heavy traffic areas, so remember to choose tough, easy to clean surfaces, moisture-resistant paint and non-slip flooring.

Fixtures, 101 Take design cues from your fixtures. The soft lines of oval shapes and the curves of pedestal sinks, for example, will feel very different from the artsy, ultra-modern look created by angular choices. Before you buy a bathtub, try it out by sitting in it. Based on your height and the space available, you may want a longer or deeper tub than is standard. If you rarely take a bath, consider whether you may want to do without one entirely. Toilet flushing may be the largest source of water use in your home. When you’re getting a new one, invest in a one-piece toilet and consider water-friendly options like dual flushing. Check with your local municipality, such as Town of Halton Hills, which offers rebate programs for low flow toilets.

http://www.haltonhills.ca

It’s on my wish list… It may be that like many of us, you are dreaming of a new bathroom, but don’t have the time, money or space for radical changes. Don’t underestimate your current bathroom’s potential for improvements. A wall-to-wall scrubbing, including a clearing out of old and used items can be rejuvenating, as can a fresh coat of paint. Even porcelain and tiles can be painted with the right products. Add some new towels and a shower curtain, a basket or two for storage, a change in wall decorations, a plant (it will love the humidity!) and possibly an upgrade to your mirror, lighting or faucets, and you can create a beautiful new space for a fraction of the cost. Also, check out Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Habitat for Humanity has building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials. They generate funds to support Habitat's building programs, while reducing the amount of used materials that are headed for overflowing landfills! They are an environmentally friendly store that makes sense! You can expect things like: windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures and even the kitchen sink! Items are donated daily so each trip will bring you something new! For the do-it-yourselfer, the ReStore is the first place to visit for inexpensive renovations. So, spring into your project and look forward to that soak in the tub before summer arrives.

http://www.habitat.ca/restore-directory-p5011.php​

For more information, contact your real estate professional Denise Dilbey, Broker, Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, Brokerage.