Renovating your bathroom isn't cheap, but you can't compromise on it. As one of the most practical areas of your home, quality should always be your top priority, and skimping on the job could end up costing you more than you originally thought.
Whether you're planning a complete renovation or only have the budget for some DIY renovations, you need to make sure your bathroom doesn't have features that could reduce the value of your home. . Whether it's outdated style or deeper underlying issues, there are plenty of things you may have grown used to that stand out painfully to prospective buyers.
If you want to increase your sales potential, it's important to pay close attention to modern bathroom features that add value and those that don't. To find out more, we spoke to some professional real estate agents to learn exactly what to avoid to make your bathroom the biggest draw possible. Here's what they had to say:
1. Inadequate ventilation
(Image credit: LifeCreated. Design: Living with Lolo)
It may seem obvious, but not having adequate ventilation in your bathroom can have a big impact on the value of the space, experts say. As a place where steam is generated, especially in small bathrooms, it's important to avoid moisture and condensation buildup that can lead to bigger problems in the future.
“Overlooking ventilation is a big mistake,” explains Yawar Charlie, director of real estate at Aaron Carman Group. “Without proper airflow, a fancy bathroom can become damp, moldy, and filthy. It's like hosting a fancy dinner and forgetting to ventilate the kitchen. Disaster is guaranteed to ensue.'' Be sure to install a fan or at least a working window to keep everything smelling fresh and clean.
2. Lack of light
(Image credit: Chase Daniel. Design: Cravotta Interiors)
Recently, it has become increasingly common for bathrooms to be built without external windows. If you can't improve the natural light in your space, make sure your bathroom has plenty of artificial lighting, whether it's a practical light source or something that serves a more aesthetic purpose. “Bathrooms should always be bright and clean,” says California-based real estate agent Lindsey Hahn.
Yawar agrees. “Do you treat lighting like a trivial matter?” he asks. 'Think again. The right lighting can make your bathroom look like something out of a glossy magazine. It's the difference between a masterpiece and a missed opportunity. Make your bathroom look bright (in the right way) by combining overhead lighting with accent lighting. ” An easy way to improve your bathroom and add a touch of luxury that will appeal to potential buyers is to add strip lights behind the mirror for a backlit effect or place sconces to the side of your vanity That's it.
3. Signs of Neglected Maintenance
(Image credit: Bart & May)
“Signs like mold, mildew, and cracked tiles can significantly reduce the value of your home because they can be signs of more problems that you can't see,” says Lindsey. You may have ignored these small details for so long that you no longer notice them, but visitors are sure to notice signs of neglect as soon as they cross the threshold, so be sure to check before your property goes on the market. Please be sure to update. .
In most cases, you can easily perform this type of update yourself. Reapply anti-mold paint to moldy areas or peeled paint. If your shower or bathtub is showing signs of wear and tear, consider regrooving and resealing it. The same goes for leaky faucets, chipped tiles, and low water pressure. These inexpensive bathroom upgrades can make a world of difference.
4. Uniform material
(Image credit: James Merrell)
You might think that mismatched materials would create the cleanest and most attractive look for your bathroom, but Yawar says that couldn't be further from the truth. “Using the same material everywhere is like wearing socks with sandals. Just don't do it,” he says. “Your bathroom deserves better.”
While it may be tempting to decorate your space with the latest bathroom trends, a space taken up entirely by brushed brass hardware can be overkill. The same goes for stones such as marble. “Mix and match different textures and materials,” Yawar says. “It's not just about functionality. It's about creating a space with its own personality. With a few little touches, you can transform your bathroom from an ordinary bathroom to a beautiful one.”
5. Old fixtures and accessories
(Image credit: Riobel Parabola Shower Kit Black)
Real estate agents say outdated bathroom trends are a surefire way to turn buyers away from your home. “Outdated flooring, like bathroom carpet or vintage vinyl, can be really uncomfortable,” says Lindsey. Rather than favoring fads that quickly age your space, choose timeless features that will guarantee a return on investment for years to come.
The same goes for unique design choices. We're all about expressing your own personal style, but if you're looking to market yourself, it might be worth toning it down. As Lindsey points out, “Bold colors, loud wallpaper, and outdated chandeliers can significantly reduce the value of a space.” Just a coat of neutral paint before you put your home on the market. , your bathroom space will return to authenticity and have a wider appeal.
6. Insufficient storage
(Image credit: Natalie Robert. Design: Blythe Interiors)
Last but not least, avoid falling into bathroom storage pitfalls. This means that there is not enough storage. “Ignoring storage is like having a library without shelves; it creates clutter,” Yawar says. “Sophisticated and smart storage solutions are essential to keeping your bathroom looking organized and elegant.”
“A messy bathroom is a style mistake you don't want to make,” he goes on to explain. “Remember, everything has its place.” If space is at a premium, look for multifunctional solutions that provide discreet and seamless storage without sacrificing style (but Please be sure to point this out to prospective buyers.)
“By avoiding these pitfalls, bathroom renovations can be less about fixing mistakes and more about basking in the glory of a job well done,” Yawar added. Now your buyers will have a bathroom they will never forget.
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