Adding the Right Kind of Value to Your Home With a Bathroom Renovation

A question to ask yourself with any renovation: What will I get a return on and what will bring me joy?

There are two areas here: renovating to improve a home’s value for sale or to create that dream home for yourself. To set yourself up for success, focus on both.

We spoke to realestate.com.au, who gave us the scoop on renovating to sell versus renovating a forever home.

Renovating to sell

If your motivation is to renovate with a plan to sell:

#Tip 1: Do your research

Keep your potential buyers in mind as you make decisions. This is critical when you’re renovating specifically to boost your property’s value.

There are lots of types of buyers out there, so it’s worth drawing your line in the sand. Who would be your target audience? For example, a family-friendly home would need a bath and plenty of storage.

#Tip 2: Set a budget and keep a tight rein on costs

This goes from tradie rates to fixtures and fittings. It’s vital to make sure you don’t accidentally blow out the budget and overcapitalise – that is, invest more in the renovation than you can get back at sale.

Even a contingency budget of 10% can often make or break a project, so plan wisely – and remember who you’re buying for.

#Tip 3: Keep the design simple and modern

Avoid making decisions based on your personal taste and preferences or overcapitalising on mod-con features. Remember, your aim is to appeal to the majority of potential buyers.

#Tip 4: Recognise features that suit your lifestyle - but not the market

Your instincts might be to replace all baths with showers to make the most of the space, but if it’s a family home, many buyers wouldn’t be interested in a property without a bath.

#Tip 5: Storage is king

When you’re looking at vanity space, make sure there’s plenty storage. Wall-hung vanity units can help to create a feeling of space in a tight bathroom, but make sure they also tick the storage box.

Renovating your forever home

If your renovation project is essentially an investment in yourself and your family, the expert advice is simple.

Follow your personal style, embrace the freedom to play with design, fixtures and fittings and create a dream bathroom space that you can enjoy for many years to come.

#Tip 1: Tap into trends that suit you

If you love bold looks, try a feature wall paired with fun, complementary tiling that reflects your style. If you lean towards a more minimalist look, keep it simple and pared back.

#Tip 2: Take time to plan

Not sure what your style is? Take time to get this right, as you’ll have to live with the results for several years if you miss the mark. Our free Moodboard Design Tool is helpful here – so have a play!

#Tip 3: Don’t be limited by the current layout

Think big – if your bathroom layout doesn’t quite give you what you want (like if there is no natural light or the configuration is a mess) then take this as your chance to get it right for the years to come.

#Tip 4: Invest in long-lasting pieces

What products can withstand the test of time and breathe longevity to your bathroom? Think about warranties, high WELS ratings and durable finishes.