Bathrooms Sell HousesThe Bath Business

Bathrooms Sell Houses

Bathrooms have lost their plain utility status and are fast becoming a deal maker or breaker in real estate sales. In the current economic climate it is well worth while investing some time and money restoring or improving your bathroom. And if you decide to stay put all the better.The reasons are not hard to find says Martin Schultheiss, CEO of the Homenet estate agency group.

“It all started with the retreat of homeowners into their private space — a trend known as ‘cocooning’ in the lifestyle industry.

“The trend has gathered momentum as the pace of modern life speeded up and consumers started expressing a need to relax at home, and in keeping with this the bath ritual has gained a faithful following with an attendant emphasis on the layout, finishes and fixtures of the bathroom. Although a lot of people do shower rather than bath most of the time, they still want the option of having a luxurious bath. And anyone with a young family will want to retain a family bath. “Indeed, many prospective homeowners now attach as much value to bathrooms as they have previously attached to functional and stylish kitchens.

“The trend is very evident in new developments where bathrooms can be baronial or resemble Roman spas, to say the least. And while that may not be encouraging news to owners who want to market older properties with functional bathrooms there is much that can be done to spruce up the look and feel of older bathrooms. Ideas that will not cost much, but will add value to the home and enjoyment to daily ablutions include:

* Replacing outdated floor and wall tiles as well as countertops while choosing co-ordinated materials that will tie the whole room together and create a more spacious look.

* Untiled wall surfaces can be painted in a light,fresh colour to enhance the new scheme.