By Brooke Chaplan
Most real estate professionals agree that a home's kitchen and bathroom are two of the biggest selling points for homebuyers. However, even if you're not planning to sell your home in the near future, you should want your bathroom to be as cozy and accommodating as possible since most people spend considerable time in that room each day.
Related: Top Bathroom Renovation Tips That Can Add Value to Your Home
To add value to your home, or just make it more attractive and useful, here are several upgrades to consider:
Shower, Tub, Sink and Toilet
Have an expert check your bathroom plumbing to ensure it remains in good condition. Repair any leaks in the water lines and remove evidence of mold or mildew. Fix a dripping faucet and replace worn or rusty hardware in your shower, tub or sink. Additionally, remove hard water stains in the toilet bowl or grunge around the base.
You may want to repair or replace fixtures that appear dated or that show wear, such as a chipped bathtub finish or cracked counter. Also, consider adding a bidet for convenience.
Lighting
Outdated lighting fixtures can make a room look unstylish and boring. If the electric isn't up to code, that issue should be handled immediately to ensure safety while using bathroom appliances like a blow dryer or electric shaver. Install recessed lighting or wall sconces to coordinate with the rest of your home decor. Also, dress up any windows with bamboo shades or a cheerful valance—and let the sunlight in when possible.
Flooring
A bathroom floor that's cracked or showing signs of age can be replaced affordably by utilizing newer water-resistant floor tile or linoleum. Choose a style that meshes with your bathroom's color scheme and blends with the rest of your home. New flooring can immediately brighten up a bathroom to make it feel more welcoming and updated.
Decor
You may want to paint or add wallpaper to just one wall to bring some personality to your bathroom. Add a couple plants that will thrive on the moisture and help reduce the risk of mold. A wall shelf for decorative vases, flowers or linens adds storage to make the bathroom more functional. Additionally, hang framed wall art to go with a themed shower curtain as focal points of interest. And a bath mat or throw rug can add a spot of color to bring everything together.
It won't require much time or money to get your bathroom in top condition. You can continue to enjoy it indefinitely or be assured that if you decide to sell your home, the updated bathroom might just help to clinch a sale.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, N.M. She recommends looking into local plumbing contractors. You can contact Chaplan via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
It will require a lot more money than you can afford….
!
I mean more $$$ than I can afford.
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