Wednesday, 26 March 2014

Ultimate Guide To Revamping Your Bathroom



Bathrooms in UK households are no longer viewed as just being functional and practical. Many are used as a main feature or selling point and thus homeowners are putting a substantial amount of time, money and effort in perfecting this room. There are many factors to take into consideration when designing a bathroom; we have narrowed it down into 5 main areas, which are below:

Add a splash of colour

According to Luarence Llewelyn-Bowen, best known for his television show on BBC Changing Rooms, adding a splash of colour is the simplest way of revamping a bathroom. Try exploring by adding different textures or subtle pops of colour. This is the most cost effective way of updating even the dreariest of bathrooms. Keep in mind everyday items like towels, mats and curtains if you’re looking for a less permanent change.

Explore with flooring

Gone are the days where only plain and functional tiles were used. Explore different applications that are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. Mix up conventional tiling with mosaics or smaller tiles to create an interesting range of textures. Also keep an eye out for linoleum flooring that is not like the ones you remember in Grandma’s bathroom, modern day styles are not only cost effective, but also offer a variety of styles as well. How about going completely off the charts with tiles made to look like wood? Now you can have that cosy look in every room in your house.

Don’t leave the walls bare

Sometimes the most effective changes are the ones we have right in our homes. We tend to decorate every wall in our homes, except the bathroom walls. Adding some art or spending a little bit more on an exquisite mirror could take your bathroom to the next level. Another thing to consider would be to move away from the older styles of having the walls drenched in tiles. Instead, explore with wallpaper, panelling, subway tiling and wall tattoos.

Let it glow

Every designer worth their weight in gold knows that the effect is lost if the lighting is of poor quality. By trying different lighting and fixtures, you can instantly transform the focal points and ambience of the room. In some instances, if space permits, adding a fireplace can instantly change any bathroom into a warm inviting haven to chase away those cold winter nights. If space is an issue, adding a few candles can achieve a similar effect.

Unique hardware

By breaking away from standard issue bathroom items, a stylish bathroom can be achieved in no time. Have a look at the variety of different types of sinks, baths and toilets are available to suit your needs. If you’re concerned about pricing, how about updating your bathroom around your old hardware and giving it a retro look? A simple change of fittings will also make a world of difference. Taps and showerheads can easily be updated.

With so many choices available on the market, the modern day UK family is spoilt for choice. Housethome.co.uk and uktv.co.uk have some insightful tips and guides where design ideas are concerned.

Author Bio; Hannah Scott writes about topics related to showers, bathrooms and overall home improvement.

Monday, 24 March 2014

Putting Your House On The Market? How A Bathroom Revamp Can Increase Value



Now that you have decided to put your home up for sale, you want to make sure you get the best return you can on your investment. Often, one of the best ways to do this is to renovate. The two rooms most likely to add value to your home are the bathroom and kitchen as they are used most frequently. If you have to choose between the two, usually the bathroom is the best option.

This article will explore the factors to take into consideration when giving your bathroom a revamp:

Market

Do your research and take into account the value of your home in relation to others on the market in your neighbourhood. If at all possible, take a look around inside, especially at their bathroom and ask yourself how does yours compare? Also, compare houses and see what makes one house worth more than the other? Perhaps one has a recently reconditioned bathroom, whereas the other doesn’t?

Budget

Bathrooms will often require structural as well as cosmetic improvements. Thoroughly inspect the condition of all plumbing, surfaces and fittings. Prioritise things like rising damp, leaks and broken tiles. Then decide if you have the ability to do the work yourself or hire a professional. Remember to keep your bathroom renovation costs in line with the overall value of the house.

Quality

Avoid poor workmanship and cheap products. You are better to do less and make it top quality than do more and have it look substandard. It will give prospective buyers a lower opinion of your home and make them less inclined to buy it. Even if you are on a very tight budget you can at least add quality taps, showerheads and possibly replace the shower door or toilet seat.

Size

Take into account the size of the bathroom compared to the size of the house. If your bathroom is currently quite small, consider a home extension. As this will increase the house size, it will also help to increase the resale value. You could also reduce the size of adjoining rooms but only if this doesn’t greatly affect their function.

Functionality

Bathrooms need to be practical and to make efficient use of the available space. Everything needs to be accessible. Simply replacing the cabinetry with better storage and shelving options can make a big difference to how buyers perceive the room. Adding more natural light by changing the windows or adding a skylight could have a very positive effect on the sale value but check that the cost doesn’t eat up all your profit.

Style and Taste

The general tone and style of the bathroom should be relatively consistent with the rest of the house. Add interest by using feature tiles, alcoves or shelves for plants or use creative splashes of colour.

Overall, a bathroom revamp could be the biggest factor in putting more money in your pocket when you sell. However if you are going to do it, be sure to do it well.

Author Bio: Hannah Scott often writes about topics related to house renovation often exploring showers, bathrooms and kitchens