Tap into bathroom style

Frameless shower screens, double basins and large mirrors maximise the selling features o

THE bathroom, along with the kitchen, is a focal point for homebuyers and potential tenants.

When renovating your property, the bathroom should be one of your priorities.

Like the kitchen, make sure you use neutral colours for tiles and paint. The best colours are whites and off-whites.

As the bathroom is a wet area, you should use a mould-resistant paint, especially on the ceiling. The vanity unit, shower, toilet and bath need to tone into the colours of the paint and tiles.

If you are renovating an expensive property, you may wish to use tiles from floor to ceiling. However, weigh up the cost of doing so, and if you’ll get more money back than you spend, go for it.

If it’s a small unit or a cheaper home, it may not be worth the cost. This is also true for expensive fittings, the use of marble/granite, and luxuries such as heated towel racks or toilet seats. Be careful not to overcapitalise.

If you are renovating a large home of three bedrooms or more and space permits, you might consider including a bath.

However, don’t install a combined bath and shower. These are no longer fashionable.

Shower curtains are also no longer acceptable, regardless of how inexpensive your property is.

Glass shower screens are the way to go, especially frameless shower screens. If you are aiming to impress, make your shower slightly larger and install two shower heads for couples.

If you are renovating a house instead of a unit and you have the space, consider installing a double-basin vanity. This adds an element of luxury to the bathroom for a relatively small cost.

It is important to maintain modern bathroom standards, so install a three-in-one light, fan and heating unit and consider a mixer tap, because these are becoming popular in bathrooms.

Ensure your bathroom offers enough storage.

This can be in the form of cupboards under the vanity unit or wall-mounted cabinets if they suit the design of the bathroom. Finally, maximise the potential of your bathroom space and use a large mirror, as this will give the perception that the room is bigger.

— Property lecturer and author Peter Koulizos runs

thepropertyprofessor.com.au