Bathroom renovations for profit

Article by Karina May

As one of the most utilised spaces in the home, the bathroom can usually benefit from a bit of TLC. By adding some appeal and improving functionality you're set to gain in a big way.

With daily showering, shaving and...shampooing, the bathroom is frequently in overdrive – it's also prone to considerable wear and tear.This is precisely why bathroom renovations are often in order prior to selling your home. Ensuring your bathroom is in tip-top shape will help you win over discerning buyers.

Cost factor

Although often one of the smallest rooms, the bathroom can be one of the most expensive to renovate.
According to online tendering website, ServiceSeeking.com.au, basic bathroom renovations cost an average of $5,800. This price typically includes the removal of the existing bathroom, tiling, waterproofing and the installation of fittings and fixtures, including electrical work.

You should also make sure you're prepared for any unexpected costs that may arise, such as moving plumbing or wiring. To avoid a complete budget blowout, it's a good idea to factor in an extra 10% on top of the initial quote.    

Persistence pays

If you're wanting all the materials and fittings included, the cost of your bathroom renovations will obviously increase.

For all the bells and whistles, such as underfloor heating, expect to pay upwards of $12,000.

While bathroom renovators can include a provisional sum in their quote for bathroomware, you are sometimes better off sourcing your own products. If you put in the legwork yourself (think eBay, auction sites and factory outlets), you can often track down better quality products for just a fraction more. Your efforts will be rewarded on inspection day. A potential buyer is much more likely to be dazzled by Kohler or Grohe tapware than some no-name spout.

If you're just after a bathroom renovator on a project-by-project basis, such as installing fixtures you've sourced yourself, you can expect to pay an average of $57 per hour. To keep costs down you might consider using a handyman for the job. At an average hourly rate of $46 you're set to save a stack of cash.

While a handyman can handle small odd jobs, like simple carpentry work and plumbing repairs, with little or no formal qualifications more complex renovation jobs should be left to licensed tradespeople.

Cutting corners on your bathroom renovations will only cost you more in the long run – when you need to call in a professional to “patch up” the job.

Fail-safe bathroom renovations

If you're looking to spruce up your bathroom on a shoestring budget you'll have to shelve the grand design and décor ideas for now and focus on the more practical elements. That means getting back to basics and ensuring first and foremost that there are no dripping taps or plumbing leaks.

Tiles are also a crucial part of any bathroom. Cracked tiles should be fixed and replaced where required. If you can't afford a full tiling job, a lick of tile paint will give your bathroom a fresh look. At a minimum, you should make sure the grout is clean and free of mould.

To really value add you should consider installing a skylight. For around the $500 mark you can transform your damp and dreary bathroom into a light-filled haven.

A well-executed bathroom renovation is a great investment. Not only does it add value to your lifestyle, but when the time comes to sell up and move - it's a real turn on for buyers.

http://experts.realestate.com.au/renovating-building/how-to-bathroom-renovations-for-profit