Earlier this year, we wrote a bit about the kitchen and how it has become, for many families, the favourite room of the house. But, if the kitchen is the most favourite room, then perhaps the bathroom is the most important room in the house?
The bathroom is more than just a place to clean your teeth and shower at the end of each day; it is a sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul.
This not-so-humble room in your house is the third most renovated, closely following the kitchen and family room, and the second in terms of cost, ranging from $8,500 to $21,00, depending on the size of the bathroom and other factors such as labour costs, fixtures, tapware, quality of materials and whether structural changes are required.
Considering that the average-sized bathroom in Australia is approximately 14 square metres, the national average for a standard bathroom renovation costs around $15,000.
So why has the bathroom, whose primary function is to clean yourself, become so important?
It’s an excellent place to decompress. If you’ve had a bad day or want to disconnect from the world for a little while, there is nothing better than a long bath or hot shower.
It offers privacy and is a great hiding spot. This is the place to go if you want to take a break from anyone or anything. Most people know better than to bother someone using the bathroom. You’re safe as long as the door is locked!
It’s the room that starts and ends each day. You wake up, use the toilet, wash your hands, shower, brush your teeth, style your hair, and are out the door. Before going to bed, use the toilet, wash your hands, brush your teeth, remove makeup, wash your face, apply any creams or moisturisers, and are ready for bed.
DID YOU KNOW that the average person will spend about 1.5 years of their lifetime in the bathroom?
The judgment zone. Anyone entering your home will probably use your bathroom. Even if it isn’t super stylish, it should be immaculately clean. Clean toilets, baths and showers are no brainers, but having a clean hand towel, liquid soap, air freshener, and maybe even a candle will create a space that guests want to use.
Are you ready to turn your bathroom into a room that indulges, soothes, cleanses, and is never judged?
Then this is the “wish list” for you:
- Freestanding bath – total indulgence!
- Rain showers … unless you don’t want to wash your hair.
- Coloured tap ware and sinks – a modern take on the old 70’s pink bathtub.
- Statement wall – in tiles, paint, even wallpaper
- Round mirrors – style perfection
- Furniture – that little table beside the freestanding bath (just what you need for your glass of wine and book when having that long, indulgent soak).
- Skylights – the natural way to bring in light.
BUT WAIT! Will a bathroom renovation increase your home’s value?
YES! Renovated bathrooms are a key feature that will add to your home’s value and return on investment. The average homeowner can expect to get back about two-thirds of the total renovation costs upon resale.
If a complete bathroom renovation is out of your budget, you can opt to refresh it yourself. Focus on simple things to swap out, like an updated vanity, a different mirror, more towel racks, or a new shower curtain.
Time to go and check out your bathroom and see what you can do to take it to the next level.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 