Any real estate agent will tell you that like kitchens, great bathrooms also help sell houses. And this is why many home owners looking to elevate their homes and get a great return on investment will, at least once during their occupancy in the home, embark on bathroom renovations. Offering some invaluable advice on things to consider when revamping your bathroom are Siobhan Thomas from Flush Bathrooms as well as Santa Eksteen from Sterlings.
1. When embarking on a bathroom renovation project, what is one of the most important elements of the design that clients generally overlook?
- Santa: To use new technology elements like built-in toilet systems. Nothing is impossible when renovating, it is only a matter of how much you want the bathroom to change.
- Siobhan: Clients generally do not plan a renovation well enough; they expect the builder to be able to guide them on product choice and advise them on all technical concerns. But this is not the case generally. Also if they leave the purchase of their bathroom fittings to the last minute, their options are drastically reduced. They need to look for bathroomware as soon as they know that they are going to renovate. This helps all concerned. The builder would rather have the items early to be able to plan the installation. And the suppliers will have more time to be able to supply what the client actually wants.
2. What three (or more) fixes/changes can revive an outdated bathroom?
- Santa: “It will be difficult to only fix a few items in the bathroom to revive an outdated bathroom. It is better to save for a few more months and then do a proper makeover of the bathroom. Instead of replacing the tiles or toilet or any other item on its own, you rather go ahead and replace all the elements in the bathroom at one once for a complete change.
- Siobhan: “Replacing the basin is always a good start and not too difficult a task. A new mirror is an easy quick fix. And a new shower rose will make the world of difference to the bathroom experience and is easy to change.
3. What would you say are the essentials components of a successful bathroom renovation?
- Santa: Use elements that will improve the current state of your bathroom. Also use basins and toilets that will give you more freedom in space and practicality.
- Siobhan Thomas: I believe home owners need to try their utmost best to get quality products for their specific budgets. We often see clients who will sacrifice quality for a certain look. But in the long term, the quality of the product purchased solely for its “look” will not stand the test of time, and the bathroom will age quicker. Quality products designed with clean lines always prove the best long term. It is also better to use one professional bathroom supplier, as this will eliminate mistakes that could occur such as purchasing basins that do not match the mixers, or even noticing the different tints of white in the bathroom. And by using just one professional, you will also have only one point of call if and when there is an issue.
4. Final thoughts on how to add a timeless ambience in the bathroom
- Santa: Keep simple lines and opt for a mono-tone colour for the tiles. Use white sanitaryware only to secure the timeless look.
- Siobhan:“I believe the quality of the products ensures that the bathroom looks newer for an extended period of time. Try to keep the sanitaryware white, and the tiles neutral. The towels, mirror and furniture and smaller accessories can be used to bring in colour. Pick one or two “showpieces” – not all the items in the bathroom need to be the star of the show, as this makes the bathroom feel cluttered and too busy.
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