House bathrooms... the main selling point of your property...

40. The Bathroom: Find out what needs to be done

Anything that you can do to your bathroom is a great way to add value to your property. However, before you jump into a project, have a good look at the actual problems and issues, instead of simply doing things so that you can say this is a new toilet.

Bathrooms are tricky places, and as much as you want to maximize their appeal as they are a main selling point in the house you also don't want to get stuck with a project that wont pay off when you sell your property. Full property knowledge is power

Also, if you do dive into a task, you risk running into unexpected problems when its too late to go back, and then you may be stuck with some unfortunate unexpected expenses. Such costly surprises should be avoided if at all possible. Can your kitchen sell your property?

Instead, take a similar tack to what you did in the kitchen, and aim more for cosmetic improvements than actual renovations and overhauls.

41. Bathroom Fixtures

Have a look at your bathroom fixtures before you attack them.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are the fixtures or their seals damaged, cracked, or leaky?

  • Is the style of the fixtures greatly outdated?

  • Are the fixtures stained, grungy, or dirty?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions than consider the following plans of action.

  • Replace or repair seals or fixtures that are damaged, cracked, or leaky

  • If you are replacing fixtures, don't go too expensive, but make them attractive to enhance or at least match the appearance of your bathroom

  • Go over all of your fixtures with a quality bathroom cleaner to remove any stains, buildup, grime, or other types of dirt. Your bathroom must sparkle.

42. Bathroom Moisture

Moisture is inherent to any bathroom, and yet it can be a real pest for creating a grimy appearance, encouraging mold or mildew growth, damaging your decorating, and creating other problems. Getting your bathroom to stand out

Look around your bathroom, and ask yourself the following moisture-related questions:

  • Are any of the finishes moisture-damaged?

  • Are there visible waters stains on any surfaces?

  • Is there any mold growth on any surfaces?

  • Is there any paint blistering or peeling?

  • Are there any swollen, buckled, or rotten surfaces?

  • Is any of the grout or caulking chipped, cracked, or peeling?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then go over the following plans of action that may be ideal for your bathroom issues.

  • Find out if any of the moisture is coming from building leaks, plumbing leaks, or high levels of humidity. Fix the cause of the moisture if at all possible.

  • Repair or replace the damaged or deteriorating parts of your bathroom.

  • Remove any visible mold growth with a quality cleaning product that is specific for that purpose.

  • If possible, keep the window open to increase ventilation and release excess humidity.

  • Replace or repair grout and caulking, and maintain it to prevent water from escaping.

43. Bathroom Plumbing and Electrical

To be certain that the plumbing and electricity are up to snuff in your bathroom, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is the water pressure satisfactory?

  • Do the pipes make a banging noise (known as water hammer)?

  • Do the drains flow slowly?

  • Are there any unusual noises or smells in the drains?

  • Is the electric wiring safe and adequate?

  • Is the lighting good enough to light the area?

If you are faced with any of the above issues, consider the following techniques to better the situation:

  • Install water pipes with a larger diameter to allow for greater flow, or use pressure balancing valves

  • Provide your plumbing an air cushion to get rid of the water hammer

  • Make certain that your drainage system is sufficiently vented, and that the proper traps have been installed.

  • Unclog any drains that used to drain more quickly, and are now slow to flow.

  • Have an electrician inspect your electric wiring. Have the wiring upgraded for safety reasons, if required.

  • Update the lighting in the bathroom so that it is adequate for the space. Making all other rooms acceptable

44. Rapid Fire Bathroom Tips: Keep it Clean

Your bathroom should be cleaner than brand new whenever someone comes to view the property. This includes the floor, walls, mats, tub, toilet, sink, and counter. Give your property that extra shine

45. Rapid Fire Bathroom Tips: Keep it Neat

Counter space should look as large and clear as possible. This allows the people viewing the property to see it when it looks the biggest, cleanest, and most hygienic. It also de-personalizes the space, so that they can imagine the space for their own uses.