Bathroom Refresh Ideas
Are you looking for ideas on how to make an old bathroom look new?
As we have travelled through more and more renovations and construction projects one thing remains fairly consistent on the residential side. That one thing is that most people have upgrade or update plans for at least one of their bathrooms.
Do you have a bathroom that needs an update?
Tips for Updating your Bathroom
Here are some great ideas for how to make an old bathroom look new
Fresh and Modern Paint Colour
Before we dive right into the paint colours it is important to first think about the colour scheme in the house and the colour scheme in the bathroom. Without question, the easiest thing to do is just go white or an off white and then you have a nice backdrop for the rest of the colours in the bathroom.
The other main option is to go for a neutral colour which is easy to match against. When it comes to interior design, neutral typically means without colour. Neutrals such as beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray and shades of white appear to be without colour, but in many applications these hues often have undertones. Be aware of these underlying tones as you match colours or choose paint.
If you do want some colour in your bathroom the best thing to do is pick one wall and go warm, that means reds, pinks, oranges and fall colours. Usually, this will act as a feature wall, it may make the bathroom space feel a little smaller, but it can also give a fresh feel to the room.
Change out the other easy colours
There are usually a few other things that can easily be changed out without too much energy or expense. These are all of the attachments that are in your bathroom. So think about your shower curtain, your towels, your wall decorations, candles, bathmats and other decorations. These types of things are generally easy to switch out.
Changing the colour of your additional decorations can instantly upgrade your bathroom without much budget, and if you combine that with some new paint it can really freshen up a bathroom.
Light fixtures and Faucets
Changing the light fixtures and faucets in your bathroom can definitely add a fresh new look to your space. It is especially true if they are a different colour than the current ones that you have. If you are going to go ahead and get a full bathroom renovation then these will likely be in the conversation anyways. However, if you are just looking for a small upgrade then considering your lights and faucets might be the way to go.
The only downside to this is it does push the boundary of DIY. If you know how to do the electrical and plumbing work required for the switch out then you may be able to do it yourself. However, we strongly recommend getting a professional to help with the changes.
When considering a budget this type of change is still on the lower end. You are likely looking at the 500-1500 dollar range, and that greatly depends on the type of fixtures you get and the cost of those fixtures.
How Much Value does an Updated Bathroom Add?
It really does depend on how much money you spend on the renovation, but all upgrades to a bathroom will not only affect your resale value, but it will also affect your ability to attract buyers. The sale price isn’t the only thing that is important to selling a house, attracting a buyer and closing the deal is important too. Typically homeowners that are doing a full renovation will spend somewhere between 20k and 65k. Obviously, that is a big range, but as you can imagine there are a whole number of different things that go into getting a bathroom upgraded during a full renovation.
The good news is that a bathroom renovation will return 65-70% of its value on average. So you can spend some money knowing that you will get a good portion of it back.
Are bathtubs good for resale?
Yes, bathtubs are good for resale. Ask any woman and she will tell you that a bathtub is usually a make or break for a bathroom. If you are considering a shower only renovation in your bathroom, there needs to be another bathtub somewhere in the house. The rule of thumb is at least one bathroom in the house unless it is only in the ensuite and then you will need two.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation for the purposes of resale then the best thing you can do is a shower/tub combo, or a tub with a showerhead. Don’t do just a shower unless you are converting a half bath into a half bath with a shower, or you already have bathtubs in other bathrooms.
Is it worth it to remodel a bathroom?
Yes it is worth it to remodel a bathroom, even if it is just for your own enjoyment. Bathrooms get a lot of use, and in general, it is good to have not only a functional bathroom but also an inspirational bathroom.
Bathroom upgrades are also great value when it comes to resale.
How to Spruce up Your Bathroom on a Budget
To spruce up your bathroom on a budget there are a few things to consider. First is the colour scheme, which includes paint, flooring, fixtures and attachements. Colours are a big deal when it comes to making a bathroom look new and refreshed. These things are also on the lower end when it comes to budget, and some of them can also be done DIY. The next thing to consider after that is a new vanity. You can get a new vanity for relatively cheap ($250-500). The expensive part is usually the removal of the old vanity and the installation of the new vanity. If you are handy then you could do it yourself, but more than likely you are going to need a professional to help you will the plumbing, preparation, garbage removal and finishing touches.