Let’s Talk About Bathrooms
Whether you’re considering a major bathroom renovation, looking for some simple cleaning hacks or just want to create a spa-like retreat at home, this month’s newsletter is more than just bathroom reading! If you’d like to talk to an expert before investing in this important room in your home, I’m here to help.
Elevating Your Home’s Value
Bathroom Renovations That Make a Difference
According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners spent a median of $9,000 on bathroom renovations in 2022, a 13% increase over the year before. Indeed, bathrooms—along with kitchens—have always been top-of-list for renovations and upgrades. So, here are our top tips for bathroom renovations that can enhance your lifestyle today—and make your home more appealing for resale.
First, Talk to a Real Estate Professional: If your focus is on preparing your home to sell quickly and for the highest price, versus creating your own dream bathroom to enjoy for years to come, consulting with your Dream Town broker is essential! Familiar with comparable homes and recent sales in your area, they’ll know exactly what bathroom features buyers want and can guide you to the best return on your investment.
Install a Walk-in Shower: If your home has multiple bathtubs, consider replacing the tub in your primary bath with a larger, high-tech shower. Multiple heads, steam showers, and spa-inspired rain shower fixtures are especially popular with today’s buyers—and will enhance your shower experience in the meantime.
Sustainability: Whether it’s to align with your own priorities or to attract eco-conscious buyers, consider water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable materials at every step of your renovation or remodel.
Think About Accessibility: Incorporate elements that make the bathroom accessible to all, such as grab bars, lever-style faucets, and wider doorways. These thoughtful additions not only cater to a wider range of buyers, but also future-proof your home for aging residents.
Avoid Changing the Layout: If budget is an issue, try to live with the layout you have. Costs add up quickly if you start to move plumbing and waste lines and relocate lights and outlets.
Lighting is Key: Over-the-mirror linear sconces (popular in the 1970’s and 80’s) can be a turnoff to potential buyers, so think about replacing them with side sconces. Illuminating your face from the sides is better for shaving or putting on makeup, and eliminates shadows from overhead lighting. Modern LED fixtures will look better, provide better lighting, and save energy.
Get Your Zen On…
With a few simple touches, you can transform your bathroom into an at-home spa, a tranquil oasis where you can unwind.
Declutter & Organize: Remove unnecessary items from countertops and invest in organizers or shelving to keep toiletries and towels accessible yet tidy. Aim for a clean, serene environment.
Plush Towels & Robes: Choose bath linens that harmonize with your palette and indulge in high-quality ones that feel luxurious against your skin.
Calming Colors: Consider soft, muted colors like pastel blues, greens and earth tones. Avoid bold, high-contrast pairings like black and white or blue and yellow that are more energizing than calming.
Upgrade Toiletries: Reinforce your spa vision with attractive bath products that blend with your color scheme. If your preferred products don’t come in spa-worthy packaging, invest in handsome dispensers. Organize items in a tray by the sink to enhance the luxury feel of your vanity.
Little Touches: Small things can have a big impact: Add plants, artwork, and accessories like a bathtub pillow, tub caddy or plush bathmat, create a soothing playlist to play over a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and introduce soothing aromatherapy scents like lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile.
4 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
Face it, cleaning the bathroom is probably not at the top of anyone’s list of favorite household chores—here are some tips to make the task less daunting.
About Bleach: Unless you’re completely green with your routine, you’re probably using bleach to clean. Use cold water to dilute the bleach because hot water can deactivate the active ingredient. And NEVER mix bleach with vinegar as it can produce toxic chlorine gas!
Unclog the Showerhead: Fill a plastic bag with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band, making sure all holes are immersed. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes, and then run the shower with hot water to flush out the holes.
Tackling Grout Lines: Make a thick paste with baking soda and water and apply with a toothbrush. Spray with a vinegar & water solution and leave for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. For stubborn stains, use a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Scrub and rinse.
Revive Faucets & Fixtures: To remove hard water stains, soak a cloth in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Wrap it around the spout, letting it sit for up to 15 minutes before rinsing and wiping dry. Always keep vinegar away from gold taps and marble surrounds!
