ARTICLE

Property development: the bathroom

For every bathtub wallower, there's the type who thinks that more than three minutes in the shower is a waste of time. For every devotee of country chintz, there's a city slicker aching for steel and glass. At the same time, everyone wants gallons of hot water and lots of loos. As a developer, you've got to offer buyers the features they want without putting people off by imposing your tastes on them.

Property development: the bathroom

Golden rules

  • A plain, white bathroom suite is the only way to go. Avocado is only delicious when it's on your plate!
  • Always check out existing plumbing routes. Even if you completely relocate the bathroom, using part of the existing plumbing could save money.
  • Most buyers want a shower as well as a bath. Try to offer one, even if it's only mixer taps and a shower head over the bathtub.


What people want
No one is going to fall in love with a dirty bathroom. If the bathroom's not gleaming like a new pin when you show buyers round, you're wasting your time. So get going with that elbow grease!

Be very careful with the ''wow'' factor in bathrooms unless you're sure your target market is desperate for such features. A walk-in wet room may not appeal to families with young children, for example.

Dark bathrooms are a turn-off for buyers so make the most of any natural light. Avoid curtains or blinds that don't reveal the whole window when they're ''open''. If your bathroom has no windows, aim for discreet, even lighting, with extra illumination for key areas like vanity mirrors.

Though some buyers crave carpet in the bathroom, the overwhelming majority do not. Stick to tiles or vinyl flooring. After all, you can always add a soft rug. Bare or painted boards can work in a rustic-style bathroom but they must be properly sealed, with no gaps between them to allow water through. Remember that many laminate floors aren't suitable for use in bathrooms.

Strategies
Even on a budget, little touches will bring a bathroom to life. Go for a unified look, with matching fittings across the board. If you've saved money by buying a modest suite, then you can rev up the scheme by splashing out on smarter taps and accessories. A heated towel rail is another relatively inexpensive way of introducing a little luxury. Space is often tight, so maximise storage. Open shelving is fine for displaying smart accessories but use discreet cupboards for everyday bathroom clutter. Dress your bathroom with a variety of accessories to stimulate the senses. Fluffy towels, gorgeous scent and well-chosen art will all help create the impression of a sensuous haven. If you can't afford posh bath oils, just buy nice bottles and fill them with cheaper products. Finally, don't forget that all newly created bathrooms must meet modern building regulations. You'll have to fit an extractor fan wired to the light switch, for example.

Related sections: Property Prophets, The Million Pound Property Experiment, Planning & renovating

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