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Bathroom Renovations for Sale: The Must-Do’s

October 24, 2019 by Naomi

Bathroom renovations for sale

It is inevitable that before you sell your property you will have to do some bits and bobs around the house.

Renovating your bathroom ready for sale can get quite expensive quickly so it is important to figure out what you should be investing in.

Your bathroom could make or break how fast and how much your property sells for.  So, what should you invest your money in to and what should you skip when renovating?

Here’s 6 must-do’s that should be on your list:

  1. Ensure that the toilet is in complete working order – it’s a must! This is something that will start being used as soon as the new owners move in so it is absolutely essential. If the toilet bowl is cracked, leaking, wobbly or looks old then it is time to replace it for the market. No one wants to buy a house with a toilet that looks gross or broken so it is of utmost importance to fix this up right away!
Image Source: Pinterest
Image Source: Pinterest

2. Make sure all taps are working correctly. Fix any leaks or loose handles before you put your property on the market. The good thing about this is that it can be done in half an hour at a reasonably low price! Don’t stress if the hot and cold labels are mixed up or the wrong way around. This is common and not difficult to figure out.

3. Ensure that all drawers in the vanity and bathroom area are in working order.  Focus on making sure they are clean, and open and close smoothly.

4. Fix any cracked, chipped or mouldy tiles. As most bathrooms have tiles on the floor and walls, it is absolutely essential that the tiles look clean and new.

5. Ensuring that all plumbing is in working order. If your plumbing looks dodgy or doesn’t work properly, your property will probably not get the price it deserves on the market.

Image Source: Pinterest
Image Source: Pinterest

6. Fix any lights that are hanging out of their socket. Not only is this a hazard but it also makes the bathroom look neglected. Installing new lights in this instance is essential.

While your bathroom may only be a small part of your property, it is an area that is used everyday and therefore needs to be presented well when you go to market.

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Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: add value, advice, bathroom, blog, home, Home Staging, interior design, market, property, property styling, real estate, reno, renovation, upgrade, value

Your Investment Property features Naomi Findlay

July 26, 2017 by Naomi

IIHS founder and director, Naomi Findlay, was recently had a feature article in Your Investment Property Magazine!

The article is jam packed full of important tips, tricks and secrets to creating the perfect bathroom renovation.

To read thew full article, head over to Your Investment Property

 

Rapid Reno Mate app

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: advice, bathroom, business, career, iihs

Style Your Bathroom For Less Than $50

December 11, 2016 by Naomi

When choosing what area of the home needs a restyle, it’s best to go simple. Sure, you could redo your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen to make your restyle really stand out. However tempting this may be, chances are you will have to folk out more money than you had originally planned.

The bathroom is a space that wears easily and quickly, so restyles often happen gradually. Recently, Realestate.com challenged me to update a space with a $50 budget! I loved having the chance to let my creativity fly in this bathroom and loved the results!

“What can you do with $50 to update your home? We challenged two professional stylists to transform part of a house on a budget.

The challenge was to create either a new look for a small area of the house or a fantastic homeware item with a $50 budget…READ MORE!” 

Image Credit: Naomi Findlay, via realestate.com
Image Credit: Naomi Findlay, via realestate.com

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Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: advice, bathroom, budget, Home Staging, homewares, styling

Bright Seaside Home

March 28, 2016 by Naomi

One of our most recent home staging projects was a beautiful seaside home. Light, bright and airy, we designed and styled the space to encompass the beauiful ocean views on the upper level.

Blending chic finishes with sleek modern inclusions, the main focal point of the home is the stonetop kitchen. Positioned in the free-flowing upper level, the amazing kitchen (designed by Galley Kitchens), features a bold, refined design that includes integrated stainless steel Smeg appliances and a study nook.

Other highlight of the build include multiple living areas – all free-flowing, light-filled and directional, textural bathrooms with wall hung vanities and Edison lights, Blackbutt floorboards and Northern Box decking and professionally landscaped gardens. Special mention has to go to Mars Building for bringing this beautiful property to fruition.

Bright pops of colour bring the home to life and allow each room to flow into one another.

With four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two garage spaces, the property is just a short walk from the beach and shops. The lovely home is perfect for a family to grow up in, with such a strong connection to the outdoors and summer vibes, it’s a home everyone will love!

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Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home
Styled by Silk Home

 

 

 

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Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, bedroom, blog, bright seaside home, colour, decorating, design, Home Staging, home styling, homewares, interior design, interiors, International Institute of Home Staging, styling

Bathroom Trends In 2016

March 4, 2016 by Naomi

bathroom trends

IIHS experts write for many media outlets throughout Australia.

Here’s there latest piece with RealEstate.com.au where Naomi talks about Bathroom Trends Set To Take Off In 2016. If you’re thinking about renovating, redecorating, or are just interested in bathroom design, be sure to check this article out!

From eclectic textures to trough sinks and steam showers, which bathroom trends will take flight this year? Read more…

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: 2016 bathroom trends, bathroom, bathroom trends, bathroom trends 2016, bathroom trends in 2016, bathroom trends naomi findlay, naomi findlay, trends

How to decide if you’ll add value by changing your floor plan

January 8, 2016 by Naomi

It is such an exciting time when you buy a renovator; there is a massive itch to want to get that sledge hammer out early and get cracking hard!

There is no denying I have been a huge fan of smashing down a wall or two, especially in that post buying rush that you get, with all the opportunities that lie in front of you. But before you get cracking, you need to ask yourself a few key things.

READ MORE on RENOADDICT

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For more help on increasing your property value, why not head over to our free 30 tips to help you increase your property value?

 

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Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: advice, bathroom, bedroom, blog, business, buyers, DIY, goal setting, how to decide if you'll add value by changing your floorplan, International Institute of Home Staging, property, renovation

How to Get the Most from your Bathroom Renovation Budget

July 23, 2014 by Naomi

You don’t need to spend $30,000 to leverage value from your bathroom renovation, but it pays to know what you can skimp on and where to invest your budget for big impact.

The first major decision you’ll need to make is whether to gut the bathroom completely and start with a blank canvas or use the existing plumbing systems. The first option requires more work and consequently costs more but it can also be more satisfying, especially if the original bathroom was horrendous and/or if the plumbing system needs to be updated anyway.

Screen Shot 2015-06-03 at 2.13.56 pm

Starting from scratch

If you go the blank canvas route, here’s why it costs more:

  • Changing points: If you need to change the position of fixtures in the bathroom, or even just change tap type (i.e. from two taps to mixer or mixer to two taps) you’ll need to change the water points and that will require work.
  • New pipework: Incurs costs as it is, but even more so if you have brick walls because the pipework needs to be chased into the wall where a pathway is cut out for them in the wall cavity.
  • Jack-hammering: Any time you need to break into solid concrete, either to access pipes or to chase them, you’ll need someone to jackhammer through it. You could consider using another material when you renovate such as concrete sheeting, which is thinner, so it doesn’t cost as much to fix or update next time.
  • Luxuries: Underfloor heating, control panels that allow you to control water temperature for baths/showers (or even remotely fill the bath from another room) and skylights all incur costs. Both the products themselves and the time/labor it takes to install them.

Bathroom edits

If you don’t need to undergo the full monty, you can consider working with the existing bathroom skeleton. While there are some restrictions on what you can do, you can update the space with newer fixtures and tiling on a smaller budget and with minimal disruption.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing fixtures here is that the location of the points will limit what can go on top.

  • Vanity: Note where the water and waste points need to be, as well as other features like drawers and shelves, to ensure they don’t obstruct those points.
  • Toilet: The distance between your water and waste points and the wall will determine the type of toilet you can install. Many people like concealed cisterns where the water tank is embedded in the wall, however be aware that this makes it difficult to access so it’ll be expensive to repair in the future. Opt for a close-coupled toilet if you like a streamlined look.
  • Bath: Note the difference between the height of the water and waste points if you’re switching between built-in and freestanding baths. To conceal the points for a freestanding bath you’ll need the plumbing coming up under the bath, which may require you to build a platform, and you’ll need to figure out where the water will come from: will you have a freestanding tap, a tap attached to the bath, or a tap reaching from elsewhere? A built-in bath usually uses points in the wall so changing from one to the other will require some work.

Screen Shot 2015-06-03 at 2.12.17 pm

 

Where to invest

Quality will repay itself in longevity so don’t skimp on hardware. All new fittings look shiny so do a little research and spend a little more to get better hardware that won’t incur repair or maintenance costs a year after installation. Shop around and always ask quality fixture suppliers if they can work you a deal if you buy all your fixtures from them.

Taps: Buy the best you can afford and look for at least a five-year guarantee. Beware of cheap imports that don’t meet Australian standards, as it is illegal to install them. Stick with brands and retailers with a trusted reputation such as Dorf, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Reece, Cass Bros and Candana.

Toilets: Cheap ceramic toilets can crack and cheap cisterns will leak in the short-to-medium term. Mid-to-high range toilets are easier to keep clean and they’ll save you in repair costs for many years.

Now you are ready for your plumber!

While you are renovating

If you’re going to make changes to your bathroom, there are a whole lot of other things to consider that will be worth your while to check out and update while your bathroom is stripped and in disarray.

 

Apportion a little time and money to:

  • Fixing pipework. If the pipes are old or showing signs of wear, take the opportunity to update them. Leaving pipework in a potentially leaky state means it can undo your makeover in the near future (anyone remember that bathroom incident on The Block – Sky High?).
  • Waterproofing: Waterproofing has a shelf life so if you get a chance to renew the waterproofing, do it. Waterproofing is the foundation of your bathroom; bad waterproofing can ruin not just your bathroom but affect your whole house. Don’t skimp on the workmanship: it’s better to spend money on a tradie with waterproofing certification and have simple tiles than splurge on designer tiles and hire cheap, uncertified labour.
  • Updating the sewer: Many older homes have clay sewer pipes that eventually crack and leak. If you find that your existing bathroom is laid on a clay sewer, spend the money on getting it updated. Be aware that it costs around $8,000 but if you don’t update it you may as well throw out the rest of your reno budget because when (not if) it breaks you’ll have to redo everything anyway.

Pair what you’ve learnt here with what you’ve learnt about your bathroom’s anatomy and you’ll be well ahead when it comes to getting the most from your bathroom renovation.

What’s your favorite tip for reining in your bathroom reno budget?

About Laney Clancy

Laney Clancy is the Marketing and Finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business, which has a team that includes specialist Enviroplumbers and more, servicing the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Laney gets to talk to plumbers about plumbing and home maintenance a lot, and loves a good bathroom makeover. http://pipeperfection.com.au/

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, budget, decorating, design, how to get the most from your bathroom renovation budget, renovating, styling, tips

Getting to Know your Bathroom for Renovation

July 22, 2014 by Naomi

Whether you’re looking to sell your house or just keen to update your home, a bathroom renovation can be the key to a new look.

Real estate agents estimate that a $30,000 bathroom renovation can add $100,000 to the sale price of a $1 million house. But not only is a refreshed bathroom good for the sale price, it can also save your sanity by increasing the livability of your home. How long do you think you could live in a place where you hate the bathroom?

Bathroom renovations needn’t be lengthy or expensive but you do need to know how to get the most from the budget and the time you have. Fortunately we can share a few plumbing secrets to help you.

Anatomy of a Bathroom

Just like a top cosmetic surgeon you will also need to have a good understanding of anatomy (your bathroom’s, that is) before you can execute a seamless and pain-free makeover. This means at least a basic idea of the bathroom plumbing systems in your house and its condition.

Screen Shot 2015-06-03 at 2.15.15 pm

There are two main plumbing systems at work in a bathroom: water supply and waste management. Make sure you are clear on where both systems sit within your bathroom because this will affect the changes you’ll need to make when you update, as well as the cost of your renovation. T: the rule is – the more you change, the bigger the price tag so it is . It’s a good idea to look at this before planning in order to maximize your dollar spend.

Water supply, as the name implies, delivers water through the pipes into the bathroom. Your shower, bath and sink taps will need to have capacity for both hot and cold water, while the toilet only requires cold water for the cistern.

On the other hand, waste management involves drains from the shower, toilet, bath and vanity unit that flow to the sewer system, as well as the floor waste for water overflow that also drains to the sewer. In addition to drains, waste management includes vents, which allow fresh air to circulate into the sewer system to balance the flow and odor of waste water.

The plumbing phrasebook

After you’ve familiarized yourself with the anatomy, you need to learn to speak ‘bathroom’ speak. As with a trip to a foreign land, embarking on a renovation can be an exercise in mastering strange vocabulary. Learning to speak with the suppliers and traders who’ll be helping you with your new-look bathroom will make the process a lot smoother for both of you.

Here’s a short glossary to get you started:

Fixtures or fittings or PC items: All the hardware that sits on top of the tiles such as baths, shower bases, vanities, taps and toilets.

Floor waste: The drain hole in the floor that is there in case of flood/overflow. Some plumbers may also consider this to be the grill structure inserted into the drain.

Pipework: The system of pipes that sits behind the wall. Generally speaking, plumbers mean water supply when they say pipework.

Points: This is where pipes are set up to connect to a fixture.

Valves: A switch or tap handle that allows the flow of water to be turned on/off. These allow taps and fixtures to be turned off or ‘isolated’ in an emergency or for maintenance.

Waste, waste pipe or sewer: All the pipework that drains dirty water, for example from toilets, baths, sinks and showers.

Water or waste points: The pipework and valves to which each fixture will connect.

You can bring in a plumber to help you find the right fixtures to suit your pipework or simply call them when you’re ready to disconnect your existing fixtures and strip out the tiles. Pipework gets updated first (if required), then comes waterproofing, tiling and then fixture installation. You may also need a second lot of waterproofing after painting to cover any gaps where moisture could seep through.

So before you undertake a bathroom renovation, do your homework and be clear on the plumbing system in your bathroom. This not only helps you decide on the design, it also makes it easier to predict any problems that may be lurking once you start breaking tile.

In our next installment on bathroom renovation, we will look at ways to get the most out of your reno budget, helping you add dollar value to your house while minimizing your plumbing bill.

About Laney Clancy

Laney Clancy is the Marketing and Finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business, which has a team that includes specialist Enviroplumbers and more, servicing the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Laney gets to talk to plumbers about plumbing and home maintenance a lot, and loves a good bathroom makeover. http://pipeperfection.com.au/

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, design, getting to know your bathroom for renovation, plumbing, renovation, tips

White on White Spaces that Work

February 15, 2014 by Naomi

Love a clean and crisp white on white space? Check out these sensational photos of white on white styling that really work!

White on White Spaces that Work1

http://bohemianwornest.tumblr.com/post/23664588215

White on White Spaces that Work2

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/487233253406407815/

White on White Spaces that Work3

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uOfkg/~3/nlmrKVdattc/a-peek-inside-interior-stylists-home.html

White on White Spaces that Work4

http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/blog/bedroom-78/

White on White Spaces that Work5

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veronicatm/2340647163/

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, bedroom, interior, kitchen, living, styling, white, white on white, white on white spaces that work

Tile Style

January 9, 2014 by Naomi

Between these two bathrooms, which is your favourite tile style? Patterned or plain? Leave a comment explaining you choice so we can see which is the most popular!

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Images via:

                         Visit modeetmaison.blogspot.fr                    

                         Visit keep.com                    

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, design, pattern, plain, styling, tile, tile style

Adding Colour to your Bathroom

October 7, 2013 by Naomi

When someone says “bathroom”, you usually think white, am I correct? Add some personality to your bathroom by adding colour! You can be bold and outrageous or use hints of colour in small portions – it’s totally up to you!

Draw Inspiration

To get inspiration you can do lots of things! You can always use your favourite colour, or have you seen a photo of a space/bathroom that you have fallen in love with? You can also draw inspiration from nature and your surroundings or incorporate with the colours and styling already in your home to make it flow through.

Making the Change

If you want to make a dramatic change to your bathroom you can add loads of colour and make a brilliant statement! Ideas like painting the walls a different colour, or picking a feature tile (floor or wall). You can always keep the theme flowing by using the same styling through your accessories! Things like changing your towels, candles, plants, etc. can also be used to make the smaller change to your bathroom. This is a really fun and cost affective approach to adding colour to your bathroom, and if you want to change the look again, it’s easy! Another modern idea is changing or adding to the lighting in your bathroom – led strip lighting is huge at the moment and its super fun and creative! Adding a pendant light can also make a huge change to the atmosphere of the space! There are also many new and colourful products on the market like bathtubs and basins that are coloured now instead of being limited to just white! Be confident and have fun when adding colour to your bathroom!

 

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Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: adding colour to your bathroom, bathroom, colour, design, interior design, trends

Bathroom Trends For Spring

September 20, 2013 by Naomi

Grey, white, brown and black tones are emerging throughout the bathrooms this season. Different shades of these work well together especially when a touch of timber is added to the setting.

Bathroom Trends For Spring

Filed Under: IIHS Blog Tagged With: bathroom, bathroom trends for spring, black, brown, decorating, grey, interior design, spring, styling, trend, white

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