Tip #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 home. 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 won’t pay off when you sell your home.

Also, if you do dive into a task, you risk running into unexpected problems when it’s 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.

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

Tip #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• Is the style of the fixtures greatly outdated?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.

Next Tip: Bathroom Moisture