Are bathroom renovations a waste of money?

We've spoken to Chris Jarret, Director at property agents Jackson-Stops.

Chris has been in residential property agency since 1996, a career spanning almost 30 years. A third generation property professional, for most of his career, Chris has been involved in the sale of prime property across Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

From country and coastal homes to townhouses and apartments, Chris’s experience is broad and far reaching. He spent 8 years as head of the Honiton office of Stags, then 12 years as a Director and Head of Office at Savills Cheltenham. He now leads the successful Jackson-Stops franchise in Cheltenham.

Let’s run through the facts and see whether a new bathroom is the right choice for you.

So, what exactly are you getting yourself into with a bathroom renovation?

In short, renovating your bathroom means changing various elements in the room. You might update your bathroom fixtures (toilet, sink, bath, and so on), paint the walls, and even install tile flooring.

Not all renovation projects are so broad in scope, though. If a tight budget is constraining you, only target parts of your bathroom that need the most work. 

For example, you can improve your room's look by boxing in pipework.

The scale of your project will obviously impact bathroom renovation costs, so bear that in mind before you get underway.

Making changes to your property is exciting, yet costs have a way of spiralling out of control quickly. 

How much do bathroom renovations actually cost, then? Depending on the scope of the project, you should expect to pay an average of £8,000.

The size of your bathroom – plus the cost of new fittings and fixtures – will affect your total outlay. For example, the amount you spend on installing vinyl tiles will differ greatly from the cost of porcelain tiles.

You'll want an outstanding result, obviously, but you need to consider how much you're willing to spend to get that outcome.

The same goes for the services you’ll need to complete the project. Hiring a plumber, builder, tiler, and even electrician isn’t unusual. It all depends on your plans.

Renovation projects can sometimes be expensive – clearly – but could they at least give a decent return on investment?

The answer is a resounding "yes".

According to Chris Jarrett, Director at property agents Jackson-Stops, renovating a bathroom could really add value to your home.

He says "In the right circumstances, updating a bathroom prior to a sale can be an effective way to make a property more appealing, and this can then immediately affect the speed of finding of a buyer and at what price.

"First impressions of a property are vital, and buyers’ attention can often be drawn to kitchens and bathrooms, so if one is particularly poor, this can be a problem."

In this way, you're not just providing a benefit to potential buyers, but removing a mark against your property, too.

Could bathroom renovations be a risky investment, though?

On the whole, Chris doesn't think so. Explaining, he says "Bathrooms are a relatively low cost improvement, and you are generally on safe ground, as only the most eccentric among us would be tempted to install anything other than a white suite – gone are the days of the aubergine bathroom fittings, thank goodness!"

And what do the numbers say? Recent studies show a modern bathroom suite could add 5% to the value of your home. For an average home, you’re looking at an extra £11,000, which isn’t too shabby.

Considering the material and labour costs are roughly half that, on average, there is obviously, potentially, money to be made.

Of course, there are no guarantees. If you spend too heavily on fixtures, flooring, or tiling, the costs could swallow up any potential profits.

There are many reasons to consider a bathroom renovation, besides the fact it should give your home’s valuation a boost. Here are a few of them:

• Renovations give you a more comfortable and useable bathroom

• Newer bathrooms are energy efficient, so cheaper to run and better for the planet

• A renovated bathroom will better fit your personal style

• Modern bathrooms are safer (no cracked or chipped tiles, old lead paint, and so on)

So, there are plenty of positives to consider. Of course, there are a few drawbacks:

• Depending on your taste, renovations can have a high upfront cost

• Renovating could make the bathroom unusable for a while, causing disruption

• Without proper planning, renovation works can drag on longer than expected

These downsides shouldn’t put you off, though. You’re looking at some short-term pain for serious long-term gain.

Start preparing early to get the most for your money. Here are five tips for renovating your bathroom without spending a fortune.

1. Come up with a plan

Before you start shopping for fixtures and finding a plumber, think carefully about what you want from your project.

What type of space do you have to work with? And what style of bathroom do you want? By answering questions like these – and setting yourself a budget and timeline – you’re far more likely to spend wisely.

The more time you devote to planning your project, the more smoothly it should run.

2. Keep fixtures in place

One of the more expensive aspects of renovating your bathroom is the cost of labour. 

If you choose to move the position of your bathroom fixtures, the plumbing infrastructure might need to change as well. This is labour intensive – and costly.

By choosing to keep your fixtures in the same place, you can make big savings on the plumbing work instead.

3. Source materials through professionals

A full-scale renovation means buying lots of materials. You’ll need everything from tiling and vanity units to shower trays and bath taps.

Your spending can build up quickly, and that doesn’t even include installation costs! Luckily, there are ways to save cash.

It’s possible that your plumber could source the fixtures and fittings for you. Since they can get these items at trade prices, you stand to save some money here.

When considering the potentially high cost of a new bathtub, for example, savings can be incredibly valuable.

4. Paint, paint, and more paint

Never underestimate the benefits of repainting a room.

A few coats of paint can transform a space, and it’s extremely cheap compared with some of the other changes you might consider.

If selling your home is in the back of your mind, neutral colours are usually most popular with homebuyers.

Just make sure that, before you start painting, you know all the top painting and decorating myths and you're adequately prepared!

5. Consider future running costs

When renovating a bathroom, upfront costs matter a lot – but you should think about future spending as well.

Some bathroom fixtures, like low-flow toilets, will see your utility bills shrink. Other features, like underfloor heating, have a high installation cost but are cheaper to run in the long term. 

These forward-thinking changes can save you hundreds of pounds over the years (and prospective buyers love these features too!).

Provided you’re careful with your spending, renovating your bathroom is worth doing.

You’ll need plenty of items, like fixtures, flooring, and tiles. And you’ll have to think about hiring a plumber, electrician, builder, and tiler.

Despite that, gains in your property's value should offset project costs. You’ll also enjoy the higher quality of life that your new bathroom gives you.

For more direction and guidance, you’ll need experienced experts. Start by browsing the top-rated bathroom installation services and plumbers near you today.