How Important Is Bathroom Design To The Homebuyer?

The average homebuyer will focus much of their attention on two areas when purchasing a home;  kitchens and bathrooms.  The design of your kitchen and your bathrooms matter because they need to be functional for your needs.  If you don't get these areas right, you will be spending large sums of money to make them functional.

Today we will spend our time discussing that all important bathroom design.  Of course, a first impression may have you looking at color schemes but there may be more important areas to consider when looking at the bathroom.

Check The Plumbing 

Looking for leaks is not something that you need a plumber for.  Check by the toilet to see if the floor is discolored or spongy. Press down with your foot.  If there is a lot of give, the fixture may be leaking or has been leaking in the past.  If there is tile on the floor, check the grouting.  In most cases, calcium deposits can build up or discolor the grout where a leak has or is occurring. Vinyl floors will generally bubble if there has been a leak. 

If the home is two stories, check the area underneath the bathroom and look for leaks in the ceiling through patch repair or discolored paint.  You can also look at the hose or pipe fitting under the sinks or around the toilet for mineral deposits. This may also indicate a plumbing concern.  Water damage can lead to damaging the structural integrity of the home.  If you find areas of concern, you should order a professional inspection. 

Check To Make Sure The Design Works For You 

It is a good idea to look beyond the fancy wall colors, new fixtures and flooring to see if the design concept fits your needs. 

Plumbing: How easy is it to access the plumbing if there is a problem.  Look for access panels for the tub, shower, toilet and the sink(s).  Do cabinets or vanities hinder access to the plumbing. 

Fixtures:  How easily do the faucets turn on.  What type of water pressure do you see. Is the water running fast or slow?  Have a professional check the water pressure coming into the house. If it is too high, it is placing stress on the hoses and pipes which could cause a breach at some point.  

Lighting:  Lighting plays many different roles in a bathroom.  Do you have proper lighting around mirrors that is bright and clear?  Is there soft lighting to set a more relaxing mood while bathing or showering? Is natural daylight able to filter in through windows or skylights?

Ventilation: This is important because improper ventilation can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew and other lingering odors.  Do you have a window that offers fresh air?  Bathroom ventilation can be an area that is skimped on by a builder.  Make sure it works!  If it is weak or not clearing the stagnant air in a short amount of time, replace the fan with a more powerful model that will work with the ventilation you have.  You want to make sure the fan vents to the outside.

 Storage: We often overlook the storage needs when checking our bathroom design, especially in smaller bathrooms. Do you have enough room to store bath linens, toiletries, and other bath supplies?

Don't Shortcut The Number Of Bathrooms When Purchasing A Home.

How many bathrooms does your family need?  Anyone who has had to wait outside a bathroom will not want to compromise in this area.  Generally, this is not an area that is negotiable.  When couples share a bathroom, keep in mind the design.  Can two people function in one bathroom independently of each other.  For example, dual sinks can make a huge difference when people share a bathroom space. 

Also remember that a home with more than one bath will have a better resale value that a home with only one bathroom. 

I hope that some of these tips will help you when it comes time to make your decisions on bathroom design.