Home owners tend to pay more attention to the kitchen, living room and exterior of their home, since these spaces are the ones that get a lot of attention from home buyers when preparing a house for sale. The bathroom, however, can make a significant impact on prospective home buyers’ impressions of the volume. A neat and tidy, attractive and functional bathroom makes the home look more comfortable, modern, cared for and well-maintained, creating uncertainty in buyers about the home’s condition if it is not.
Luckily, it’s not always necessary to completely renovate it to make it look better. A few minor fixes, accessories, decluttering and some good planning with cleaning and styling can make a BIG difference. If you’re thinking about putting your home up for sale, remodeling the bathroom before the market can make a big impact in making your home more attractive during showings and impress first-time buyers.
What is the Significance of Staging a Bathroom when Selling a Home?
Bathrooms are extremely personal spaces and buyers are very aware of how clean, maintained, and organized they are, as well as the fixtures and appearance. A clean and tidy bathroom can imply the rest of the house has been well maintained. However, buyers are easily distracted by grout stains, broken fixtures, too many personal belongings or odors. The idea of bathroom staging isn’t necessarily luxury styling; it’s a clean, functional, neutral and welcoming environment. Buyers can visualize a comfortable way to live in the house with a well put-together bathroom.
Start With a Deep and Detailed Cleaning
The first step in making your bathroom overhaul is a complete cleaning. Thoroughly clean toilet, bath, shower, sink, counter tops, mirrors, floors, cabinets and other surfaces. Be extra attentive to typically missed spaces like shower tracks, faucets, behind fixtures, grout lines, exhaust fans, and corners. Clears soap film, water stains, dust and obvious soap film. Scrub windows and mirrors until they shine so that the bathroom looks brighter and larger. If there is ongoing mould or mildew in the bathroom, don’t just mask it up, but actually solve the problem. Cleaning the bathroom is an excellent first step in all the other staging improvements.
Declutter Every Surface
Even a fairly large bathroom can feel cluttered and messy. Clean and clear the counter, storage shelves, bathtub, shower, and sink. All items that are necessary for everyday use (toothbrushes, razors, cosmetics, medicine, hair tools, various bottles) should be stored out of the way prior to showings. Limit the number of nice, but useful, items that are on display. Personal items look better when you put them in a neat, tidy spot on the counter top a neatly folded towel, a small decorative container, a subtle plant. It is important that the space be visible for buyers, and not the attention be drawn to the objects occupying the space at present.
Clear away Highly Personal Items
The aim of staging is one of the key objectives, and it is meant to assist potential buyers in envisioning the property as their own. This can be tricky if personal photos, monogrammed items, strange decorations and very particular design are used. Avoid pieces that are too personal to your taste and opt for simple and neutral accessories instead.
While you don’t have to create a generic bathroom experience, a design that’s well-rounded and popular can make it more appealing to potential buyers. Neutral styling also allows bathroom elements like tile, countertops, cabinetry and fixtures to be more enjoyed.
Fix up Small Problems Before Showing
Minor problems can make a big difference to a prospective purchaser. The dripping faucet, loose cabinet handle, cracked tile, broken towel bar, damaged caulking or sticking drawer can all contribute to the bathroom feeling like it’s not taken care of. Carefully walk through the area, making a list of minor repairs that need to be addressed.
Change out any burned out light bulbs and tighten any loose hardware. Replace or repair damaged fixtures if it is a reasonable cost. While these enhancements might seem inconsequential on their own, they can all contribute towards the sense of an always-kept home.
Replace the Walls With a Neutral Color
If the bathroom’s wall color is bold or particular, you might think about repainting it with a neutral color. Soft white, warm beige, light grey or other subtle shades can help to create a clean and spacious look. Neutral colors are typically more palatable with furniture and accessories that buyers can imagine. If there are minor marks, they can be covered up and the room will feel more new. Use moisture-resistant paint for bathrooms if applicable. The goal is not to make a dramatic design statement, but to make the bathroom bright, fresh and universally appealing.
Improve the Lighting
The lighting definitely makes a lot of difference when photographing and showing a bathroom. Install alternative, appropriate light fixtures and fittings, or upgrade to more modern light sources to offer a comfortable level of light. Ensure vanity lighting is working and even. Clear off dust and dirt from shades or covers and clean old light fixtures. If the bathroom has a window, wash it and use easy window treatments to let in natural light. Well-lit spaces accentuate cleanliness and can open up a small bathroom. Don’t set the lighting too bright and intense, as this will make the space feel uncomfortable.
Replace old Fixtures and Hardware
It doesn’t mean you need to take down the entire bathroom to make it look more modern. Minor changes to hardware can make for a dramatic visual facelift. If your current design is outdated, maybe you want to switch the cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, towel bars, toilet paper holders, or faucets. If you’re not looking to go entirely crazy with the finishes, try to stick to a few. The aim is to achieve an integrated look. Before carrying out any upgrade or improvement, keep in mind the overall worth of the property and don’t overspend on upgrades that potential buyers may not find important.
Make the Bathroom Feel More Spacious
If the bathroom appears larger than normal, this will be a major selling point for many. First, clear out all the unneeded items like furniture, storage containers, and decoration. Maintain as open countertops and floors as possible. Larger mirrors will maximize space and bounce light, use a clean one. If the bathroom is equipped with a shower curtain, opt for one which is plain colored and open when showing the property, if applicable. Showers doors made of glass ought to be cleaned properly. If the design of a bathroom can be kept concise, free of clutter, and easy to see, even a small bathroom can feel comfortable.
Refresh Towels & Textiles
One of the simplest bathroom staging tips is to have new towels. Change old, out-of-match, or faded towels with new towels in neutral or matching colors. Fold or hang them neatly to give the room a hotel-like look but not too decorated. If a bath mat is clean and well-kept, it can also provide comfort and warmth to the eye. Keep the style to a minimum as patterns and colors can detract from the elements of the bathroom. The use of soft, coordinated fabrics can help create a welcoming atmosphere in the space, while also maintaining a sense of simplicity in the design.
Add Carefully Chosen Accessories
Accessories should complement the bathroom area, rather than clutter it. Add a tiny plant, a simple tray, a pretty soap dispenser or a well-organized collection of neutral boxes. If planting, select plants that will withstand the light and humidity in a bathroom. Don’t over-decorate all of the shelves. However, buyers need to know about the available storage and usability. The most helpful accessories will go with the minimalist or purposeful design, and will make the bathroom feel complete without being overwhelming.
Pay Attention to Odors and Ventilation
Even a clean bathroom can have a negative effect if it doesn’t have a good smell. Empty waste containers, wipe down drains, and scrub bathroom fabrics and clean any drains or garbage that are producing a smell. Ensure that the ventilation fan is operating correctly and use it to lower the moisture and humidity. Use strong air fresheners sparingly as too much fragrance can be distracting and could lead the buyer to believe that they are being covered up. A clean, neutral-smelling bathroom will make your bathroom look more comfortable and clean during a showing.
Organize Bathroom Storage
For a lot of home buyers storage is a crucial factor. Clear and arrange cabinets, drawers, linen closets and under sink spaces so that the buyers can quickly view the available storage. Discard excess products and organize the remaining ones in an orderly fashion. If cabinets are full, temporarily relocate some items until the home is being shown. The goal is to show how the bathroom can be used for functional storage, but not cluttered. A well-planned vanity can help to make a bathroom feel like a more functional and design bathroom.
Have a Clean and Comfortable Shower Area
During showings, a lot of attention is paid to the shower and bathtub. Clear away the excess bottles, razors, sponges and other personal items. Thoroughly clean all walls, glass, fixtures, grout, and tub. Replace old, worn or stained shower curtains. Examine caulking around the bathtub and shower, and repair as needed. Make the shower space uncluttered and clean. Buyers should go into a space that is in good working order and not one in need of cleaning or repairs.
Upgrade the Mirror if Necessary
A mirror serves a purpose and is an ornament in a bathroom. However, if the mirror that you already have is cracked, old or proportionally incorrect, it may be worth replacing it with a more straightforward, modern mirror given the overall look. Don’t select a design that takes over the bathroom. Light can also bounce off a mirror if it is placed strategically and can make the room seem bigger. If it’s in good shape, a deep-cleaning of the existing mirror should suffice to give it a shiny appearance.
Staging Bathroom for Listing Photos
Clean out and pack up the bathroom before having professional or high-quality pictures taken. Clear away toiletries, cleaning supplies, garbage receptacles, extra towels and personal items. Cover over all toilets and tidy all exposed surfaces. Ensure that mirrors and glass are clean, as any dirt or water marks will stand out in photos. Open up blinds or curtains to allow as much natural light as possible when possible. A visually appealing bathroom will help make online property listings look better and help to bring buyers in for a viewing.
Should You Do Bathroom Renovation First?
It is not always essential to completely renovate the bathrooms before listing a home for sale. However, if you’re considering renovating, you need to consider the condition of the bathroom, the local market, the overall value of the property, and the expected return on investment. If the bathroom suffers from severe structural, plumbing or functional issues, it might be important to tackle them in priority to cosmetic changes.
If the bathroom functions adequately, but is just plain old, it may be more cost-effective to make it look newer with a few simple bathroom decor ideas like painting, installing new hardware, lighting, new accessories, and hiring professionals to clean it. When thinking of a costly remodeling, ask yourself if it is likely to be a worthwhile investment if it will enhance a buyer’s interest and marketability.
Think about Professional Cleaning Before Listing
If you’re cleaning your bathroom regularly, a professional cleaning may add an extra step of preparation before the home is listed. Frequently, it is the areas that are difficult to clean, such as buildup, grout, glass, flooring, and more, that require the expertise of a professional.
This is particularly useful when the bathroom has been used a lot or has been built several years ago and has built-up residue. A clean bathroom can appear brighter and shinier, offering you the chance to present the home in its finest condition.
Maintain Style Simplicity and Consistency
The bathroom should complement the overall style of your home. Don’t try to make your bathroom stand out from the rest of the home just for staging if it’s a modern, neutral design. In the same way, if the house has classic architecture, then so should the accessories that are used. It is important to create consistency to make the property feel cohesive. The buyer should feel the bathroom as if it were an integral part of the overall design of the house and not a separate entity.
Final Remarks
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to renovate your bathroom before listing your house for sale. It’s best to make improvements that focus on cleaning, decluttering, repairing, refreshing, organizing, and presenting it with a neutral approach. Highlight what purchasers will see right away, such as cleanliness, lighting, storage, fixtures, odor and condition.
Making your bathroom bright, fresh, comfortable and clean can enhance your overall home presentation. Well-prepared bathroom staging can make the bathroom appear more usable and welcoming to potential buyers, making it easier for them to visualize themselves living in the home which can make the entire house more attractive during the selling process.