Ask The Experts: How to Create a Bathroom That Sells a Home

Rob Holroyd, our experienced contracts manager, and Steve Armitage, of Armitage Developments UK Ltd explain how housebuilders can create a bathroom that helps to sell a home...

“Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes” – that’s the message from SME house developer, Steve Armitage, of Armitage Developments UK Ltd.

With the time people spend in their bathrooms on the rise – and the room often acting as an escape from the stresses of modern life – it’s not really any surprise.

People demand quality spaces where they can relax in beautiful surroundings – and ‘good enough’ just doesn’t cut it. Only ‘perfect’ will do.

It's a change in consumer attitude that Steve sees as an opportunity, rather than a burden.

"Most house buyers find it difficult to imagine how their new bathroom could look, so creating a show home – where they can touch and see the quality for themselves – is often a beneficial activity," he says.

He installs premium tiles, high quality bathroom furniture, high-tech heating and modern fittings - it's how he gets his development noticed over that of a rival builder.

Of course, what is fitted in the firm's show home depends on the target audience. But when making these choices, he remembers that bathrooms should be both practical and indulgent.

"Patterned, geometric and textured tiles are ideal for capturing the attention of millennials, for example, while grey, slate tiles with matching grout are a good solution for a busy, young family – where time for cleaning is limited.

Our current house development in Slaithwaite, for example, is aimed at executive buyers. The properties have large bathroom spaces to play with – so we've gone for large format tiles, either in wood or marble-effect."

Paying close attention to the target customer offers an opportunity to install tiles which will grab their attention.

The same can be said for the furniture chosen in the bathroom. “Storage space is a big consideration for house buyers,” Steve explains. “This is especially true for families with multiple bathroom users; elderly buyers who are downsizing and need somewhere to put all their possessions; or millennial apartment-buyers who are moving out of the family home.”

There are therefore plenty of ways to inspire buyers with creative storage options. For example, vanity units with drawers are always a handy solution for cleaning and beauty products.

A wall-hung unit is ideal for creating the illusion of space in a small bathroom, while, conversely, a floor-standing unit offers more storage room.

Adding a matching tall cabinet can also tie the bathroom scheme together and create a sleek space, hiding customers’ clutter and products. Alternatively, adding alcoves into the wall, next to the shower, will offer a modern storage solution which maximises every inch of space and creates a sense of calm.

"A number of other factors also make the bathroom a more desirable place to spend time," Steve continues.

"It helps clients to picture themselves living in the property. Mirrors with Bluetooth speakers, for example, are growing in demand, while soft-closing, rimless toilets create a peaceful, relaxing setting.

Safety and accessibility are also playing an increasingly important role in bathroom design.

Choosing a thermostatic shower, which reduces the risk of scalding; and installing textured floor tiles, which minimise the possibility of slipping, will show potential customers that every inch of the room has been carefully considered – and that the builder understands their needs as a buyer.

Underfloor heating and designer towel radiators are also becoming a necessity, rather than an optional extra. It’s all part of making the bathroom a more comfortable, inviting space.

Adding his knowledge, Rob said: "If the home has multiple bathrooms, housebuilders should also think carefully about how each one can function differently. If the master bathroom has a bath – which is essential in a family home – then elsewhere, it’s worth creating a wetroom. The benefits are threefold – ease of accessibility, the ability to open up a small space and creating a style statement – ultimately generating a major selling point."

But what should a housebuilder do when the target audience is broad, and the show home must appeal to a wide demographic?

“The ever-growing range of colours, styles and textures makes it a difficult decision. We steer away from choosing products which are too trend-led. We often go timeless classic styles, such as premium large-format, wood-effect tiles and quality white or grey furniture, which are popular among people of all ages.” explains Steve.

“We then offer a bespoke service for buyers who want to design their own bathrooms, working with Easy Bathrooms to create 3D bathroom designs. This always adds to the customer’s overall buying experience, because they get a bathroom tailored to their exact needs – and all of the Easy Bathrooms’ staff are very helpful.”

Offering a bespoke service can make the difference between securing a sale and losing it – because customers now demand breadth of choice. It can also pose an opportunity to earn more on the property.

We offer trade discounts, offering a higher profit per unit – a win-win situation.

Contact us today to sign up for an Easy Bathrooms trade account.