Tag Archive for: Renovations

10 ways to update your bathroom without renovating it

Guess what? It is entirely possible to upgrade your bathroom without turning it into a massive DIY project – you can do it in a weekend without overspending. Whether it’s style or functionality you’re after, we have some top tips for you:

  • Accessorise – candles, towels, interesting trinkets (vintage, modern, eclectic) all make a massive difference to the personality of your bathroom. Swap some old accessories with new ones or simply move things around. You could also change fixtures, including towel bars, toilet seats and toilet roll holders.
  • Hang artwork – bathrooms are usually the last space one might think to hang some art but it makes the entire room look more luxurious and interesting, and creates a focal point for the space.
  • Update your lighting/fixtures – brighten or dim your lighting (depending what mood you’re going for), which you can do by exchanging your bulbs. A new light fixture can also change the atmosphere; from something simple and understated to something more dramatic, and vice versa.
  • Increase your shower pressure – a new showerhead really will bring you so much joy! There are many affordable spa-type showerheads available and if you don’t want to spend any money, clean your existing showerhead until it’s shiny and as good as new.
  • Wallpaper – an easy win here. Whether its textures or patterns, a new wall aesthetic can make a space feel very different.
  • Backsplash area – the space behind your basin is usually small and therefore the perfect mini-DIY project when it comes to updating your bathroom. You could tile this area, wallpaper or repaint.
  • Paint – a fresh coat of paint on the wall is an easy way to refresh a bathroom but you could also paint cabinet doors or door handles, or go big and choose a whole new colour.
  • Hang or upgrade your mirror – if you don’t have a mirror in your bathroom, get one. If you do have a mirror, do you need a new one? Or could you shift the old one to a new spot? Mirrors, as well as a practical bathroom necessity, create an illusion of space.
  • Hang a new shower curtain – choose a stylish pattern to emphasise the mood in your bathroom.
  • Repurposed storage – whether it’s a shelf, decorative baskets, a vintage cabinet or modern vanity, think of ways you can remodel your storage; remove doors, repaint, add shelves, have fun with ribbon or material.

They say that change is as good as a holiday. Go for it!

For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.

Ten top renovations that will increase the value of your home

In the pandemic world of varying forms of lockdown, many home owners have turned to renovating their properties; to pass the time but also to improve the value of their homes. With some spare cash saved thanks to travel bans, those long-awaited DIY tasks have finally been sorted out.

Some projects are quick and easy ‘fixer uppers’ whilst other projects are major overhauls, like extensions or renovations; both types can up the value of your property. Bathroom and kitchen tweaks and overhauls are obvious value adders but if you’ve ‘been there and done that’ and are thinking ‘what next?’, have a look at the list below for ten top renovations that will increase the value of your house:

Structural issues: these should be dealt with before making cosmetic improvements to your home. Things like: leaky roofs, damp, cracks to walls, bowing walls, rotten joists or roof timers, broken roof tiles, a collapsed floor etc.

New heating system: update an old-fashioned system (or install central heating if your home is older). This could mean a new boiler (if the one you have does not have adequate output or is archaic), adding insulation, sealing drafts, replacing/double-glazing windows, underfloor heating or new radiators.
Rewiring or replumbing: updating electrics and pipework is necessary before cosmetic work.

Solar panels: in today’s eco-conscious world, this could be a great way to increase the value of your property!

Paint work: this might be an obvious decorating project but clean, newly painted walls make a massive difference to first impressions when your home is viewed by potential buyers. It’s also nice to live in a newly painted home.

Garden work: some basic ‘tidy’ up jobs can make a big difference to the look and feel of your garden. The first thing to do is: weed, prune and plant. Then you could think about the privacy of your garden, which is high commodity if you’re in the city—fences and larger trees could add help achieve a feeling of seclusion.

Exterior: neaten up the exterior of your home, which could mean painting, tidying the front outdoor space or replacing your front door.
Built-in storage: this is a top selling-point for prospective home owners. Is there spare space in your home for shelves or cupboards?

Conservatory: if designed and executed well, this adds value to a property (it can also detract value if poorly done).

Outdoor office: in the new age of home working, an outdoor office space will be huge plus to the value of your home.

You’ll notice that not all of the above projects can be done without the help of heating engineers, plumbing specialists, building contractors and perhaps even structural engineers. Do ask for help if you need it as it will save you money in the long run!

For more DIY ideas, check out Homebuilding.co.uk. And for all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.

The most profitable bathroom/kitchen renovations for your home

It’s no secret that kitchen and bathroom renovations add the most value to properties but what specific renovations incite a bigger return on investment? Tap Warehouse consulted with property professionals to discover which elements in the kitchens and bathrooms are the most desirable for house hunters and could add the most value to your home. Here’s what experts said:

As far as kitchens go, the most valuable features are: glass doors, durable worktops, breakfast bar, quality tiles, kitchen islands, adequate lighting and modern storage units.
In terms of bathrooms, good quality tiles, power showers, bathtubs, walk-in showers, a neutral colour scheme, underfloor heating, and sturdy fixtures are the most desirable and valuable bathroom aspects. And to be even more specific, property experts hailed good tiles and grouting as the most popular bathroom investment by homeowners, and baths and power showers are the second most popular.

Popular renovations and profitable renovations are, of course, not necessarily the same thing. A critical consideration when renovating your property (with the intention to sell) is who is likely to be your buyer. For example, if you live near schools, it’s probable your house will attract family buyers, which means that space will be of optimum value; over-compensating in a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower cube is not likely a win, even if you really like the idea.

Tailor your renovations to the market, and when in doubt go neutral and stay simple.

For more information on kitchen and bathroom renovation costs and return, visit Tapwarehouse.com

For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.