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Quick and cost effective bathroom makeover

Hi all, 

Some of you might have seen this thread I posted previously

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6501386/unable-to-sell-house/p1 

Anyway we are trying to do what upgrades we can as cost effectively as possible, including giving the bathroom a makeover/update but without replacing the entire bathroom suite. 

So far we are planning to replace the mirror and tap,  purchase an under sink storage cupboard and install a new shower unit but I'm not sure what else we can do to modernise/make the bathroom more contemporary. 

I was thinking of covering the tiles with some self adhesive tile stickers which are waterproof (similar to these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CFXZB29N/?coliid=IZP93JMMHED0B&colid=2BOQZDTR3NKR&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im&th=1) but having spoken to people these are awful. We can't afford to replace the entire bathroom suite and conscious that even if we could, it wouldn't be to people's taste. 

Also struggling to make some decisions on what replacement sink tap and mirror to have as we really no longer trust our judgment about anything anymore. 

For the bathroom mirror - not sure if it should be a like for like replacement or whether it should be a mirrored cabinet instead? 

Tap styles

option 1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peppermint-Bathroom-Crosshead-Traditional-Victorian/dp/B0BQLNSRSK/ref=sr_1_32?crid=19ASW3VHT6H0D&keywords=bathroom+tap&qid=1707560939&sprefix=bathroom+tap,aps,84&sr=8-32

option 2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/BATHWEST-Bathroom-Classic-Monobloc-Multi-Layer/dp/B09KY44LHS/ref=sr_1_25?crid=19ASW3VHT6H0D&keywords=bathroom+tap&qid=1707560939&sprefix=bathroom+tap,aps,84&sr=8-25&th=1


Photo of it's current state (there is a glass shower screen that folds in on itself and not shown by the picture) 


Photo from when we moved in 

«13

Comments

  • My only comment here is, I think you are worried too much about what other people like or as you said "it wouldn't be to other people's taste". It's your house do as you want, but don't waste money trying to second guess what other people think. Most people just want to go to the loo in a clean bathroom!
  • bex2012
    bex2012 Posts: 244 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 13 February 2024 at 10:52PM
    Have you actually been out and looked at things like taps? I dont like purchasing things like that online as I want to feel/see the quality before I buy. Sometimes things that look ok online feel really cheap once you see them up close. BnQ has a reasonable selection in store, at least you could get a feel for them. However with taps you do generally get what you pay for.

    As for the cabinet, only you know how much stuff you have. Those cabinets that wrap around the pedestal never seem to hold a great deal as the hole takes up most of the space. For me personally, I would get rid of that giant tall tap, go for something neater, and then get a nice mirrored cabinet.

    I like simple designs, something like this https://www.diy.com/departments/goodhome-cavally-medium-gloss-chrome-effect-round-deck-mounted-manual-basin-mono-mixer-tap/5059340185552_BQ.prd

    If you wanted to jazz it up a bit, what about dying the tile grout? I would use something like Mapei Fuga Fresca rather than a grout pen. I used it in a grubby ensuite to great effect.

    https://lilleytileandstone.co.uk/mapei-fuga-fresca-colour-grout-pens-see-options.html

    you can buy it on amazon, or a local tile shop should be able to advise. A pale silver grout on the walls, and a charcoal grout on the floor would give the room a whole new feel for not a lot of money.

    Edit - just read your other thread, I thought you had just bought it, rather than trying to sell! Dont bother with an undersink cabinet, save your money. Dont bother with a mirrored cabinet either, just replace the mirror with a like for like replacement. Definitely consider dying the grout though, especially on the floor.
  • My only comment here is, I think you are worried too much about what other people like or as you said "it wouldn't be to other people's taste". It's your house do as you want, but don't waste money trying to second guess what other people think. Most people just want to go to the loo in a clean bathroom!
    Thank you - it's just we are trying to sell the house and have been told that despite 20+ viewings we have had no offers because the house needs too much work but up until 2 weeks ago, the estate agent had just said it wasn't to people's personal tastes but now changed their tune /feedback in that the bathroom needs to be better presented & changes made to it if we want to continue to try and sell. 

    bex2012 said:
    Have you actually been out and looked at things like taps? I dont like purchasing things like that online as I want to feel/see the quality before I buy. Sometimes things that look ok online feel really cheap once you see them up close. BnQ has a reasonable selection in store, at least you could get a feel for them. However with taps you do generally get what you pay for.

    As for the cabinet, only you know how much stuff you have. Those cabinets that wrap around the pedestal never seem to hold a great deal as the hole takes up most of the space. For me personally, I would get rid of that giant tall tap, go for something neater, and then get a nice mirrored cabinet.

    I like simple designs, something like this https://www.diy.com/departments/goodhome-cavally-medium-gloss-chrome-effect-round-deck-mounted-manual-basin-mono-mixer-tap/5059340185552_BQ.prd

    If you wanted to jazz it up a bit, what about dying the tile grout? I would use something like Mapei Fuga Fresca rather than a grout pen. I used it in a grubby ensuite to great effect.

    https://lilleytileandstone.co.uk/mapei-fuga-fresca-colour-grout-pens-see-options.html

    you can buy it on amazon, or a local tile shop should be able to advise. A pale silver grout on the walls, and a charcoal grout on the floor would give the room a whole new feel for not a lot of money.

    Edit - just read your other thread, I thought you had just bought it, rather than trying to sell! Dont bother with an undersink cabinet, save your money. Dont bother with a mirrored cabinet either, just replace the mirror with a like for like replacement. Definitely consider dying the grout though, especially on the floor.

    Thanks for this - yes definitely prefer to see taps in person, it was more just about trying to select the best /most modern style/design to make it attractive to buyers. 

    The giant tall tap is being replaced, just want to make sure we select the best looking one which is what i'm struggling with. 

    We were just worried about there not appearing to be a lot /any storage in the bathroom which is why we were considering a mirrored cabinet and putting in an under sink storage cabinet - the latter of which is about £40 in Argos and may help to stage the room / make it more attractive. 

    I'll have a look at the grout dye, though again I'm struggling with the decision on what colour to go for. 

  • ThisIsWeird
    ThisIsWeird Posts: 7,600 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 14 February 2024 at 7:45AM
    What goes with white? Wood. I think I'd look to accessorise with rustic timber shelves and a mirror, perhaps even a skirting along the bath panel.
    A couple of shelves to the right of the window, starting around an inch from the reveal and going to the end wall. One at around cill height, the other at where the roof slopes, with a few nice objects on them, and a tumbling ivy or two. Possibly even a shorter third shelf higher up on the slop, with the ivy on that so it tumbles right down the wall?
    Go for chunky black metal brackets. Try a Google for 'rustic timber shelves'. Even look on your local Fb for folk making them from scaffold boards. 
    A mirror at least as large as the one you have, but with a chunky rustic timber frame.
    I personally prefer closer to the original style of tap, with a smooth swan neck, again ceramic valves (quarter turn is soooo much better) but perhaps with cross handles, perhaps sloping up at the sides. But your choice.
    I don't think I'd fit a cabinet under the existing basin - rarely successful, visually and practically, and would be a pain to fit. 
    Accessorise with 'timber' bits - waste basket, bog brush, whatevs.
    Although you have a lot of white tiling, it looks to be the 'wobble' finish, which is nice. It just needs warming up, and what's better than wood?! The new owner could then complete the change, if they wish, by simply adding a new floor covering. Say, raw wood style... :smile:
    White, timber, and plants. Yummy.

  • bex2012
    bex2012 Posts: 244 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Can I be truthful? What are the black bits around the bath? Theres a big black blob on the tile on the bath panel. Is it mould or tile chip? If mould, get the bath resealed all round so you have clean, fresh sealant all round. If its a chip, can it be painted in somehow? Everything is so white in that room that it draws your eyes to the black bits.

    Please dont spend lots of money, you wont get it back. Change the mirror, reseal the bath, change the taps to something smaller, consider dying the grout, and leave it the rest of it alone.
  • bex2012 said:
    Can I be truthful? What are the black bits around the bath? Theres a big black blob on the tile on the bath panel. Is it mould or tile chip? If mould, get the bath resealed all round so you have clean, fresh sealant all round. If its a chip, can it be painted in somehow? Everything is so white in that room that it draws your eyes to the black bits.

    Please dont spend lots of money, you wont get it back. Change the mirror, reseal the bath, change the taps to something smaller, consider dying the grout, and leave it the rest of it alone.
    Thanks. The big black blob on the tile on the bath is actually some kind of silver fitting, similar to a screw or something - not really sure what its for as it's been there since we moved in. 

    We are double checking the sealant however, as the estate agent has told us that the first photo which they took and has been on the listing was heavily edited, though when I went back to the house last week I couldn't see any mould/black bits which they told me were present but will be triple checking next week when I'm there all week to do everything I can (with the assistance of a contractor)  to make it more presentable so we can finally sell it. 

    We don't want to spend lots of money but it's been on the market for about 4-5months now with 20+ viewings and no offers with the only feedback being it needs too much work because it's not to people's own personal taste and it was only about 2-3 weeks ago that the estate agent were actually in their words "brutally honest" with us that there is a whole list of work that needs doing if we want to sell. 

    We are going to do what small / inexpensive things we can and instruct a different agent, but before doing the latter we want it to be the best it can be to avoid 4-5months of there's nothing wrong with it to only then be told after all this time that actually there's a lot wrong with it. 
  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 6,807 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I cant see anything much wrong with the bathroom. It's clean, modern and practical.
    I wouldn't put a bathroom cabinet, under sink one etc.
    That tap is a surprise but it's very practical for washing  :)

    And agree just accessories. 
    Coloured towels, matching bath mat laid over the side of the bath, sink mat. Keep all for viewings so they're clean and uncreased. It makes life easy for viewings too.
    And get decent ones. I bought some Lidl ones and they look cheap.

    I bought a pretend basket of green grass for the corner of the bath from Poundland. They do all sorts and sizes.
    Everything else comes from charity shops and the Factory Shop. Tealight holders, a narrow set of drawers that fits at the side/under the sink.

    Oh some coloured bubble bath, (no offer label on front), a coloured new scrubby scrunchie. Imperial leather soap makes it smell nice.
     Keep all new for putting out. 

    I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!

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  • Is this the same estate agent If so, I would change - I cannot see anything wrong with the bathroom in the photo. Mould or rust around the mirror etc. are big red flags but if they are not there....
  • gwynlas
    gwynlas Posts: 2,044 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Better presentation usually means that you need to tidy things up rather than redecorate. Just leave the absolute essentials out, matching hand and bath towel on rail, handwash on sink and shower gel or shampoo, maybe invest in showy bottles and toilet brush holder not diamante.. Throw wverything else in lidded storage basket or  cheap washing up bowl and hide under a towel in airing cupboard for viewings. Similarly for every other room. No everyday detritus matching bedding clear surfaces move in with a suitcase presentation. Storage boxes in garage or car boot hide a multitude of sins
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 25,719 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Some of the grout looks discoloured, so touch it up with a grout pen.

    The mirror looks naff, so get a local glass shop to make you one the same size. Either get screw holes put in it to line up with the existing holes, or just glue the mirror onto the tiles. 

    I’m not sure that I would spend money on a little cupboard under the pedestal basin, but they are pretty cheap. 

    I would not do any more than that.

    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
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