Converting Small Space Airing Cupboard to Shower Unit

stockbroke

Our house is currently on the market, but we only have one bathroom and no shower. Most of the competing 4 bed properties in our area have at least an en suite, so we’re looking at ways to make ours more desirable.

We’re thinking of converting to a combi boiler to get rid of the tank in the airing cupboard, and then using that space to create a small shower room off the bedroom. Space is limited, but there’s a small built-in wardrobe in the bedroom next to the airing cupboard in the bathroom, so we’re considering knocking through into that.

This would give us roughly 700mm in width and 1800mm in length. We’re not planning to include a toilet—just a shower, and possibly a small sink. The plumbing and soil pipe are close by, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

If needed, we could take a bit more space from the bedroom to increase the width, but that’s not ideal.

Increasing the property's value isn’t our main goal—though that would be a bonus. The main aim is to boost the chances of a sale and hopefully recover the cost of the work.

Has anyone done a similar small-space shower conversion? Would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and any ballpark cost estimates.

Thanks!

Rodders53

Daft idea.  Let the new owners pursue that if desired.

1) HW storage tanks will be needed when ASHP replaces gas boilers. 

2) Combi boilers seldom give a good showering experience and become more woeful/impossible to supply two at the same time.

3) Doing such works while already on the market is too late and very messy works that viewers will surely question the logic of.

4) You presumably bought the house with the existing layout and it never put you off.  Someone else will want it (at the right price).

Have you asked your marketing Agents for their view on this scheme of yours?

JGB1955

Instead of actually 'doing' the conversion, why not plan/price it and add 'opportunity to add en-suite' to the property description?

victor2

Have to agree with @Rodders53 that it's a bit of a daft idea as your house is already on the market.
We had an airing cupboard in the only bathroom in a 4 bed house and got the hot water tank removed by installing a combi boiler. Then we had the bathroom completely remodeled and the airing cupboard space turned into a shower cubicle instead of the old shower over the bath. So, it was not an en-suite shower, just a more modern family bathroom.
It is great, even with the wait for the hot water to come through from the combi. It has doubtless added value to the house, but we wouldn't have even considered doing it if the house was actually up for sale.

stockbroke

victor2 said:

Have to agree with @Rodders53 that it's a bit of a daft idea as your house is already on the market.
We had an airing cupboard in the only bathroom in a 4 bed house and got the hot water tank removed by installing a combi boiler. Then we had the bathroom completely remodeled and the airing cupboard space turned into a shower cubicle instead of the old shower over the bath. So, it was not an en-suite shower, just a more modern family bathroom.
It is great, even with the wait for the hot water to come through from the combi. It has doubtless added value to the house, but we wouldn't have even considered doing it if the house was actually up for sale.

yes, that's the other option we were considering.  The only issue we have is that, although we're very competitively priced, around 90% of competing properties in our area have en-suites

Albermarle

stockbroke said:

victor2 said:

Have to agree with @Rodders53 that it's a bit of a daft idea as your house is already on the market.
We had an airing cupboard in the only bathroom in a 4 bed house and got the hot water tank removed by installing a combi boiler. Then we had the bathroom completely remodeled and the airing cupboard space turned into a shower cubicle instead of the old shower over the bath. So, it was not an en-suite shower, just a more modern family bathroom.
It is great, even with the wait for the hot water to come through from the combi. It has doubtless added value to the house, but we wouldn't have even considered doing it if the house was actually up for sale.

yes, that's the other option we were considering.  The only issue we have is that, although we're very competitively priced, around 90% of competing properties in our area have en-suites

Firstly finding tradespeople to do the job quickly will be a problem, especially decent ones, who are often booked up months ahead.
If you discount the price enough against similar properties who have en suites, the property will sell.
Not everybody actually likes en suites. 

twopenny

You admit you have 2 options, what if you spend money on the wrong one?

A built in wardrobe is what sold me the place I'm in now. It's an asset.
I agree, let the buyer decide. Not sure plans of ideas will make a difference though I wish they would.

Get what you have sparkling clean, matching new towels and bath mat, sweet smelling soap etc and front door and hall attractive. It's the first and last place people see.