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We are going to be putting our home on the market soon and wanted thoughts on minor updates to do to this bathroom.

Our plans currently are to tile the floor (we already have the tile I was able to get on sale - very neutral); paint; replace vanity (I got one off Craigslist - light maple - for a great deal); replace countertop (formica, just more updated); replace trim molding to match rest of house;new bath mat and towels. Not sure if we should keep the shower doors or replace with shower curtain? I'm also getting the shower tile professionally cleaned as we have hard water here and they need it.

What do you all think? In all, this update would cost us about $1000. It's the main bathroom and services two bedrooms as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: christyinco,

What I would do if in your shoes:

1. Leave the shower enclosure; clean it up to make it sparkle. Why? Removing a shower enclosure will leave noticeable marks and/or damage to the tile surround and tub. (BTDT) Then you'd have to retile and that would be a pain.

2. Replace self-rimmed sink with an undermount version. Replace the faucet set. No need to get very expensive ones, just more updated versions. See if you can find a cultured marble/stone look countertop with integrated sink to fit your new vanity. Might be a better investment. http://www.lowes.com/Bathroom/...rble%20vanity%20tops

3. Don't bother with a new bath mat. Not good for showing/staging: too cluttery-looking and a trip hazard. Just one or two clean hand towels.

4. Make sure lighting is sufficient; if not, consider an inexpensive replacement with higher wattage.

Good luck.

I like all the things you mentioned, however, as I buyer I would prefer to see those shower doors gone. I don't like them and might use as a bargaining tool when negotiating. Perhaps since you are having the tiles professionally cleaned, they could minimize or remove any marks they leave in being removed. I would rather have some minor marks hidden behind a shower curtain than to have to deal with those doors and have them removed myself.

I think you got it covered too.
Cannot tell what your light is like, but I agree that can be an easy/inexpensive upgrade if needed.

About the shower doors? If they are really grungy on the inside, (don't look bad in the photo) removing them is not that big of job. It takes some safety blades to scrape off the caulk behind the side supports and tub ledge and some caulk softener or stripper to remove the residue.

I have done a couple, so I know. Will tell you how to easily fill/disguise those side support screw holes in the tile, when removed too. If you go that route.

If I opted for the undermount sink option I would not be able to do the same in our master bath (which we are also doing a minor update to, but has a much longer vanity top). Would it look cheap to only do that upgrade to the small bath and not the master?

A lot depends on what you currently have in the master bath and its condition, but in general, I would opt for a more updated undermount/integrated sink and countertop.

Also, you might find this forum about removing glass tub enclosures interesting: http://answers.yahoo.com/quest...ex?qid=1006051720903

Buy a self-rimming sink to drop into the laminate (?) top=no metal ring. The shower door thing is a toss-up...if it's in good shape, keep it. If the buyers hate it, they can remove it (I don't really see a negotiating point here...too minor). A pretty rug in front of the sink to add color, a small lamp on the counter adds warmth with soft light, a nice print on the wall above the commode and a couple more on the opposite wall, a pretty soap dispenser and almost nothing else on the counter top. Are you going to paint the vanity? The walls?

Here's my view on the shower enclosure. They date the room - and make it look smaller. If you are already having your things professionally cleaned, I'd take it out.

It will make the room feel bigger, and that is worth $. The new vanity sounds terrific, and don't worry about whether you do undermount or not - since it is all new and fresh, it will make that positive first impression. You can find the best looking item that fits your budget and let the details go. If you make the room all neutral, shop the rest of your house for art, lamp and pretty towels.

Buyers will glance in, get a sense of the size and if it needs their immediate attention (it won't) and move on. (Maybe if they are very interested in plumbing they will turn on faucets and showers and flush!)

I am not a shower door fan, but consider estimates in replacing it w/ a trackless type. It's the track that gets gungy and trackless is more current. If too cost prohibitive or jeopardizes the tub and tile, then just clean it so it looks new.

You can save possibly in a new light fixture via new globes and perhaps paint. I have done so to our powderroom fixture and it's more up to date w/ little effort or money.

Add glass knobs to the doors for a touch of additional sparkle too.

Neutral walls, a new faucet, floor, countertop will go a long way to upgrade this bathroom and these need not break the bank. Cleaning the grout in the tub area is a must and worth the money.

Your bathroom is similar in layout to our front bath, minus the shower door. We also are moving and after years of putting "lipstick on a pig" we had to bite the bullet and upgrade both baths. Over the last two weeks we redid the floor with new vinyl, vanity/sink/faucet, mirror, toilet and added a new shower curtain.

I'm amazed at the transformation and kick myself for not doing this sooner so I could of enjoyed it!
Since we are selling we went a very neutral route.
With the changes you are considering I think it will be a huge improvement. Make that shower door shine and maybe even add a shower curtain swag it to one side to soften the look.
Good luck with the transformation!
Heres the after of our front bath:

The idea to put up a shower curtain to the side of the doors is a great idea. You could also add a valance and it would hide the shower head a little then you could push the door to the side and hide it under the curtain if it looks better.

I believe that it's a matter of taste, I don't like shower curtains. so when I went to replace and bought shower enclosures, many of my friends said, they get moldy,look terrible after a while etc.
Well I insisted.and got very modern glass enclosures and the rails are from a new material that won't rust,stain or look horrible. They have been up in my showers now for 6 years and they look like new.
Yes, they are not cheap. but to me the rewards are more than what others may think, Besides, who makes the statememnt that they are dated? Any time that I see a bath remodel and they put a new shower, they also put very nice shower enclosures.

I would put up a new shower curtain and not spend a lot on a shower enclosure. How do you know that even though you are replacing the countertop and vanity, that a new buyer may want to remodel the whole bathroom anyway? The other reason is, when people have small children, doors are kind of a PITA for bathing children.

I would probably install the glass if it were a master bathroom.

JMO

quote:

Originally posted by annielinz:
Your bathroom is similar in layout to our front bath, minus the shower door. We also are moving and after years of putting "lipstick on a pig" we had to bite the bullet and upgrade both baths. Over the last two weeks we redid the floor with new vinyl, vanity/sink/faucet, mirror, toilet and added a new shower curtain.

I'm amazed at the transformation and kick myself for not doing this sooner so I could of enjoyed it!
Since we are selling we went a very neutral route.
With the changes you are considering I think it will be a huge improvement. Make that shower door shine and maybe even add a shower curtain swag it to one side to soften the look.
Good luck with the transformation!
Heres the after of our front bath:

Hi Annie, so good to see your again. : )

So your moving, how exciting. Where are you moving to, if you don't mind me asking? : )
You both must be retiring, lucky ducks. : )