When I was searching for my first home, I was more excited about the fact that I would have a place to call my own. I’d saved any extra money I had for a couple of years, often putting off the purchase of a new gadget that I really wanted for the greater good. My hard work, dedication and patience were rewarded when I finally had enough for the down payment and fees for my very own place. When searching for a new home, there are several things that should always be considered, and thinking back, I had considered none of them. Sure, I was after a newly built home, one that I knew I wouldn’t have to do anything to other than decorate and make my own. I hadn’t considered the build quality, assuming that because it was new, it was a quality built home. I hadn’t thought that the builder likely skimped where they could to save some money and increase their profit margins, and that I would end up having to renovate later on with quality materials to get the functionality and durability that expected.
Fast forward twenty years. I’ve purchased a few homes now and have learned through trial and error and simple experience what makes a quality home and what I should have been looking for when I was a wide-eyed first time home buyer. If I could go back and have a conversation with my younger self about what trials and tribulations lay ahead with regards to the purchasing decisions we made when it came to houses, I’d be able to save myself a lot of time and money.
What to Look for When Buying a Home
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to have a list of things that you want when looking for your new home. Square footage, curb appeal, how new the windows are, what sort of heating and cooling systems are included – all very useful things to think about. However, one thing that may be overlooked or simply not given as much consideration is the quality of the build of the rooms in your home. Even in new builds, prospective home buyers can easily be deceived into thinking that something is of high quality if a fresh coat of paint and simple and easy to install fixtures have been added to help pretty up an otherwise poor quality build. But lets says that you absolutely love this home and you buy it (or you already live in your dream home) but you just aren’t happy with the bathroom, there are several simple steps that you can take to improve the quality of one of the most important rooms in your home.
Consider Your Needs and Budget
There are many new products and features that have been invented for modern bathrooms that make convenience and luxury readily available. However, these are things that you might not necessarily need in your bathroom. You’ll need to consider your budget and what you actually need in your bathroom before you start picking out high end vanities and faucets. There are areas that your money is better spent because it will add durability and functionality to the room while also helping improve the decor. For example, ceramic tile suppliers have a wide range of colors and designs that you can choose from. Personally, I love glass tiles. Regardless, you want to choose tiles that will serve you well while also adding a splash of creativity to the room. Because they also provide a function however, your money is going further by providing you with something you need as well as adding color and durability to the room serving as a backsplash and stopping water from getting where it shouldn’t be. Many tile suppliers will often install the tiles for you as well, so you can have them professionally added to your bathroom and rest assured that it will not only serve a function but also add value to the room and home overall.
Think of Function First
Just like the kitchen, your bathroom is one of the hardest working rooms in your home, so it stands to reason that you will want it to be functional and well built as well as look great. You’ll need a lot of storage in the bathroom for everything your family will need to get their day started.
Consider Relaxation Features
Bathrooms aren’t all about functionality however. It’s also a place where you can unwind in a hot tub after a long day acting like your own mini spa. If you have the functionality and quality covered and still have it in the budget to really dazzle it up, consider the extras that will really make people saw ‘Wow!” when then see it. Maybe consider a seat in the shower, a raindrop shower head, pot lighting and easily accessible storage for your linens.
Add the Little Touches
As previously mentioned, some builders will pretty up a bathroom but not put money into the quality of the materials used for the room itself. But if you have that under control, now is the perfect time to add those small touches that really take your bathroom to the next level. Higher quality fixtures, vanity and faucets. Matching linens with the decor of the room. Crown molding or even tasteful knick-knacks can all elevate your bathroom to the next level.
Think Savings and Get a Quote
If home renovations aren’t your thing, feel free to have a contractor come in and explain to them what it is you’re after. You’ll need to tell them what your budget is and also what you’re looking to get from that budget. They will tell you what’s feasible and what might be out of reach, but at least you’ll have spoken with an expert that knows what they’re doing. Lastly, it’s important to get a couple of quotes so that you can get an accurate idea of what you can really expect to pay for your newly renovated bathroom.