Spruce up the bathroom
Make it clean, fresh and future-proof with a walk-in bath or shower
REFRESHING the bathroom is one of the most popular home improvement projects, undertaken by 34 per cent of householders during the past five years.
And many feel it can add value to the home while improving its look, according to the respected NAEA Propertymark website.
In the bathroom, re-grouting, eliminating all limescale and replacing taps are options worth considering, advises the site — run by the National Association of Estate Agents.
Bathrooms need to be fresh and clean, so make sure the walls are a neutral colour and ideally replace a shower curtain with a new one or a simple glass screen.
AS National Home Improvement Month continues, those looking to update their bathroom might also want to future-proof it, especially if they live in their ‘forever’ home, with no plans to move.
An easy access shower can be very stylish, while making it easy to bathe safely if your mobility reduces. Grab bars, seating and other safety features reduce risk and build confidence.
A walk-in bath is an alternative for those who love a good soak. There are sit-up versions that fit into smaller spaces and full-length models with showers screens and small doors.
A suitable shower or bath removes the worry of having to clamber over a high-sided bath, minimising the risk of a serious fall. There have also been calls for house builders to ensure that the properties they construct are accessible.
Only seven per cent of homes have all four accessibility features that make it possible for most people to visit (level access to the entrance, a flush threshold, sufficiently wide doors and circulation space, and a toilet at entrance level).
Not meeting these criteria means that people who have a disability or who have lost mobility with age are at a huge disadvantage when looking for a home or when visiting friends and family, and are increasingly disabled by their environment, says the Centre for Ageing Better in a recent report.