Bathroom renovations can be a costly project, and with the disruptive nature of the process, many homeowners often put it off for years. But a refreshed bathroom doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With the right approach, even the smallest upgrades can modernise a space, improve comfort, and boost marketability of a home.
READ: How you can use mirrors to make any room appear visually larger
According to Adrian Goslett, CEO and Regional Director of REMAX Southern Africa, bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas of a home where the cost of the renovation can be largely recouped on the sale of a property.
“Even if the rest of the property is well maintained, an outdated bathroom can create the impression that the home needs additional work. Fortunately, homeowners don’t always need a full renovation to achieve a noticeable improvement.”
Goslett notes that the key to cost-effective bathroom upgrades is focusing on visual impact, functionality, and durability. Homeowners are encouraged to prioritise changes that make the space look cleaner, brighter, and more contemporary, while avoiding structural upgrades that drive up costs.
Depending on what you want to achieve, a simple renovation can make just as much of a difference as a full remodel. Sometimes a bathroom only needs a few alterations, such as modern fixtures, a good tile and grout clean, and a fresh coat of paint, to feel like a brand-new space.
READ: Modern bathroom ideas to upgrade your space
Hardware stores regularly bring in new stock, so it’s often easy to find discounted fixtures that match your style. In some cases, it may be as simple as replacing the taps or even swapping out the bathtub. You could also consider upgrading to a double sink, adding recessed lighting, or installing new floor and wall tiles.
If you are looking to do the renovations yourself, there is a wealth of information on do-it-yourself bathroom projects. However, Goslett advises homeowners to be cautious about where they cut costs. While DIY improvements can help keep budgets in check, plumbing and electrical work should always be done by qualified professionals.
“A budget renovation should still be a quality renovation,” says Goslett. “Poor workmanship can quickly turn a cost-saving project into an expensive repair. If homeowners focus on affordable, high-impact upgrades and ensure the basics are done properly, they can enjoy a bathroom that feels new without overspending.”
READ: Here are some tips for cleaning and organising your bathroom
For homeowners preparing to sell, Goslett recommends viewing the bathroom through a buyer’s eyes. Clean lines, neutral finishes, good lighting, and a well-maintained look can help the home photograph better and show better, supporting stronger buyer interest.
“That’s where it is so useful to work with a real estate agent. They can view the home through neutral eyes and have the experience to know what buyers want in homes in that area. If you are unsure where to start the renovation, reach out to your local REMAX agent for some free advice,” Goslett concludes.
Being a homeowner has its problems, but even living in a rental home can have its issues if you have a landlord that couldn't care less. Small problems in a bathroom can pop up at any time, usually when you least expect it. But there are some minor problems that you can fix yourself without too much hassle and for very little cost.
We look at a few minor bathroom issues that can be fixed without expensive tools and without too much of your valuable time.
1. Fix a clogged-up showerhead
Hard water and minerals in the water supply can easily lead to clogged filters and a blocked showerhead. Even though your water pressure is usually fine, as soon as the small holes in the showerhead start building up with scale and mineral deposits, the slower the water coming out. There is a very easy way to solve this problem and you only need a few items you may already have in the home.
You will need:
- White spirit vinegar
- Plastic bag
- Rubber band
- Scouring pad
- Toothpicks
Here’s how:
- Fill the plastic bag to about halfway with white spirit vinegar. The acid in vinegar breaks down the mineral deposits.
- Place the bag of vinegar over the showerhead, making sure to completely cover the holes in the showerhead.
- Use a rubber band to hold the bag in place and leave overnight.
- In the morning, remove the bag of vinegar and scrub with a scouring pad, cleaning out the holes with a toothpick.
2. Stop dripping or leaking taps
Taps that leak or drip waste a lot of water, especially if left unattended to for a long time. Fixing a dripping or leaking tap immediately will not only prevent added expenses on your monthly water bill it is also good for preserving this natural resource.
Fixing a leaky or dripping tap shouldn't take more than a few minutes - even if you've never done this before and you won't have to worry about wasting water anymore. Furthermore, a packet of tap washers will only cost you around R20.00 and you will have spares left over for the next time you need to fix a tap.
You will need:
- Plumber's wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tap washer
Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply, either in the bathroom itself or at the main stopcock.
- Remove the decorative top of the tap. For older taps, you might have to use a plumber's wrench to remove the top section.
- Use the wrench to loosen the main spindle inside the tap.
- Remove the worn washer and replace with a new one.
- Repeat the process in reverse to put the tap back together again.
If your taps are very old and replacing the tap washer does not solve the problem, it might be time to think about replacing your taps entirely.
3. Prevent blocked drains
If a sink is taking a long to drain, it could be that a blockage is starting to build up. This happens more frequently in a kitchen sink, where fat and food particles stick together to form a stubborn blockage.
Prevent this from happening by regularly cleaning the drain with a mixture of white spirit vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. This helps reduce build-up in pipes and will reduce the possibility of a serious blockage.
4. Fix the slow flow on taps
If your taps have sluggish water flow it could be that the filter is blocked. Most modern taps have a steel mesh filter screwed on the end. To clean it, simply unscrew it so you can remove any debris blocking the filter.
Stubborn grit can be removed with an old toothbrush. If there is hard water or mineral build-up on the filter, soak it for 30 minutes in white spirit vinegar and then rinse it clean.
Read: 4 helpful DIY tips for minor plumbing problems
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