In most of our investment homes we buy with the intent to flip, we try to make sure they are the standard 3 bedroom 2 bath at the minimum. Homes with just one bath are very had to sell. In some instances we have actually added a 2nd bath to make the home more desirable. Here are our top picks for before and after bathrooms.

Hall Bathrooms

Master Bath

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The hardware in a bathroom or kitchen sink can really set off the room. Different designs, styles and features allow you to dress up and draw attention to the space. Always try to update the fixtures especially the faucets. Make sure if you switch out the sink faucet you also match it to the shower or tub faucets as well.

Not all faucet types work with every sink, so it’s important to make sure the faucet you choose will fit your sink or basin especially when you are remodeling a potential flip. Also be sure to know what your faucet drillings are before you make that trip to Lowe’s on your lunch break.  Here’s a look at each.

Faucet Drillings

Widespread Faucets- They have a spout with separate hot and cold water handles. Widespread faucets are available from 6-in to 16-in drillings for 3-hole predrilled installation basins.

Center-set Faucets (mini-widespread)-They’re made for 4-in predrilled with 3-hole installation basins. They combine a spout and valves on a single base unit. Center-set faucets may have a single-handle mixing lever or two handles mounted onto a 6-in plate.

Single Hole Faucets: They may have a single handle mixing lever, two handles or may be touchless or touch-activated. Some single hole faucets have an optional cover plate for predrilled 4-in-drill installations.

Wall-mounted Faucets: They’re available for above-the-counter and freestanding basins that require a long spout for extended reach. They won’t work with basins that have predrilled holes. Wall-mounted faucets require a separate wall-mounted valve and drain for installation. Make sure the spout is long enough for basin clearance and that the sink is deep enough to prevent water splashing on your floor or countertops.

 Faucet Colors and Finishes

• Black
• Brass (antique or polished)
• Bronze
• Chrome (matte, brushed or polished)
• Copper
• Gold
• Iron
• Nickel (brushed and pearl)
• Stainless Steel

Faucet Control Options

Some Different Faucet Styles

Like color and finish choices there are a variety of options for the simple act of turning a faucet on or off.

Lever Handles: Their design makes them easy to grip and turn. Lever handles are available in many decorative styles.

Joystick: A control similar to a lever, with a different look and a different range of motion.

Cross Handles: Models offer different finishes to coordinate with the room’s décor.

Knobs: These function like cross handles, but offer a different style.

Push-buttons: Turn the water on with a push instead of turning a handle or knob.

Touchless: Motion-activated faucets don’t require handles or knobs at all. Simply place your hands under the spout to activate.

Touch-activated: Like touchless models, these faucets don’t require you to manipulate handles or knobs. Activate them or turn them off with a simple tap. A handle controls the water temperature and acts as a manual control. Great for kitchens when your hands might be messy or full.

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Faucets

The right faucet can add a special look to your bathroom. Different designs, styles and features allow you to dress up and draw attention to the space. Always try to update the fixtures especially the faucets. Make sure if you switch out the sink faucet you also match it to the shower or tub faucets as well. There are also many options for style.

Different Faucet Styles

Coordinate your faucet color and finish with the rest of the fixtures and accessories in your bathroom. Choices include:

• Black
• Brass (antique or polished)
• Bronze
• Chrome (matte, brushed or polished)
• Copper
• Gold
• Iron
• Nickel (brushed and pearl)
• Stainless Steel

Cabinets

Hopefully you can resurface or refinish the cabinets with paint or new stain. But if you have to pull the old ones you can replace them or do away completely with the vanity part and just add a wall mounted sink for a more contemporary look.

Toilet

Pretty basic stuff here. Be sure to look at options that match the sink if you go ceramic. Also a lot of consumers will be interested in water conservation so add a low flow toilet if code allows it your area.

Vanity/sink

Many options here. You can do a granite or marble vanity which or most common or you can do a vessel sink. Vessel sinks have become very popular and add an air of sophistication to any bath. There are also ceramic, metal and glass options. Or they can be built in to the vanity which is very traditional. There are also stand alone and wall mounted options which are more expensive.

Tub/Shower combo

Make sure to update the hardware to match the sink. If the old one is fiberglass or acrylic, consider relining it or if your budget allows tile the sides to make the bathroom really pop.

For more options on tub and shower options check out this link.

http://www.inman.com/2012/02/17/pros-and-cons-9-bathtub-materials/

 Stand Alone Shower

Again the material used is probably fiberglass, ceramic tile or acrylic. Replace or repair any damaged tiles or go full tile if it is not upgraded. 

Flooring

Most out of date bathrooms will be floored with linoleum or laminate. If your budget allows, adding a tile floor will impress potential buyers. If you have a more meager budget, go for a good grade laminate that “looks” like tile. If there is carpet in the bathroom (yes we have actually seen this.) replace it.

To learn more about Part-Time REI visit us at http://part-timerei.com/

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