Unless you’re the Queen and have access to the 78 bathrooms in Buckingham Palace alone, most houses have no more than two to three bathrooms on average.
But how many bathrooms does a house need and how many bathrooms should a house have?
How many bathrooms should a house have?
Government guidance for bathrooms in HMO (house in multiple occupation) states there should be one bathroom per five people. However, this is only guidance and can be interpreted differently by councils and housing associations.
In short, the answer is… it depends. While this is the most infuriating answer to any question, it is nevertheless one that offers interpretation depending on space available.
When estate agents were asked by Direct Line how many bathrooms they should have in homes, 70% said that properties should have two bathrooms for every three bedrooms to maximise value.
How Many Bathrooms Should a 4-bedroom House Have?
Following the rule of two bathrooms to three bedrooms, a four-bedroom house should therefore have 2.5 bathrooms. This could be a family bathroom, one master en-suite and a downstairs shower/guest bathroom.
However, individual needs must be considered as well. There may not be enough space downstairs for a large guest bathroom, so having two en-suites upstairs, alongside a family bathroom and a downstairs guest toilet, makes for a suitable home allowing for guest access.
How Many Bathrooms Should a Family of Six Have?
A family of six may live in anywhere from a three-bedroom home to a five-bedroom home or more. However, access to bathrooms is a key part of family life. Consider having one large family bathroom, one smaller bathroom, a master en-suite and a downstairs guest bathroom that can double up as a spare washroom if needed.
More bathrooms, especially with growing families, never go amiss. It saves morning and evening struggles over sink access and showering, too.
Bathroom, shower room or toilet?
When it comes to looking at the bathroom you have or you are considering upgrading your space, it’s important to consider what type of room you want to create.
A bathroom, shower or wetroom and toilet room all add different values to a home. An extra bathroom can add up to 6.8% to the value of a three-bed property, which is approximately £12,000. Many estate agents believe a wetroom adds the same value to a property, particularly in younger homes and those in urban centres.
The return on investment should also be considered, as a good bathroom can add up to 200% return, something a downstairs toilet may not be able to do.
En-suite or Family Bathroom?
If you’re considering adding an en-suite to your home, consider the location of your home. Inner city homes in particular will see greater value from a small bedroom being converted into an en-suite over adding another family bathroom. An agent from Savills said that a high-quality en-suite can add £50,000 or more to a £1.5 million plus home in Central London.
Family bathrooms are more preferred in suburban areas where people look to expand families and wish to pay for more space over convenience.
Key Points to Remember When Adding a New Bathroom
If you’re adding a new bathroom to your house before selling, here’s the key points to remember:
- What kind of people would buy your house? If the answer is families, then make sure you’re catering to their interests.
- Are you adding in energy efficient appliances? Appliances with good EPC certificates will help the overall EPC of a house and make it more appealing to future purchasers.
- Maintain a neutral colour scheme and add colour through accessories. While some people may want a bright red bathroom, this isn’t something for everyone’s taste.
If you want to add a new bathroom to your home, speak to the experts at KNB for a free design consultation. We can advise you on how to best improve your home for maximum added value.