If the new buy to let you’ve just purchased happens to have an en-suite or additional cloak room toilet then you’re going to get more rental income (even if you are talking cupboard size). You can make those tiny bathrooms appear bigger though, by using some clever interior design trickery, and we don’t just mean painting the walls a light colour such as beige or mint green.
No, what we’re talking about involve spending a little money but on the whole not much considering what extra you’ll be getting in rental income. You could always consider:
Using plain fittings
Not only are plain toilet roll holders and soap dishes more in keeping with a contemporary minimalist and spa-look for the bathroom, but elaborate fittings with finicky curls and other adornments will just make the room appear cluttered.
Fitting larger tiles
Conversely larger tiles actually make a room look larger. They ‘open’ the room up as it were, giving less of a claustrophobic feel all round. Similar logic applies to the walls. In addition, think about the shape of the tiles. If they are rectangular, for instance, then when fitted lengthwise they will add an illusion of width, place them vertically and the room will feel taller.
Getting ‘door clever’
Most doors these days open into a room. If the door for your buy to let bathroom does, then change it so that it opens into the hall or bedroom instead. When it opens into the bathroom it instantly takes up space.
Using glass
If the bathroom is large enough to accommodate a shower then make sure you get a glass shower door rather than hang up a shower curtain. The glass allows you to see the entire room in one go while the curtain ‘blocks’ of your view, making the room seem smaller. A shower would take up less space than a bath but a great selling point would be to offer both to prospective tenants. This is easily done these days thanks to the new range of space-saving ‘P’ or ‘L’ shaped shower baths.
Reflecting on size
On the subject of glass, flat wall mirrors are excellent for making any room in your buy to let appear larger. They do this, of course, simply by reflecting the existing space and the light in the room. And the bigger the mirror, the more space will be reflected and the larger the room will seem.
Cutting in a cornice
If the room is tall, ironically adding a cornice to the ceiling would draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of more height – and therefore space – in the bathroom. It will also add some novelty (which is always nice in a buy to let).
Floating the shelving
Fixing floating shelves (ie those without visible hinges) to the wall for the purpose of storing toiletries and towels, rather than having a bulky bathroom cabinet (even if it does have a mirrored door) will give a less cluttered and therefore roomier look to the bathroom.
Buying blinds
Hanging up curtains over the bathroom window (if you’re lucky enough to have one in such a small room) will make the room feel even more compact by blocking out the light. Instead, put up blinds which can be opened instantly with one pull and feel much more streamlined with the wall.
Changing the suite
If you have the cash to splash on your buy to let then consider investing in wall-hung furniture. With this type of WC the plumbing and cistern are hidden in the wall and there are no ‘legs’ or ‘base’ to make the floor feel cluttered. The overall look is of neatness and more space. Better still, because the suites are so small, you’re bound to find that they’re not particularly expensive either.
Hanging hooks
Fixing either hooks or rails to the walls on which towels, dressing gowns and toiletry bags can be hung will definitely save space. A slim heated radiator is an ideal solution for towels.
The above are just an easy-to-read quick guide. We’re sure you can think of some tips we’ve already mentioned – or your prospective tenants can.
FJP Investment is a team of investment specialists sourcing a wide range of investment opportunities both in the UK and overseas. Products include the recently launched property investment bond from Empire Property Holdings.
