Turn your bathroom into a spa retreat without breaking the bank

With rising house prices, stamp duty costs, and a shortage of available housing, millions of UK homeowners are choosing to invest in their current properties rather than relocate.

As part of the Improve, Not Move trend, almost seven million UK homeowners plan to renovate their homes by 2027, budgeting an average of £14,000 each.

Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the favoured rooms in the home to improve.

With trends changing all the time, an upgraded bathroom could typically add up to four percent onto the value of a home for those planning to sell their property – meaning a bathroom renovation could see a 50-70 per cent return on investment.

And adding an additional bathroom could add around £10,800 on the average UK home.

But even if you want a makeover you can enjoy yourself, here are some tips from the trades.

Whether you are someone who enjoys a quick shower or a long soak in the bath, the bathroom provides the ideal room in the home to help you relax, recharge and refresh.

No matter what the size of the bathroom, there are some clever and inexpensive ways to help turn an uninspiring space into a serene sanctuary and get it ‘spa ready’.

• Go green and incorporate nature into the bathroom - from potted plants on the windowsill to hanging planters or even a vase filled with pampas grass – plants can add instant calm and lift your mood.
• Think about investing in new shower head, particularly if your bathroom is relatively old. Take time to look for the perfect rainfall shower head to get the real spa effect.
• A clear room equals a clear mind. Ensuring the bathroom is clutter free and as tidy as possible will allow for a place of peace and tranquillity. Consider decanting any essentials into pots and jars, tuck away toiletries in baskets or cupboards and clear out any unused or expired products.
• Be a space saver and roll towels to give your bathroom that hotel feel or invest in some over-the-door hooks. Choose a towel colour that complements your décor. And remember, the fluffier the towels the better.
• Bath trays have come a long way over the years - they are now a trendy and versatile accessory that can be matched to your own style of bathroom. There are bath trays with phone, tablet and book holders, while some are simpler and can be used to carry toiletries, candles and that well-deserved glass of wine.
• Adding candles to your bathroom is the easiest way to mimic the calming nature of a spa. Scents like lavender, jasmine and vanilla will create a calm, tranquil atmosphere in your bathroom but it’s worth taking the time to discover which makes you feel the most relaxed. If you are not a fan of candles - reed diffuser or essential oils in your favourite scent will do the same job.
• Finally – don’t forget to create a bath time playlist – with some calming sounds or chilled out tunes to really help you enjoy the new space you have created.

Research showed that 91 of homeowners hired professionals for their renovation projects, indicating strong trust in expertise despite tighter budgets.

If you are looking to give your bathroom more than a simple makeover, Safe Local Trades’ tried and tested bathroom specialists can help you achieve your vision or complete bathroom transformation and overhaul, with clever space-creating designs, storage solutions and energy efficient fittings.