Does your Hertfordshire home have older plumbing that works just about ok, but could be better? Whether it’s slightly leaky taps, noisy pipes or an outdated bathroom, you may have learned to just live with some issues.
But if you’re looking to sell or simply boost your property value, it could be time to consider upgrading your property’s plumbing.
A plumbing upgrade would not only improve everyday functionality for you and your family. It could also significantly raise the market value of your home. And if you’re selling in a particularly competitive part of Hertfordshire like St Albans, Hitchin or Watford, this really could help your property stand out.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the value-adding plumbing upgrades you might want to consider.
Full Bathroom Renovation
After kitchens, bathrooms are the most scrutinised rooms during property viewings. This highly functional space can also make a big difference to your quality of life while living in your home.
If your bathroom is outdated, it could be well worth considering a full renovation. You could:
- Install contemporary fixtures (such as a rainfall shower or freestanding bath).
- Upgrade to dual-flush, water-efficient toilets.
- Add underfloor heating or heated towel rails.
This last step is particularly appealing to buyers looking for a certain level of luxury, such as in higher-end Hertfordshire areas like Harpenden or Berkhamsted.
Add Additional Bathrooms
If you have the space or are planning on extending, you might want to think about adding an extra bathroom. Adding an en-suite or a downstairs loo could be a sound investment, making your home more practical for larger families.
Kitchen Plumbing Improvements
There are lots of plumbing improvements you can make in the kitchen, without needing to rip out and replace everything.
Possible upgrades include:
- Installing a boiling water tap or filtered water system
- Replacing the sink and taps with durable, modern versions
- Installing a dishwasher if you don’t already have one (and if you have space).
All of these can bring your kitchen instantly up to date, at least from a plumbing perspective.
Install a New Boiler or Heat Pump
An old, inefficient boiler is not only expensive for you to run – it’s also off-putting to potential buyers. If your boiler is 10 years old or more, it could be time to replace it. You may also want to consider future-proofing your home by installing a modern sustainable alternative such as a heat pump.
And don’t forget about smart thermostats, as a connected, smart heating system will definitely appeal to future buyers.
Take Steps to Improve Water Pressure
Poor water pressure is a nightmare for you, and a real turn-off for anyone wanting to buy your home now or in the future.
You may want to get a specialist in to take a look. There are many affordable plumbing services in Hertfordshire which will be able to analyse and identify the problem, and implement a solution.
This may be to install a water pressure booster system or address failing valves, both of which are relatively inexpensive upgrades.
Replacing and Insulating Pipework
Old, noisy or leaky pipework simply has to go, before it fails altogether – which could result in water damage to your property.
Replacing old lead or galvanised steel pipework – which is a red flag for surveyors and buyers alike – with modern copper or plastic alternatives ensures long-term reliability and better water quality too.
And while you’re at it, make sure any pipes in outdoor, unused or particularly cold rooms are fully insulated. This can prevent freezing and bursting in cold weather.
Eco-friendly Upgrades
Sustainability is increasingly important to today’s buyers, so homes with eco-friendly features are likely to be in demand.
Many eco-friendly plumbing upgrades are quick, easy and cheap to do, and you can even install many of them yourself. Consider installing:
- Low-flow showerheads
- Aerated taps
- Dual-flush toilets (you’ll definitely need a plumber for this one).
You could even consider installing a greywater recycling system. This is where water from baths, showers and sinks is reused for toilet flushing or gardening.
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