Despite the fact that inside bathrooms were a novelty a matter of decades ago, these rooms are now an integral feature within modern homes. Many people now prioritise attractive and practical bathroom areas when they are buying new properties.
Meanwhile, a considerable number of consumers may be keen to revamp this area within their existing homes. Luckily for these individuals, it is now easy to buy new bathroom toilets and other products for the space. By heading online, people can take their pick from a range of products in a variety of styles and price brackets.
Indeed, new toilets, baths, showers and other items may be in high demand among consumers at present. Research conducted by Gocompare.com has revealed that bathrooms are a priority area when it comes to home improvements.
Of the people it polled, 41 per cent revealed they had revamped their bathrooms within the last three years, while 29 per cent stated they intend to over the coming three years. This put new bathrooms in second place behind kitchen enhancements as the most popular home improvements.
Those who plan to invest in new bathroom toilets and other products may want to heed a warning issued by Gocompare.com. According to the price comparison site, of the homeowners who had undertaken home renovations over the last three years, 43 per cent had failed to inform their home insurance providers of the changes. This may have invalidated their cover.
On this topic, Gocompare.com home insurance spokesperson Mark Greening said: “Undertaking a home renovation or extension not only helps to improve or increase your living space, but can add to the value of your property and your fixtures and fittings. For example, new kitchen cabinets and worktops are usually installed around a new cooker and other domestic appliances – increasing both the value of the property’s rebuilding costs and household contents.
“So, whether you are planning an extension, installing a new kitchen or other major renovation, you should consult your home insurer before you start work so that you can review your sum insured and make sure your plans don’t invalidate your cover.”
He went on to point out that if consumers employ tradesmen to undertake work for them, they should check that they are qualified to carry out the tasks and are registered with a recognised governing body. Mr Greening noted that most home insurance policies do not cover tradesmen or the work they do, meaning it is important that they have their own policies in place.
When people are on the lookout for new toilets, baths, showers and other bathroom products, they can head online. Many consumers now adopt this approach and it is not hard to see why. Shopping in cyberspace can provide people with greater levels of choice and it is also convenient. Meanwhile, as long as they know where to look, individuals can benefit from impressive deals. This may be especially important at present given the tough financial conditions facing many consumers. While wages remain depressed, living costs continue to rise.
Chris Jones enjoys writing about home living and regularly writes for a variety of consumer sites including Usher Bathrooms