Attract buyers with an updated powder room

If you've ever lived in a home without a powder room, you know all too well the hassle of keeping your family's main bathroom in perfect order should a guest need to use it. Needless to say, a powder room is an excellent selling feature. 

If you're thinking of placing your home on the market this spring and your powder room has been a little neglected over the years, consider an inexpensive overhaul that will attract buyers - especially those who can't wait to own a home with a two-piece bath on the main floor. 

Just because it's a small space doesn't mean you have to hold back on style. This is one room in your home that guests (and prospective buyers) will see up close and personal, so take some time to make it beautiful. 

Address the walls - Hopefully your powder room isn't still rocking the builder beige walls. If it is, a colour transformation is your first step towards bathroom bliss.  Because there is little to cover, consider an eye-catching printed wallpaper. Another option is a bold colour (think plum, navy or brick red) complemented with a focal wall in another material - wood planks, wainscoting or stone would be lovely. 

Go luxury - Spend some money here on your fixtures, lighting and accessories. They will be noticed! Choose a fancy faucet in brushed nickel, unique wall sconces instead of a standard vanity light and buy the most expensive hand towels you can afford. Staging matters in this room, too. 

Think green - Many buyers in the market for a new home have energy conservation in mind. Your bathroom is an excellent place to start when it comes to saving money on your water bill. Consider replacing the toilet with a new, macerating model. Installation is easy and they use about 40 per cent less water with each and every flush. 

Ditch the vanity - A powder room really doesn't need a ton of storage, so if yours feels a little crowded with its bulky faux wood vanity, tear it out and shop for a sleek, new pedestal sink. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they will take up about the half the amount of space.