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ensuite: how much added value?
https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37526
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Author:  SpArKLyStAr [ Aug 23, 2010 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  ensuite: how much added value?

Hello hello,

We're in the process of finalising our plans, hopefully beginning to build in October.

Now, we're first home buyers, planning on building a very modest 13 square (plus garage on top), 3 bed, open plan house.

We only really need one bathroom/toilet. We won't be having children, very rarely entertain and have people over. To be honest, only one would really be needed (we only have one in our present house, and no issues).

But, are we shooting ourselves in the foot in terms of resale value later? We can add in an ensuite on our plans, and if I remember correctly it's an extra $7k.

Appreciate your wisdom :)

Author:  ring09 [ Aug 23, 2010 12:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

If you can afford it then do it - we are looking at selling very soon and the prices houses with 2 bathrooms get compared to 1 bathroom is quite a lot. We were in same position as you when we built first house, no children so why do it, but we are sorry now. So my 2 bobs worth is do it if you can

Author:  suh [ Aug 23, 2010 12:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

I think an ensuite is a must for resale and it can be stylish without being big ::smile::

Author:  donuts [ Aug 23, 2010 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

suh suh
I think an ensuite is a must for resale and it can be stylish without being big ::smile::

agree. do it if you can afford it money-wise and space wise. But if you would miss the extra space elsewhere while you are living there then I think you shouldn't do it. No use doing something only for resale if you are primarily building for yourselves. :)

Author:  joles [ Aug 23, 2010 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

Ensuites are great for resale, but for a 13sq house, a spacious WOW main bathroom would be preferable to a tiny bathroom and an ensuite. :th:

If you expect to live there for more than 5 years, don't worry about it, more important to build for your requirements and use the space elsewhere. The money lost in resale is outweighed by the comfort of the house while living there long term.
If you can see yourself moving on in less than 5 years, I'd be more inclined to add it.

Author:  kek [ Aug 23, 2010 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

How about a powder room? Two loos are always handy - even if there are only two people living in the house. :wink:

Our first home was less than 12 squares and we had an ensuite. We did lack a few other necessities though - a linen cupboard, for one thing. :roll: And the ensuite was tiny - I lost count of the number of times I banged an elbow on the towel rail or shower screen while drying myself. :?

Maybe a good-sized bathroom with access from both the master bedroom and from the hallway to the minor bedrooms would do? :th: Especially if you can squeeze in a second toilet somewhere.

Author:  Helyn [ Aug 23, 2010 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

Quote:
Maybe a good-sized bathroom with access from both the master bedroom and from the hallway to the minor bedrooms would do? Especially if you can squeeze in a second toilet somewhere.


I personally really dislike those 2 way bathrooms or semi ensuites - my DD has one in her rented house in Adelaide and is a PITA - double access to a bathroom just doesnt work, they ended up leaving the door from bathroom to main bedroom permanantly locked.
Fortunately the house design is such that the occupant of the main bedroom still has easy access to the bathroom from the hallway same as other bedrooms.
I have seen many houses here in the similar size range to yours with semi-ensuites, sometimes the main bedroom would have difficulty accessing the bathroom other than via the direct door, depending on the floor plan.

If some other houses in your area are same size and some have 1 bathroom then I think re-sale would be ok, they certainly sell ok here.

IMO though, either have an ensuite or dont have an ensuite - dont try this semi-ensuite compromise, not really practical in real life.
I would suggest haveing one bathroom with toilet in bathroom and a 2nd toilet elsewhere, say, off the laundry.That is a better compromise to me.

Author:  thoseriches [ Aug 03, 2011 12:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

$7K is neither here nor there, it will probably add $20 a month to your mortgage. I would add the ensuite. In a market where you are may be later trying to sell a house that small, the ensuite will be the point of difference that tips a buyer in favour of your house over another. It also broadens the potential market for your home to retirees and people with one child.

Author:  Laila [ Oct 25, 2011 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: ensuite: how much added value?

I don't think my husband and I could ever go back after living with 2 bathrooms!

We live in a 2 bedroom semi (just us 2!) and I mainly use the ensuite and he uses the main bathroom, it's great when we have guests as all my personal items are hidden away and if we ever have kids or built up we've already got the second bathroom.

Personally if I was looking for a three bedroom house I would expect 2 bathrooms. You could do a property search for your area to see the difference in price and the common arrangement, as different areas have different standards.

For example we have our laundry under bench in the kitchen yet which is standard in our area yet out in the suburbs where we have family every house has a separate room for the laundry.

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