When it comes to assessing your property’s value, you may only focus on the structure’s overall condition and cosmetic upgrades. Whilst these aspects are important, something that’s often overlooked in this process is plumbing, and any issues with plumbing can significantly influence your property’s value.
In this article we are going to explore the link between plumbing and property value, and the effects of plumbing issues, and answer some common questions such as ‘do plumbing upgrades increase home value?’ and ‘do I need new plumbing?’ Let’s get into it!
The link between plumbing and property value
Plumbing is sometimes referred to as the “hidden infrastructure” of a home. It’s out of sight, concealed beneath floors and behind walls, making it easy to miss when assessing the value of your property. However, the correlation between plumbing and property value is more important than you think.
Having an up to date plumbing system will increase the likelihood of someone buying your property. Home buyers want to know that the home they’re getting has modern and well-maintained plumbing so that they aren’t hit with costly repairs just after moving in.
Issues with plumbing, such as an outdated system, leaky pipes or dripping taps can considerably decrease the value of your property. When these issues are left untreated, it can cause damage to the structure and infrastructure of a property – such as mould growth or compromised electrical systems. This can lead to other expensive repairs, which is why it’s worth investing in your plumbing.
Do plumbing upgrades increase property value?
The short answer is yes, plumbing upgrades do increase property value. Making upgrades to your plumbing system improves your property’s efficiency and functionality, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
There are many ways to go about investing in your plumbing. Here are a few plumbing investments to consider:
- Installing an energy efficient boiler or hot water cylinder
- Upgrading to low flow toilets and highly efficient taps and showerheads
- Opting for durable materials for piping such as copper or PEX
- Adding water softeners to prevent mineral buildup
In addition, bathroom and kitchen remodels that include plumbing upgrades can significantly boost your property’s value and appeal.
In the long run, these investments will reduce water consumption and increase the lifespan of your plumbing, saving you money and making your home more attractive!
The effects of plumbing issues
Plumbing issues can affect the structure, aesthetics and functionality of your property. Health and safety issues can also arise from this.
Water damage
Over time, leaky or burst pipes and dripping taps can result in water seepage into your property’s walls, ceilings or floors. This can lead to mould growth, rotting wood or weakened foundations. Visible signs of leaks, warped flooring or peeling paint will have an impact on your property’s aesthetic appeal. Ultimately these structural problems will heavily influence a buyer’s perception on your property’s quality and how safe it is. Upgrading your plumbing system and regular maintenance and repairs will prevent these problems from occurring.
Functional problems
Functional problems such as inconsistent temperature regulation, clogged drains, broken toilet flushes and low water pressure can discourage potential buyers. They may see these problems as an inconvenience and an extra cost to fix. In older properties, pipes may be made with galvanised steel or iron which are both prone to corrosion. These corroded pipes can lead to reduced water flow and discoloured water. Regular maintenance and pipe inspections can prevent these functional issues from occurring.
Health and safety concerns
When looking for a home potential buyers prioritise health and safety. Plumbing issues such as water leaks can pose significant health and safety risks, greatly impacting your property’s resale value. Moisture accumulation creates an ideal environment for mould growth which can cause respiratory issues and allergies.
As well as this, faulty plumbing or outdated materials can contaminate the water supply, compromising its quality and safety. These issues can be major deterrents for prospective buyers. By addressing these issues and providing evidence of water quality testing or mould remediation, you can increase your property’s value.
How GreenSmart can help
If you’re looking to sell your home and want to upgrade your plumbing systems or simply just want to fix any plumbing issues look no further! At GreenSmart, we specialise in providing high quality plumbing solutions so contact us today to discover how we can help.
