How to Select a Replacement Bathroom Vanity Unit for a Rental Property

When choosing a vanity unit to replace one you have damaged or broken in your rental property, there are a few things to consider to ensure your selection will meet all your requirements, both now and in the future. Let's look at some of the factors involved in selecting the right bathroom vanity unit for your rental property.

Size

The space allocated for wall-mounted units in a rental bathroom is often restricted. Take accurate measurements using a tape measure or ruler prior to visiting your local hardware store or bathroom accessories supplier. This way, you will be able to make an informed selection of a bathroom vanity unit to fit the wall-space in your home.

If you are hesitant or prohibited from drilling new holes to affix your vanity, you will need to measure the distance between the pre-existing holes in the bathroom wall, and either choose a vanity with perfectly-corresponding mounting fixtures, or carefully drill holes in the vanity backing to suit your wall mounting needs.

Speak to your local hardware store attendant or bathroom accessories specialist such as Builders Discount Warehouse to assist you in selecting a vanity to suit your bathroom and wall-mount size requirements.

Style

There are a variety of bathroom fixture styles out there, and your vanity selection will depend on the style of your bathroom. If you are replacing a damaged vanity in your rental property, you'll want to purchase a vanity that is similar to the original vanity, or stylistically suitable to the bathroom space. A modern bathroom will demand a vanity unit that is sleek, minimalist and fashioned from contemporary materials such as stainless steel and frameless glass.

If your bathroom and home are more traditional in style, consider installing an antique or wooden vanity, complete with a natural stone bench top. You may be able to pick up a gem from a garage sale or second hand auction, or opt for a modern reproduction that does not require any restoration.

Usage

Before making your final decision, think about how the vanity will be used. As you're a renter, the vanity will be used by you and your family for a period of time, before it is used by the next renter. It is also important to consider future tenants' requirements—do not choose a vanity that is designed for very specific needs, as the renter that follow your tenancy may find it is not suitable to their needs.

Cost

As this is not your home, and you are replacing an item that has most likely been accidentally broken, minimising costs is an important factor to consider. Shop around, and get a few quotes before you make your final purchase.

Don't be afraid to ask a retailer for their best price—it is a competitive market, and smaller businesses are keen to compete with the larger suppliers in any way they can. Also, contact your real estate agent or landlord and inform them of the situation; they may be happy to cover the bill or share the costs of a replacement vanity with you.

Choose vanity that is visually appealing, suitable to the style of the bathroom, useful for the tenant and cost effective, and your replacement vanity will be a worthwhile investment.