The quality of a bathroom is of major importance to most househunters - experts advise that you can't pay enough attention to your family bathroom, guest toilets and en suite.

Grubby grout, grimy baths and grungy mirrors are a real turn-off and, what's more, there really is no excuse - with a little attention and minimum expense all bathrooms can be improved.

"After a hard day's work, what better way to relax than climb into a hot, foamy bath surrounded by luxury, warmth and fluffy towels? This is the image we need to create in the minds of the potential purchasers," says Jill O'Neill of Sherry FitzGerald.

Grubby grout is a big offender in the bathroom, she says. DIY stores have a range of products and kits, which will restore nasty grey and yellow grout to its former glory.

Atlantic Homecare (01 295 0252) recommends HG's grout cleaner, which is priced at 8.50 for 500mls. For smaller jobs try International's grout whitener pen, which costs €5.95 and covers 45 metres.

If your tiles have seen better days, bleach them or, if that doesn't work, replace them altogether. Redoing your bathroom with a simple white tile won't break the bank and will really lift your bathroom.

Right Price Tile store has a basic white wall tile for the bathroom for 7.99 per sq yd (01 8226223).

If your bathroom is really small and you are prepared to spend a bit of money, consider tiling every wall completely. This maximises the sense of space in your bathroom and gives it a fresh lease of life. Think of a hotel bathroom - small, but stylish and normally tiled throughout.

Finally, make sure your bathroom has a good-sized mirror. This will help to reflect light and, again, will maximise the space in the room.