There are a lot of thoughts that run through the minds of homeowners who are considering a bathroom remodeling project.
“How much does a bathroom remodel cost?”
“How long will a bathroom remodel take to complete?”
“Which contractor should I hire?”
“Will a bathroom remodel increase my home’s value?”
Often, they share these same thoughts with our team when we sit down to talk about the logistics of their project. While the answer to each question varies, let’s focus today on the last question:
“Will a bathroom remodel increase my home’s value?”
The Importance of Upgrading Your Bathroom
Did you know that a bathroom remodel can benefit your home’s value more than other remodeling projects? It’s true! A midrange (or average) bathroom remodel has a national average return on investment (ROI) of 72.7%.
Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well. A badly done bathroom remodel can ruin your whole house in the eyes of prospective buyers. Investing in your bathroom may not only increase your home’s value but it could also be the final selling point that sets your home apart from others.
But, don’t just take our word for it.
According to Zillow, an online real estate database, “Zillow data shows that bathroom remodels yield the biggest returns in terms of boosting your home’s resale value. For minor cosmetic changes, you’ll see a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend. This includes things like painting and refinishing cabinets, swapping out the mirror or upgrading hardware.”
Bathroom Upgrades That Have a High ROI
While many bathroom renovations can boost your home’s value, there are some upgrades you should consider a high priority and others that you may want to skip altogether. Here’s a closer look at the projects that are most worth your investment.
Flooring
Is your grout looking dirty? Does your tile look like it’s straight out of the ’80s? Time to update it! We recommend changing out your flooring with porcelain or ceramic tile, which is waterproof, durable, and inexpensive.
You might also consider installing heated floors, which are perfect for cold winters and may appeal to buyers more.
Vanity
The vanity area is often overlooked in favor of “bigger” renovations, but don’t underestimate the impact of updating it. Consider upgrading your countertops, faucet, and sink for maximum impact.
You also might want to extend your vanity to include double sinks, particularly in a master bathroom. And, if you’re looking for the highest ROI, opt for granite countertops with a modern sink and faucet design.
Cabinets
Take a closer look at your cabinets and try to see in from the perspective of a buyer. Do they need to be upgraded? Buyers are looking for modern, clean cabinetry. Refacing your cabinets can help make your space look more enticing.
And don’t overlook the details! Replacing the hardware on your cabinets and drawers can be an easy and relatively cheap way to freshen up the look of your cabinets.
Shower and tub
The focal point of any bathroom is the shower and/or tub, so it should come as no surprise that remodeling them offers the highest ROI. If you’re upgrading your master bathroom, replacing your tub with a large walk-in shower can raise your home’s value.
However, make sure at least one bathroom in your home has a bathtub, as buyers with small children will consider that a “must-have” feature.
Adding glass doors to your tub or shower is a high-impact upgrade that will also appeal to most buyers.
Bathroom Upgrades With a Low ROI
The most important thing to remember during a remodeling project is that your home should first and foremost serve the needs of you and your family. So, if there’s a feature you’d love to add, you should do so!
However, if your primary goal is to increase your home’s value and be more competitive on the market, you might want to skip these upgrades.
Jet tubs
Sure, the idea of soaking in a whirlpool tub in the comfort of your own home sounds great, but the reality is that they’re expensive, hard to maintain, and they break down frequently. Except in rare cases, installing a jet tub won’t bring a good ROI.
Steam showers and custom spas
Again, while a steam shower or custom spa sounds like an undoubtedly cool feature, they don’t provide a great ROI. Skip them unless you want to add them for your own enjoyment.
Easy and Cheap DIY Projects to Increase Your Home’s Value
Keep in mind that bathroom upgrades can impact your home’s value without putting a large dent in your wallet. There are several easy, low-cost projects you can do yourself to make your home more appealing.
Paint
Paint can be powerful. After all, you can transform the whole look and feel of a space with a simple coat of paint. Check out the selection at your local hardware store and get to work. You might be surprised by the impact it makes!
Lighting
Do you still have the original light fixtures in your house? If your home is more than 10 years old, chances are that your fixtures look outdated. Swap out your bathroom’s main lighting with a chic new option to refresh the whole space.
Shelving
Try adding vertical shelves to your bathroom, which take up less room than other shelving options, while still adding a good amount of storage space. All you need is a hammer, a few nails, and a level to make a significant impact in your bathroom.
Mirror
Consider replacing your old mirror with a new one to instantly update your bathroom. There are even options available now that include built-in lighting to give your space an updated, luxurious feel.
Talk to Gehman Design Remodeling About Your Bathroom Remodel
Ready to take the next step toward a new bathroom and increase your home’s value as a result? The team at Gehman Design Remodeling is here to help! We’ll work with you to determine which upgrades make the most sense for your family and your needs, develop a budget and timeline, and get to work.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’d love to hear from you!
