When it comes to remodeling homes to increase property value, most homeowners look to their kitchens or bathrooms. These areas can make or break a sale. Even if you aren’t looking for an immediate buyer, improvements to your kitchen or bathroom can also enhance your personal quality of life.
How much can a bathroom remodel really increase property value? A complete midrange bathroom remodels typically costs around $20,420 to complete and has a resale value of around $13,717. So, you can stand to recoup 67.2% of the costs in the resale of the home. So, it’s a worthy investment.
Maybe you’re interested in completely gutting your bathroom and starting over. Perhaps you’re hoping to make a few improvements. Either way, here are four bathroom remodeling ideas to get you started on the right foot.
Update Fixtures and Paint
Painting and updating your fixtures are two of the most cost-effective ways to give your
bathroom a new look. When it comes to choosing a paint color, go for neutrals. Potential buyers want to be able to see themselves in their prospective homes. So, neutrals are always a safe choice. Plus, neutrals are timeless, so you don’t have to worry about your paint choice going out of style. Pastels, we’re looking at you.
Now, to the topic of fixtures. Sink faucets, towel racks, and drawer knobs are relatively cheap to purchase, but can significantly improve the look and feel of your bathroom. Light fixture upgrades are also worth considering.
Countertops and Vanities
Bathrooms used to be purely functional rooms. Now, a lot of people use their bathrooms as the primary location for getting ready during the morning rush. So today, bathroom counters need to be spacious, durable, and able to resist moisture, cosmetics, and soap. In other words, tiny, porous countertops aren’t going to cut it.
Many people are moving towards natural stone or quartz bathroom counters because they can withstand heat, water, and cosmetics. They’re also aesthetically pleasing and offer the look of luxe. If these options are out of budget, a laminate countertop is also an excellent choice.
Flooring and Tile Upgrades
Tiles have long been the flooring choice for bathrooms. They’re easy to maintain and relatively cheap. They also come in about every color you could want. Most bathrooms also have tile backsplashes behind the counter or in the shower. All these areas could be worth remodeling depending on the wear and tear of your current tiles. Sometimes tiles are clearly dated, based on their color or grout degradation. Sometimes the tiles might be in okay shape, but you simply want a higher-quality tile.
If increasing your property value is your main objective, opt for engineered hardwood or natural stone for your flooring. These two options are higher end. Experts can install engineered hardwood right on top of existing flooring, making it a top choice for remodels. Natural stone has many options, and it’s durable and usually indicates a level of luxury.
Also, the market is moving towards lighter colors and greys for floors. So regardless of your material choice, you’ll want to do some research on lighter colors or grey flooring ideas.
Touches of Luxury
Adding touches of luxury to a bathroom can do wonders for overall value. Even if you can’t go luxury top to bottom, adding a few features here and there can be incredibly beneficial. Areas to splurge include:
- Tub or Shower Upgrades: Think about a jacuzzi or solid surface tub, a rainfall showerhead, or a clawfoot bathtub.
- Heated Floors: If you don’t go with one of the above options, a heated floor is a stellar bathroom addition.
- Mirrors: Opting for large mirrors, floating mirrors, or mirrors with eclectic frames can add a level of luxury to your bathroom.
- Double Sinks: If you don’t already have two sinks, it could be worth upgrading.
- Increase Storage: Nothing says luxury quite as much as tons of storage space. Think about incorporating more storage in the vanity area first. It helps to keep clutter from overtaking the counter. Well-thought-out vanity storage provides ample space for makeup, hair styling tools, and more.
There are hundreds of ways to add touches of luxury. A quick search on Pinterest or HGTV can yield dozens of points of inspiration for adding luxurious touches.
Increase Your Property Value: Remodel the Bathroom
You don’t have to do a full remodel to increase property value. A few budget-friendly options can make a world of difference, too. These are just four of the areas of your bathroom that you can remodel to increase your property value.
Ultimately, remodeling comes down to personal aesthetics, budget, and overall goals. Remember, aim for neutrals, non-porous surfaces, and, when possible, add natural stone. Most importantly, do your research and don’t dive into any remodeling project without a clear vision.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
