Does Bathroom Remodel Add Value to Your Home?

One of the most common home renovation projects nowadays is remodeling a bathroom. But do they increase the value of your home? With the average bathroom remodel costing $10,000 to $20,000 or more, it’s an important question to answer before taking on such a major investment.

This article will cover whether bathroom remodels add value, what specific projects tend to have the highest return on investment, factors that boost value, common mistakes to avoid, and alternatives if you’re looking to increase functionality or aesthetics without a full remodel. By the end, you’ll know if a bathroom remodel is worthwhile, or if your money is better spent elsewhere.

With homes regularly selling above the asking price in today’s competitive housing market, small upgrades that improve salability can have an outsized impact. Let’s analyze if a bathroom remodel should be part of your home improvement plans in this blog post by Unique Kitchen and Baths.

Current Home Improvement Trends

Home improvement spending has seen steady growth over the past several years.

Bathroom remodels, in particular, remain one of the most popular home renovation projects. The National Association of Home Builders reports that nearly half of all homeowners renovate at least one bathroom while living in a home. The average bathroom remodel costs $6,300, though prices can range from budget-friendly projects under $2,000 to high-end custom renovations exceeding $50,000.

With homeowners devoting larger budgets to home upgrades and bathrooms ranking among the top priorities, it’s clear why bathroom remodels are a hot trend in the home improvement space. Homeowners view bathroom remodels as a chance to increase comfort, functionality, and style.

ROI of Bathroom Remodels

Remodeling a bathroom can provide one of the highest returns on investment for home improvements. Homeowners can anticipate recovering roughly $0.65 for every $1 invested when they sell.

Several factors influence the ROI of a bathroom remodel:

Scope of Remodel

More extensive upgrades like knocking down walls or moving plumbing provide higher returns than surface-level changes like painting.

Quality of Materials

Higher-end finishes like natural stone countertops or custom tile lead to greater value-added versus cheaper materials.

Home’s Value

Higher priced homes see higher dollar amounts added from renovations, though percentage ROI is often similar.

Market Conditions

Strong buyer demand results in higher returns for renovated homes versus slow markets.

On average, a minor bathroom remodel costing around $20,000 would add about $15,000 to a home’s value, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. A more luxurious remodel for $60,000 may add $45,000 in resale value. Ultimately, the increased marketability and dollar value added from a bathroom remodel make it one of the smartest investments for homeowners.

Increasing Functionality

Remodeling your bathroom can greatly increase its functionality and make daily use more enjoyable and convenient.

Here are some of the main ways a bathroom remodel can improve functionality:

More Storage

One of the best ways to make your bathroom more functional is to add extra storage. Installation of medicine cabinets, drawer organizers, built-in shelving units, and cabinetry can allow you to organize all your bathroom essentials neatly. Having ample storage keeps the space tidy and makes it easy to find what you need.

Upgraded Fixtures

Replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and toilets with new water-efficient models vastly improves functionality. New faucets offer conveniences like pull-down sprayers. Rainfall showerheads provide a luxurious soaking experience. High-efficiency toilets flush more powerfully with less water.

Spa-Like Tub

Installing a relaxing soaking tub makes bathing more enjoyable. Options like air-jet tubs provide a spa-like experience right at home. Built-in tubs with tile surrounds also enhance the bathing experience while adding style.

Open Walk-in Shower

Walk-in showers eliminate stepping over a tub edge, making them more accessible. They also offer space for extra showerheads and body sprays.

Frameless glass doors provide an open, airy feel. Curbless entry and linear drains enhance accessibility.

Accessibility Upgrades

The restroom is safer and easier to use with accessibility renovations for elderly residents or those with restricted mobility.

Grab bars, curbless showers, comfort height toilets, and ADA-compliant fixtures allow greater ease of use.

Improving Style & Aesthetics

Most homeowners undertake bathroom remodeling projects to update the look and feel of this essential living space. Outdated bathrooms not only appear unattractive, but they can make a home seem older than it is.

Redesigning your bathroom is the ideal way to keep your area up to date with emerging trends in design. Some of today’s most popular bathroom styles include:

• Spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs, luxury finishes, and spa-like accents like towel warmers and robes.
• Clean, contemporary designs with sleek hardware, modern vessel sinks, frameless shower doors, and minimalist decor.
• Traditional bathrooms take inspiration from past-era styles like vintage, cottage, or farmhouse designs. These spaces feature classic elements like clawfoot tubs, beadboard paneling, and decorative moldings.
• Open, airy bathrooms with ample natural light, lighter wall colors, and an expanded feeling.

Along with style considerations, homeowners often upgrade their bathroom materials during a remodel. Switching out your existing shower surround, countertops, sinks, and flooring for new options can completely transform the look and feel of your space.

Some of today’s most popular bathroom remodel material choices include:

• Tile – Subway tile, large format tiles, mosaics, and patterned or textured tile all give bathrooms an updated, custom feel.
• Quartz or solid surface countertops – These sleek, low-maintenance options provide a seamless look. Popular colors are whites, grays, and patterns that mimic natural stone.
• Barn doors – This rustic-chic option saves space and adds stylistic interest instead of standard doors.
• Smart storage – Cleverly designed drawers, cabinets, and organizational solutions prevent everyday items from cluttering sinks and countertops.

Strategic lighting choices also go a long way in bathroom remodels. Add extra lighting around the vanity, pendant lights, sconces, and natural light sources.

The proper lighting makes the room feel bright, airy, and inviting.

Similarly, paint color choices can dramatically impact the look and feel of your new bathroom. Current popular paint colors for bathrooms include lighter neutrals like grays, soft blues, and pale greens. Ultimately, your chosen colors come down to personal preference and style goals for your remodeled space.

With stylish finishing touches, elegant materials, and on-trend accents, your bathroom remodel can completely transform this well-used living space into a stunning showpiece you’re excited to show off.

Factors That Increase Value

The size, layout and additions during a bathroom remodel can greatly impact the return on investment. Expanding a small, cramped bathroom to create a more spacious, functional layout with clearly defined zones for bathing, toilet, and vanity can significantly boost home value. Upgrading to a double vanity or adding luxuries like a large soaking tub or separate shower can also increase interest from buyers.

Using high-end, durable materials that convey luxury is one of the best ways to maximize your return on a bathroom remodel. Options like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone countertops and floors, frameless glass shower enclosures, and integrated smart home technology can command top dollar. Choose finishes like nickel or bronze over basic chrome. Details like dimmable lighting, heated floors, and towel warmers add value.

Any improvements that boost energy efficiency are hugely appealing to prospective homeowners. Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads conserve water resources.

Installation of LED lighting, radiant floor heating, and EnergyStar appliances save on electricity usage. Adding insulation and efficient ventilation fans helps prevent moisture issues and improves air quality. Going green reduces environmental impact and saves money in the long term.

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid

While redesigning a bathroom can be a fun endeavor, there are a few typical blunders that homeowners should be aware of. Going over budget is one of the biggest pitfalls of any remodeling project. It’s important to set a realistic budget at the start and stick to it throughout the process. Scope creep is common – those little extras can add up quickly. Get quotes from contractors before finalizing plans and budget for a 10-15% overage.

Choosing ultra-trendy styles or finishes is another mistake. What’s hot this year may look dated in just a few. Opt for classic, timeless elements for the majority of the remodel. Splurge on trends for smaller accents and accessories that are easier to swap out.

Doing too much DIY to save money often backfires. Unless you have professional-level skills, leave structural changes and complex installations to the experts.

Focus DIY efforts on painting, minor demolition, and finishing trim work. Attempting extensive electrical or plumbing work as an amateur can cause dangerous code violations. The cost to hire pros is worth avoiding disasters or having to redo shoddy DIY work.

Hiring Contractors

One of the most crucial choices you’ll make while remodeling your bathroom is selecting the appropriate contractor.

It will significantly affect both the quality of the completed bathroom and your overall experience if you take the time to thoroughly screen potential contractors.

Requesting recommendations from neighbors, relatives, and friends is the greatest place to start. A referral from a reliable source is quite powerful.

Examine credentials such as insurance, license, and association membership next. This aids in confirming their credentials.

Examine the ratings and reviews posted online at HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List. Observe recent comments and the contractor’s handling of unfavorable evaluations.

Schedule in-person consultations with at least three contractors. Get a sense of their communication style, how they listen to your goals and ideas, and if you feel comfortable working with them. Ensure you agree on the project scope, timeline, materials, payment schedule, and other expectations upfront.

Signing a detailed contract is essential before work begins. Pay at most 10-20 % upfront. Stick to the agreed-upon budget and schedule, and wait to make the final payment until you’ve inspected the finished bathroom yourself.

Finding the right contractor ultimately saves money, minimizes headaches, and leads to a beautiful new bathroom you’ll enjoy for years.

Alternatives to Full Remodel

Remodeling an entire bathroom may be expensive and time-consuming. Here are some options for homeowners who want to update their bathroom without going over budget.

Minor Updates and Touch-Ups

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting and trimming the bathroom walls and ceiling is an inexpensive and simple way to give the space a rapid facelift. Use light and neutral colors to create an airy and light-filled space.

New Lighting Fixtures

Swap out an old fixture for something more stylish and modern. Adding accent lighting around the mirror can also help brighten the vanity area.

New Faucets and Fixtures

A little but impactful change is replacing faucets and other fixtures like towel bars and toilet paper holders. Choose finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.

Cabinet Hardware

Dress up existing cabinets with new knobs and pulls. Pick a finish that ties into other metallic finishes in the bathroom, like faucets or light fixtures.

Smart Changes with High Impact

The bathroom vanity makes a huge impact. Replacing an outdated vanity with a fresh new model can instantly modernize the look of the space. Focus on finding one with plenty of storage.

Tiling the walls around the tub and shower area protects the walls from moisture and adds an eye-catching focal point. Use glass tile or ceramic accents for added style.

Adding more natural light to a bathroom can give it an airy, spa-like ambiance. Skylights are impactful upgrades that don’t take up additional floor space.

For a remodel focused on luxury, heated bathroom floors can provide comfort underfoot and help reduce post-shower chills. This upgrade also adds home value for resale.

Frequently Asked Questions