Bathroom renovations can be scary. They require changes to plumbing, electrical, and can be much more in depth than originally anticipated if water damage or a mold issue is discovered.. However, a bathroom renovation is also a great way to add to your home’s value.
Nationally, a mid-range bathroom renovation that costs around $20,000 will increase your home’s value by $13,700. A high-end renovation will cost closer to $65,0000 and will have a resale value of $39,0000. You can increase the value that your bathroom renovation adds to your home by carefully choosing projects that are both budget friendly and popular among homebuyers.
Paint the Walls
Painting the walls of your home will immediately add a 5% increase to your home’s value. So when you are considering the parts of your bathroom to remodel, you should include a fresh coat of paint. The most popular wall colors among homebuyers are neutral tones. Soft whites, warm grays, and light beiges are popular tones that are easy to work with since they do not lock you into one color scheme but rather provide a blank canvas to build upon.
New Flooring
New flooring in your bathroom will go a long way in giving your bathroom a fresh appearance. Tile is a preferred flooring material due to its durability, variety, sizes, colors, and patterns. It also has a modest cost when compared to other flooring options with similar features. Another cost effective bathroom flooring that comes in many styles is vinyl flooring.
It is durable and waterproof as well as easily installed by even the most inexperienced homeowner. Homeowners who are searching for a more luxurious option could choose between natural stone and marble. Marble is very water resistant but can be very cold underfoot so if you are considering it you should also consider adding a heating element underneath.
Marble can be very slippery so look for patterned anti-slip tiles. Natural stone, such as travertine, granite, and quartzite is incredibly beautiful in a bathroom, however it is more porous than other materials and can absorb quite a bit of moisture. If you are in Ohio and planning to spend extra dollars installing natural stone flooring, make sure to contact a remodeling company in Toledo to ensure that your flooring is sealed.
Deep Clean
It may sound strange to consider a deep clean when you are looking to add value to your home, but a thorough scrubbing of your bathroom can help increase your home’s value by close to $2,000. Homebuyers love to see a sparkling clean house because it shows that your home is well cared for. Bathrooms are one of those rooms that can show a lot of dirt and grime.
So you’ll need to put some elbow grease into this project. Scrub your bathtub, sinks, and countertops with an antibacterial cleaner and rag. Pay special attention to tile and grout areas that may need a bit more attention. And don’t forget tucked away areas around the back of the toilet and in the far corners of storage shelves.
Replace a Tub or Shower
There is always debate about the value of removing a bathtub in favor of a walk-in shower or adding a soak tub in addition to a smaller walk-in shower. Which option is right for your bathroom remodel depends upon your bathroom size, the number of bathrooms in your home, and which bathroom you are remodeling.
A combination shower/bathtub works well in smaller bathrooms or if you only have one full bathroom in your home. A separate shower and a soaking tub work well in large bathrooms or in a home that has several full bathrooms.
Double Vanity
Recently, double vanity sinks have come back into style as more and more homeowners enjoy the extra space that they provide both around and underneath the sinks. Since extra storage is always a plus, homebuyers are often happy to see the additional space the double vanities provide.
If your bathroom has the space for a double vanity you should install one as part of your renovation. However, if your bathroom is small or is a guest/half bathroom you should not install a double vanity and opt instead for a floating vanity or pedestal sink. Doing this will free up space and keep the bathroom from feeling crammed.
Mirrors
Mirrors help any space feel larger, especially when they are combined with warm natural light. If your bathroom mirror is small or outdated consider replacing it with a larger more modern mirror. This will provide a large area for light to reflect off of making your bathroom look larger and allowing it to feel more open.
Replace Tile
A beautifully tiled shower is hard to beat. With the right color you can make your shower area a focal point of your bathroom. Natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic are popular tile options. Natural stone is a bit more expensive than porcelain and ceramic so you should avoid it if you are on a budget. Porcelain and ceramic tile come in a beautiful variety of colors and designs. You can go the extra mile and add a pop of color or design with your tiles. Just don’t go overboard as this will deter future homebuyers.
Light Fixtures
Bathrooms don’t always have the largest windows and they are often small. The combination of these two things can lead to a gloomy cramped room. Counteract the lack of natural light with warm lighting around the vanity mirror. Next, check your overhead light. Is the fixture dirty or in need of a warmer or brighter bulb? Finally, consider using LED strip lights or shelf lights that will create a warm glow around the outer corners of your bathroom.
Replace Fixtures and Hardware
Regardless of whether you are embarking on a high-end or mid-range renovation you should replace outdated hardware and fixtures. Everything from your shower heads to your sink faucet can be changed out for newer models especially if they have rust spots or serious water damage.
It may also be the opportune time to upgrade to a macerator pump system. The pump does the job efficiently and involves straightforward installation, which is helpful if you want to redo many aspects of your bathroom. With the fixture being durable, you and the future homeowners may be able to use it for a long time.
Several types of fixtures are universally popular such as chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and polished nickel. When you update your fixtures you can also update the hardware on your cabinets. Keep them the same style as your fixtures so that they show a cohesive style.
Opt for Energy Efficient
The largest group of homebuyers is millennials who represent over 60% of buyers. This generation and those that follow are more tech savvy and environmentally friendly than older homebuyers. For this reason you should consider opting for bathroom fixtures and features that are energy and water efficient. Toilets, shower heads, sink faucets, and lights come in energy efficient and smart technology varieties. These are very popular with younger homebuyers and could increase your home’s marketability and final home value.
One remodel that you should stay away from is replacing a shower or bathtub with a jet tub. While you may think this type of tub is a luxury item, it is more of a headache for homeowners. These tubs require an excess amount of water to fill and break down frequently. The best way to ensure that your bathroom remodel increases your home’s value is to stick with common sense additions and popular upgrades. Before you begin your bathroom renovation you should speak with a licensed contractor and a real estate agent who can advise you on the most cost effective ways to increase your home’s value.