It’s no surprise that bathroom renovations are among the most popular home projects. Second only to a kitchen renovation, bathrooms yield a high return on investment. You can expect to recoup about 70% of what you spend on your reno. While completely renovating your bathroom can become expensive, there are smaller projects you can do that will increase your home’s value. If you’re thinking about selling your home, read on to learn which bathroom renovations have the highest ROI.
1. Bathtub
If you’re thinking about getting rid of your bathtub and replacing it with a luxury shower instead, you may want to reconsider. While a luxury shower might appeal to some buyers, tubs are preferred for families with young children. If you’re renovating for resale, you’re better off keeping your tub or even replacing it with a newer one. If you have your heart set on a luxury shower, go for it, but keep in mind that a bathtub will always give you a higher ROI than just a shower. If your home allows for it, you can always add a tub to another bathroom so you have both options.
2. Vanity
The right vanity can make or break a bathroom. While there are many styles to choose from, when it comes to ROI, the best vanity you can have is one with ample storage and counter space. Vanities are the perfect mix of functional and aesthetic furniture. They can be a statement piece in the bathroom, while also holding the necessary items we use daily. While pedestal sinks are great for small places like powder rooms or ensuites, if you’re only doing the main bathroom, go with a full-sized vanity to get the best ROI.
3. Flooring
There two flooring materials that should never be used in bathrooms: carpeting and wood. Why anyone would add wall to wall carpeting to their bathroom is beyond us, but some homeowners do opt for hardwood bathroom flooring. This is a bad idea as there is so much water present in a bathroom. While you may spend a pretty penny on hardwood floors, they will not last or give you the return that tiles will. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are popular options as they are durable, stain-resistant and waterproof. If you’re planning on redoing your floors, consider adding in-floor heating for an added bonus.
4. Waterproofing
While no one wants their bathroom to flood, it’s always better to be prepared. If you’re renovating your bathroom, consider adding upgrades that will help waterproof it. This will help lessen the damage to the rest of your home should a pipe burst or the tub overflows. Ask your bathroom specialist about installing a waterproof foundation before tiles are laid. Investing in these preventative measures will not only give you peace of mind, but it will help increase the overall value of your home when it comes time to sell.
5. Finishes
No time for a full renovation? No problem. If you’re in a rush or on a tight budget, there are a couple of small things you can do quickly that will help your bathroom show better to potential buyers. First of all, fix anything that’s broken or looks worse for wear. This can be a simple paint job to freshen things up, or finally fixing that lopsided towel rack. If your cabinets look like they could use some help, you can also have these painted instead of buying brand new. Adding elements like sconce lighting, a statement mirror or updated hardware can have a big impact without the price tag. For minor changes like these, you can still expect to see a return of $1.71 for every $1 you spend.
Taking the time to make a few simple updates to your bathroom can end up being what sells your home for more. Of course, you need to be cautious about how much you’re spending. You’ll see a higher return on investment by spending less money on the projects that will help your home sell for more. Don’t spend more money to over-improve your bathroom, it could end up costing you more than it returns. Instead, make the right investments that will help your home sell for more when you’re ready to move on.
