If you’re looking for a way to add value to your home, a bathroom remodel should be at the top of the list. While it may not be the most visible room in the house, it is arguably one of the most important. Prospective buyers pay close attention to the bathroom. A stylish bathroom that appeals to a homebuyer can result in higher bids. In fact, on average you can recoup 65-70% of what you spend on your remodel. To achieve this, you need to know how to get the most value out of your bathroom remodel.
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What Do Buyers Want?
When you remodel your bathroom, it’s always helpful to keep prospective buyers in mind. If you aren’t selling right away, you should aim for that perfect balance of what you want and what buyers want. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), buyers say a double vanity and having both a shower stall and a tub in the master bath are must-haves. Buyers would also like a linen closet in the master bath, a private toilet compartment in the master bath, and they prefer white toilets, tubs, and sinks. Essentially, homebuyers want the bathroom to have a spa-like feeling.
Make a Budget
One of the most important ways to get value out of your bathroom remodel is to carefully make a budget. Failure to make a budget can lead to disaster, resulting in you spending more than you anticipated. Depending on what you spend your money on, you may not be able to recoup as much either. Studies have found that luxury bath remodels tend to recoup 10-20% less than average bathroom remodels.
Make It Timeless
Bathrooms are often one of the most neglected rooms in the house, leaving it outdated. When remodeling your bathroom, you want to keep your design timeless. As tempting as it can be to go with a trendy design, it can make your bathroom look dated sooner. Instead, choose design elements that are going to stick around. This adds value as it can help sell your home. When a design is timeless, the space does not look outdated and prospective buyers can easily update the bathroom without needing to do a complete overhaul.
Paint Wisely
It’s always fun to paint with color and change the look of a room. Maybe you’ve had your eye on the latest trend of using dark, bold colors. However, if you want to add value to your bathroom remodel, you want to restrain yourself. Instead choose a more neutral color like off-white, eggshell, light grey, etc. This will make the room more appealing to prospective buyers as they can picture themselves in the space more easily.
Install Natural Stone
Natural stone is a design element that has been growing in popularity over the last decade. This is true for both kitchens and bathrooms. There are several reasons to go with natural stone in the bathroom. One of the main reasons is that most natural stones are water-resistant—an ideal feature for a bathroom that sees a tremendous amount of humidity. Another reason is that it contributes to the timeless feel that we mentioned previously.
Natural stone can be used for shower walls, floors, and countertops. Some stones will work better than others. Popular natural stones to use in the bathroom include granite, marble, quartz, slate, and travertine, all of which are available at Marble.com. Granite is by far the most popular, with 61% of homebuyers wanting a granite vanity in the bathroom. But quartz is quickly catching up in popularity given it is more low maintenance while still being heat resistant. A word of caution though, think carefully about the maintenance of the stone you are installing. For instance, marble as it is a porous stone and will quickly stain (which can be bad news if you dye your hair) and requires regular sealing.
It’s in the Details
Sometimes it is the little things that can really add value to your bathroom remodel. Take the time to add elements such a crown molding on the ceiling for a more sophisticated look that will appeal to homebuyers. Other simple details that can add value include changing fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and lighting, as well as changing the hardware (drawer pulls and handles) on your vanity and linen closet.
Luxury (Within Limit)
If your budget allows, and you find a good deal, consider adding in some luxury features. This will help give your bathroom that spa-like feeling that prospective buyers are craving. It’s easy to go overboard in terms of adding luxury features. When remodeling your bathroom, it’s important to remember that just because you spend more doesn’t mean you will get more value out of the room. Some luxury features that could add value, only if they work into your budget, including a steam shower, a walk-in shower, a deep soak tub, and a smart toilet.
Strike A Balance
Unless you are remodeling simply to help your house sell, you need to strike a balance between your needs and the desires of prospective buyers. Keep these tips in mind when you start planning your bathroom model and you’ll be able to maximize your value, all while creating a space that you love and potential buyers will also love.
