Are you thinking about swapping out some of your old, outdated bathroom fixtures for more aesthetic, eco-friendlier versions? Or perhaps you’re considering a full-scale bathroom remodeling project that’ll totally overhaul your existing space?
Whatever your plans for your bathroom are, it’s always smart to invest in improvements that are likely to add value to your house. But which improvements are most likely your best bets?
Check out these five bathroom upgrades that can increase the overall market value of your home.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
The cost of remodeling your bathroom really depends on what you’re looking to do with the space. The size of the room, the upgrades you’re looking to invest in, the materials you choose, and labor costs will all factor into how much you’ll spend.
Budget-Friendly Remodel Cost
On the low end of the cost spectrum, a bathroom remodeling project can cost as little as $2,500, provided you do the work and don’t make any major upgrades. A remodel in this range might include new paint, new plumbing fixtures, additional shelving, re-caulking tiles, new lighting, and other relatively small yet impactful visual changes.
Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel Cost
A mid-range bathroom remodel typically costs somewhere in the ballpark of $13,000 and could include a new tub or shower, a sink/vanity, new flooring, more storage, new paint, etc.
You could handle some of the work yourself to help control costs, provided you’re handy and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. But mid-range projects usually require the expertise of a contractor at some point, if only to minimize mistakes and reduce time invested in the project.
High-End Remodel Cost
Some upscale projects can run upward of $80,000. At that price point, you’re looking at a total overhaul and upgrading to premium materials, fixtures, decor, and features that the average residential bathroom simply doesn’t have.
How Much Can a Bathroom Remodel Increase the Value of Your Home?
Remodeling your bathroom can certainly add dollars to your home’s bottom line. But the amount those upgrades will add, again, depends on what you choose to do. Generally, homeowners recoup about 60% of what they invest in a bathroom remodel when they sell their homes. For example:
● If you spend $12,800 on your bathroom remodel, you’ll likely add around $7,680 to the value of your home.
● If you opt for a more budget-friendly remodel and spend somewhere around $5,000, you’ll probably add around $3,000 to your home’s bottom line.
● If you want to invest in a luxury bathroom remodel and spend around $65,000, you can probably add about $39,000 to your home’s asking price if you choose to sell.
But — and this is important to factor in — homeowners who complete these projects also say that the remodel significantly increased their enjoyment of their home. So while a bathroom remodel may not yield 100% of your investment in added monetary value, it’s something you almost certainly won’t regret doing.
If you’re not already aware, realtors use something called a “Joy Score,” to measure how much various home improvements increase homeowners’ satisfaction with their homes. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2021 Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners reported an average Joy Score of 9.6 out of 10 for both professional and DIY bathroom remodels.
Double-Sink Vanity
In most bathrooms, the vanity and sink area is the focal point of the space, which is why upgrading it can improve the value of your home. If your bathroom currently has only one sink, installing a double-sink vanity is a good idea, since many prospective buyers look for that when touring homes.
In addition to double sinks, you may also want to consider opting for natural stone countertops since these types of countertops always add value to homes’ bottom lines. Ideally, you’ll want to go for granite or marble, but soapstone or quartz are good choices, too — they just won’t add quite as much value as higher-quality stone.
Check out how to prepare your bathroom for a new plumbing installation if you’re considering making this upgrade.
More Storage
Everybody loves storage, and for some reason, it always seems like there’s never enough of it. So if you’re making a list of bathroom remodeling ideas, additional cabinets, drawers, and shelving should definitely have a place on that list.
If your existing cabinets are still in good condition, you may be able to keep and revamp them simply by sanding them down, repainting them, or applying new stain. It’s probably also a good idea to swap out drawer pulls and cabinet handles for a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
New Flooring (Especially Heated)
What kind of flooring do you currently have? Linoleum? Tile? Is it looking dingy or outdated? If so, overhauling your bathroom flooring is sure to increase your house's value. But we’re not talking just any new flooring here — we’re talking the best kind of flooring for a Wisconsin home: the heated kind.
If you’ve lived in Wisconsin long, you know just how icy a bathroom floor (or any floor for that matter) can feel early in the morning on a freezing winter day. But adding radiant in-floor heat to your bathroom won’t just keep you more comfortable while you still own the house. It can also add an attractive selling point for prospective buyers.
If heated flooring isn’t something you’re interested in adding, consider upgrading your bathroom’s existing flooring at the very least. Installing a new floor can totally transform your bathroom’s aesthetic. That’s especially true if you repaint, too, and/or combine that new flooring with any of the other upgrades mentioned here.
New Shower and Tub
Does your bathroom currently have a shower-tub combo? Or does it have just one or the other? Because when it comes to bathroom remodeling, having a shower and a tub is probably your best bet for increasing the value of your home. On average, homeowners recoup nearly 70% of their investment.
If your bathroom presently has one or the other, you can’t technically call it a full bath. But when you have both, that changes. And when you list your home for sale, it’ll look a whole lot more attractive to prospective buyers if the listing says full bath rather than half.
If you really want to add some dollars to your home’s bottom line, opt for a walk-in glass shower and separate, jetted tub — provided your budget allows, of course.
New Plumbing Fixtures
Old fixtures instantly date your bathroom. So whether you’re looking to complete a more budget-friendly remodel or invest in a full-blown overhaul, new plumbing fixtures are a must. They’ll make the space look modern, inviting, and chic, and are available at a wide range of price points.
If you choose low-flow faucets and showerheads—which use aeration rather than more water to increase water pressure—they can also save you money on your water bill. These fixtures are available at a starting price point of around ten bucks and reduce water usage by up to 50%. Ultimately, this one simple upgrade could save roughly $50-$90 annually on your water bills.
If you’re looking to cut back on both your water and energy bills, check out our blog on the 3 Money-Saving Household Upgrades You Should Seriously Consider.
Get a Bathroom Remodeling Estimate in Wisconsin Rapids
Thinking about revamping your old bathroom? Get in touch with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating to schedule a consultation and get an estimate! In addition to comprehensive plumbing and HVAC services, we also specialize in bathroom remodeling and can help you choose the best fixtures for your design goals and budget. If you’re looking to make your bathroom more eco-friendly, we can help with that, too.
To get started or learn more about what we can do for you, feel free to call us today at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online, and we’ll get in touch!