If you’re thinking of selling your home and are wondering how to increase its value without breaking the bank, upgrades and remodels are a good place to start, especially in the bathroom. If that sounds expensive already, know this: there’s plenty you can do in this realm to see a return on your investment when it comes to sale price.
Whether you choose to renovate (updating fixtures, for example) or take on a full-blown remodel (changing the functionality) of your bathroom, you’ll stand a better chance of attracting the attention of earnest buyers and getting more at closing.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With Safety and Sanitation Features in 2023
The pandemic stirred up concerns over sanitation and safety. Example: touchless faucets, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean, and bidets, which also check the box for sustainability. Also, enhanced lighting to decrease accidents and features for those concerned with aging in place, like curbless showers and safety bars, have moved up the list.
If that last item conjures images of thick silver bars with no aesthetic appeal, there are some on the market that can blend in and add to your chosen aesthetic, and some can serve dual purposes. For example, the combination grab bar and product holder shown below functions well inside the shower and can easily blend in without being overly obtrusive. Or this grab bar that doubles as a towel bar for just outside the shower or tub.
You can also install free-standing bamboo shower seats and bars made with polished metals for a more modern aesthetic. Another option if you want to invest a bit more is new tile work in the shower that includes built-in seating.
Image from Houzz.comImage from Houzz.com
If you don’t want to go all in on this and redo the entire bathroom, select an area and make it a focal point with upgraded tile that adds a pop of color.
Upgrades to Your Bathroom Don’t Have to be Expensive in 2023
Minor renovations are enough to give many bathrooms the life they need to encourage interest from buyers and higher sale prices. So, what’s considered minor?
Lighting—If your home is more than a decade old, chances are, more modern lighting will bring it up to date and give it a more polished appearance.
Shelving—Filling in that narrow, empty space in your bathroom with a tall, built-in shelving unit can add a new dimension, as well as more storage.
Mirrors—Installing a newer or bigger mirror with an aesthetically pleasing frame is a great, inexpensive way to upgrade your bathroom and give it a more high-end feel. Going with a lighted mirror can give your bathroom an interesting added feature that can make it feel more modern without looking garish.
Flooring—Removing vintage linoleum or aging tiles and laying down a fresh new floor with what’s trending is another way to bring your bathroom up a few levels without replacing everything.
Paint—A can or two of paint will cover all four walls of most bathrooms—an inexpensive way to bring the life back to your bathroom by going with the latest color trends.
All of the items in the list above can be done with little money to make a big impression. And the best part: these are all DIY projects, which will cut down on costs even more.
If you want to go a couple of steps further and take on a project or two that’s more involved and will likely mean hiring a professional, consider any of the following.
Vanity—Sprucing up a space with a new vanity is a great way to add character and aesthetic appeal. And when you add a double vanity, you’ll appeal to those sharing space with a significant other. Morning and evening routines become a lot less congested—a great selling point.
Fixtures—You can keep it simple by adding newer faucets (a simple DIY project), or you can go all the way and put in a new sink and bathtub.
Radiant floor heating—Who doesn’t love the idea of stepping onto a warm, pre-heated floor in the morning, especially during our cold, wet Pacific NW winters?
Sound system—Whether you have a regular tub or a luxurious soaking tub, the bath enthusiast who views your home will fall in love with the option of having piped in soothing music.
How Much of a ROI Can You Expect to See From a Bathroom Remodel in 2023?
According to Zillow, minor cosmetic changes, can bring you an increase of $1.71 in home value for every $1 spent. This includes things like painting walls and/or cabinets, adding modern mirrors or hardware, and refreshing flooring.
Of course, it all depends on many factors but mostly, the scope of your project. Remodeling a small bathroom or updating a powder room will obviously be more affordable. The good news is that high-end features and fixtures aren’t necessary to see a solid ROI. In fact, many people claim that going all in on a massive luxury bathroom upgrade will bring you a lower ROI.
Bathroom Upgrades That Won’t Increase the Value of Your Home in 2023
Not all bathroom upgrades are created equal. While you might be compelled to jump in and do a massive remodel, before you gut your bathroom and start from the ground up or make a plan that will put a big dent in your bank account, consider these upgrades that can be spendy and won’t necessarily increase the value of your home.
Jet tubs—Everyone loves the idea of having a jet tub, but the truth is, they can be problematic. They’re expensive to install, require regular maintenance, and can break down more often than you might think. If your home already has one, go with it. But if you’re considering adding one just to increase the value of your home, it’s probably best to skip it.
Steam showers—Basically the same situation as the jet tub. Probably best to skip this addition, unless, of course, you want to add it for your own personal enjoyment.
Custom spas—As with the steam shower and jet tub, having your very own custom spa can be quite the coveted luxury. If you have your heart set on one and think you’ll be in your home for several years to enjoy it, go ahead. However, adding one just to improve your home’s value will not bring you a noticeable ROI. In fact, you may end up losing money in the long run.
Wallpaper—As we’ve reported, wallpaper is making a comeback. However, tastes vary widely when it comes to this home decor treatment. If you currently have wallpaper and are wanting to give your bathroom a facelift, consider removing it and painting the walls a neutral color. The buyers of your home will have an easier time seeing themselves—and their own personal touches—in your bathroom.
Planning to Sell a Home in the Next 12 Months and Want Advice?
We’d love to set an appointment to tour your home and give advice on efficient remodeling that would increase your home’s market value. Give our top 1% seller’s agents a call today at 503-714-1111 or chat with the bot on our site. We are excited to connect with you.
Stephen FitzMaurice, Realtor is a top 5% real estate agent in the U.S. A Principal Broker in Oregon, Managing Broker in Washington, he has been licensed since 2003 for residential real estate sales. Call his team in Oregon at 503-714-1111 or in Washington at 360-345-3833.
