There’s no arguing that a bathroom remodel will increase your home’s value. However, to what extent depends on what you do and how much you invest. If you are considering remodeling to sell your home, here are a few ideas that may benefit you – depending how far into the future you’re looking to sell and how much time, effort and money you’re willing to invest.
Refresh: $100-$300 Investment
We call this a bathroom “refresh” rather than a bathroom remodel because the goal is to make sure it looks great without a lot of expense. First, repaint in a fresh, neutral color that coordinates with the existing vanity and countertops. Second, look at your faucets. If they look old or leak at all, now is the time to invest $50-$100 in new faucets. It’s easy to replace the old ones as long as you buy new fixtures with the same layout as the current holes in the sink or countertop. Next, clean the grout in any tile in the room. Clean grout makes a tremendous difference in perception of the space. Also, clean out the exhaust fan and replace it if it’s loud. Lastly, if the lighting is lacking or dated, consider spending a few hundred dollars on a new fixture.
DIY Remodel: $500-$5,000 Investment
Depending on the state of the space currently, this sort of DIY bathroom remodel can provide a good return. It entails carefully evaluating the different elements in the space and deciding if each should be updated, then handling it yourself. A few examples (in addition to those in the bathroom refresh) include:
- Replacing laminate countertop with natural stone or cultured marble.
- Installing a new low-flow comfort-height toilet.
- Replacing a cracked, stained or otherwise ugly sink.
- Removing and replacing curling or cracked vinyl or laminate flooring with luxury vinyl tile or porcelain tile.
If these updates feel a bit daunting, most bathroom remodeling companies offer some version of this level of bathroom remodel.
Midrange Bathroom Remodel: $20,000
As classified by the 2020 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, this type of remodel entails taking out everything currently in the bathroom and replacing with new elements. Depending on the size of your bathroom and the elements you choose, this is a significant investment, of which you’ll see an estimated 70% return. If you’re planning on staying in the home a few years, this might be a good investment since you’ll enjoy the new space and be able to recoup some of your investment.
Other Bathroom Remodeling Options: $34,000 & Up
There are two other types of bathroom remodels: universal design and upscale remodel. Neither are a great idea if you know you’ll be selling your home in the near future. An upscale remodel is for your enjoyment as it only returns about 55% of the average $66,000 investment. A universal design remodel provides a bathroom that’s accessible and safe for those with mobility challenges. Although it has a return similar to a mid-range remodel, a universal design remodel often requires taking space from adjacent areas.
Design Your Dream Bathroom With G.M. Roth
G.M. Roth Design Remodeling is a licensed and insured home remodeling company serving northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire with over 30 years of experience. Whether you’re looking to refresh a bathroom and make some minor upgrades to sell the home or planning to live there for years to come, we can help. Call us today for your free consultation at (603) 880-3761 or fill out our contact form to get started.
