Anita Clark Realtor

Seller Tips: Get the Most Resale Value Out of Your Bathroom

Seller Tips: Get the Most Resale Value Out of Your Bathroom Remodel

According to Remodeling Magazine, the average bathroom remodel (costing around $15,000) recoups 65.2 percent of the cost when the house is sold. For consumers with older homes, this can make a big difference in the caliber of buyers that your home attracts, so choose wisely to ensure you get the most resale value out of your bathroom remodel.

When you are getting ready to sell your home, you want to make sure that it is in the best shape to get the price you want. When potential homebuyers tour a property, they tend to focus on the kitchens and bathrooms more than other areas. Since the impact of the bathroom can make or break a sale, it is a good idea to make some updates before listing your home.

What exactly should you focus on when it comes to getting the most resale value out of your bathroom renovation? Not all updates are equal but these are the primary projects that could raise the value of your home just by making some simple changes to your bathroom.

Resale value for your bathroom renovation

Paint Your Bathroom A Bright Color

This is probably the easiest change you can make to any room but the color and paint in a bathroom makes a difference. In fact, bathrooms that have been painted a darker color can lower the sale price. In general, you want a bathroom that has clean, simple lines with bright colors. Choose warm, upbeat tones but avoid anything flashy for the color. Neutral tones are usually recommended.

This is also a time when you can add a little luxury. Adding crown molding on the ceiling, for example, is a simple update to do but makes a bathroom look expensive. Crown molding is a project many can DIY, but if it is beyond your skillset, you should be able to hire a contractor without going broke.

Update the Sink and Cabinets

This is an area where you should probably update if the bathroom looks old or dated. One of the biggest trends today for counters is using a natural stone such as granite, marble, quartz, or similar. These materials are usually heavy so they might require that you also change the cabinets in the bathroom. Once again, choose a stone in a neutral shade that will stand the test of time. Some homeowners will put in trendy materials and regret it when they sell the house in 5-10 years.

If the bathroom cabinets are old or distressed, then you might want to replace them entirely. For well-constructed cabinets, this may not be needed. Consider refinishing solid wood cabinets to update them. You can paint them if needed as well. Changing the pulls on the cabinets is a simple but effective method to update them and you can certainly do this on your own.

Consider Luxury Updates for Your Bathroom Remodel

While you do not need to make major changes to every bathroom, it may be worth spending a little more on the master bathroom update. This is an area that most homeowners take a close look. Creating luxury in a bathroom is simple to do and you can even customize these suggestions to suit your space and budget.

For a simple upgrade, consider adding a jetted tub to the bathroom. Wait for sales and you may find that this is a highly economical option. Another simple upgrade is changing out your traditional shower head to a hand shower. Buyers love the convenience of this in a bathroom.

Other upgrades can be done gradually and at the same time as other house upgrades. For example, if you plan to replace the bathroom floor, you can easily install radiant heat floor mats. Buyers will remember a bathroom with heated floors so this is a smart move to make. People also enjoy listening to music or the news when they are getting ready in the morning. You can install Bluetooth speakers or a sound system in the room fairly easily.

Install or Renovate a Shower

If you have a bathtub, you may want to consider making the conversion to a traditional shower. Homeowners today prefer oversized showers. If you have the space in the bathroom, this is a great item that people love. Consider adding a walk-in shower and install a glass door.

Surprisingly, having shower curtains is simple but makes it look less expensive. A simple glass door elevates the value of the bathroom. Stone and tile walls are popular materials so consider these in the space as well. If it makes sense to you and you can fit it in your budget, renovating your shower is one of the best ways to get the most resale value out of your bathroom when you are ready to sell.

Increase Bathroom Storage

When it comes to the bathroom, homeowners want to make sure that they have room to store their essentials. Space for towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies and more are highly desirable. This can be done in a few different ways. If you have a medium or larger bathroom, consider putting in a vanity with storage. Choose one that is as large as the room can handle.

If the bathroom is fairly small, you can add to the storage space by making some minor changes to the room itself. For example, installing shelves makes great storage options for towels and other small items, All of these creative storage options can make the room stand out and are easy to do.

Resale value for your bathroom remodel Change the Mirror

The mirror often is not something that you notice but it actually can contribute to the style in your bathroom. If you have an older mirror, it is well worth the small price of an upgrade. One of the best options for bathroom mirrors is framed mirrors with a clean and simple design.

The size of your mirror is important to create a sense of balance in the room. For example, for a small sink, avoid having an overly large mirror. Choose the largest one that looks good in the space as this will help to open up the bathroom and add style effortlessly.

Update Bathroom Fixtures

If you have an older bathroom which has classic colored fixtures, then it is definitely time for an upgrade. Even if you do not, this is still an area that’s easy to change and can make the bathroom look more modern. Shop around for fixtures, keeping in mind that stainless steel is a popular option, especially brushed steel with a matte finish. Not only will this add a classic and timeless look to the bathroom, they do not show water stains as much as other options, making it easier to keep looking great when it is time to show the home.

While there isn’t one single upgrade that will add the most value, all of these options provide ideas for updating your space. You might be surprised to find that some of them are simple and can be done on your own if desired. Use these ideas to get started.

What Bathroom Features Will Most Buyers Care Less About

When remodeling the bathroom, make the most of the space you have, rather than wasting square footage on details like a large Japanese soaking tub or a bidet. These features may be essential to you, but most buyers do not have the time or desire to use them.

You can skip adding a bathtub in favor of a larger walk-in shower if there is not room for both. If you have enough money in your budget, floor-to-ceiling steam showers are very popular with buyers.

Single sinks are out. Double sinks are in. Double sinks are always worth adding during your bathroom remodel if your budget allows.

What Can I Upgrade on a Small Budget?

If a full bathroom remodel is not in your budget, there is still plenty that you can do to make your bathroom more appealing to potential homebuyers. Look around for small projects that can be completed. The goal of doing this is to neutralize the bathroom and show potential buyers a blank slate that they can make their own. To do so, remove or pack away all personal items, such as your toothbrush, shampoo, makeup and bathrobes.

Does the grout around the shower or floor tile look lumpy and stained? Spend a few hours next weekend and replace it. If your shower and sink fixtures look dingy even after being cleaned, replace those as well.

Add a brand-new toilet seat; no one wants to use one that looks like it has been there for decades. If it is comfortable, all the better.

If your window treatments are dusty and dated, replace them with a new roller shade or trendy curtains, which will allow in the most light when not in use.

You can also replace towel rails, get new towels, a new shower curtain, rugs, even a few décor items to add a splash of color or tie in the elements of your theme. Even simple changes can help you get the most resale value out of your bathroom when buyers start looking at your home.

Is It Worth Adding a Second Bath Before Selling Your Home?

If your home currently only has one bathroom, then yes, it is worth it. But even if you already have more than one bathroom, it could pay off to add another if there is a need for it. However, it will be expensive to put in a new bathroom so ensure you are prepared for the cost, can recoup a large amount of your funds, and do not over-improve your home for the neighborhood.

When in doubt on what makes the most sense to get the best resale value out of your bathroom upgrade, do your homework by checking with a local Realtor®, go to real estate open houses, and talk with industry renovation professionals to ensure whatever you decide to do will be appreciated and stand the test of time.

Seller Tips to Get the Most Resale Value Out of Your Bathroom Renovation

About Anita Clark Realtor

Anita Clark has written 646 posts on this blog.

Anita is a residential Real Estate Agent in Warner Robins Georgia, with Coldwell Banker Access Realty (478) 953-8595, aiding buyers and sellers with all their real estate questions on her Warner Robins blog.

  • Anita Clark Realtor

    470 S Houston Lake Rd
    Warner Robins, GA 31088

    (478) 960-8055

    anitaclark160@gmail.com

    Coldwell Banker Access Realty

    (478) 953-8595

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