How a bathroom remodel can increase your home value

A bathroom is an essential part of any home, but one that is often overlooked. Updating this space or adding a new bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to your home.

You want your bathroom to be both functional and stylish. A bathroom remodel or addition is one way to potentially improve the resale value of your home or make it more practical for you and your family.

Updating an existing bathroom

An outdated bathroom can typically be easily remodeled within the parameters of the current space.

To determine what needs to be done, first consider the practical aspects of remodeling your bathroom.

Make sure everything works correctly, with no leaks or damaged areas. If there are any issues, these must be addressed before focusing on cosmetic changes. Plumbing, structural, and electrical upgrades may be costly repairs, so being aware of these issues upfront is important.

The good news is that if you find a problem and repair it you may significantly increase the value of your home.

Decide if you need a new layout, more room or just an update to the current design. This will help you determine your costs and budget.

If you have basic carpentry skills, you can probably handle the small changes on your own. When it comes to tearing out walls or moving existing plumbing, you will likely need to hire a contractor and plumber.

The average cost of a new bathroom remodel can vary widely, depending on the age of the home and how much plumbing or electrical work is required.

Where can you see the biggest return on investment?

New tile, an updated cabinet or fixtures and brighter, more natural lighting will appeal to buyers. Usability and adding a touch of luxury are other factors to consider with remodels that include the following:

• Adding a Jacuzzi tub or steam shower in the master bath
• Installing heated floors
• Adding a double sink
• Installing a shower seat
• Adding storage

When choosing colors, stick with neutrals to allow the buyers to imagine themselves in the bathroom. The design should also be cohesive to the rest of the house. Avoid trendy materials and designs, which can look dated in just a few years.

Increasing the size of your bathroom, or at least making the room look bigger, is a great way to add value.

Replacing a tub with a glass shower gives the appearance of more room. Installing brighter light fixtures or adding wall sconces around the mirror is another way to make the room feel larger.