The Most Effective Way to Increase Your Home’s Value

A Bathroom Remodel Can Increase Your Home’s Value More Than Other Remodeling Projects!

Bathroom remodeling costs so much! And they take so long; what would we do with one bathroom not working? Is that what you’re thinking?

No? Let me try again. We’d need a contractor to get it done right. How would we choose one? Who should we call?

Those things ran through my mind when we contemplated remodeling a dated bathroom in our home. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I became convinced it was what we should do. A little web surfing confirmed it! A bathroom remodel is the BEST way to increase the value of your home and your enjoyment of living there. It’s true! An average-priced bathroom remodel has a national average return on investment (ROI) of 72.7%.

Bathroom Models Make $ense

But don’t just take my word for it. According to Zillow, an online real estate database, “Zillow data shows that bathroom remodels yield the biggest returns in boosting your home’s resale value. For minor cosmetic changes, you’ll see a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 spent. This includes painting and refinishing cabinets, swapping out the mirror, or upgrading hardware.”

Wow! I was convinced I wanted to do this, so I considered exactly what that would look like. Some upgrades were a “must.” But what about the “maybe’s”? Let’s look at some of what I learned about these choices.

Flooring

Old bathrooms are instantly recognizable:

· Color choices

· Out-dated fixtures

· Old tiling

· Off-color grout

L&L Construction can take care of it for you! We strongly recommend changing your flooring with Luxury Vinyl Plank because it is waterproof, durable, inexpensive, and endless choices give an instant modern look that everyone wil

l love.

Shower/Tub

The most significant impact of a bathroom is the shower/tub; logically, it is also the single area with the highest possible ROI. Just replacing a tub with a walk-in shower can raise the value of your home. Of course, don’t replace every tub. Every home needs at least one bathroom with a bathtub. Glass doors are an instant upgrade and visually add space to what are often smaller rooms. Again, consider the small details like cutouts inside your enclosure for soap and shampoos. Finally, since bathrooms are smaller, they require fewer materials, so view some more expensive items. For example, natural stones give an instant sense of luxury and uniqueness.

Cabinets

Pretend you are a potential buyer and look at your bathroom from their perspective. Does your cabinetry look old and tired? Do they need to be redone, or might they only need new doors? Most shoppers are looking for modern, clean, and functional cabinetry.

.

Don’t forget the value of inexpensive details that can go a long way to setting your remodel apart. Cabinets can hide clutter. Think about electrical access inside a cupboard so you don’t have to unplug and put away things you often use in a bathroom, i.e., blow dryers, curling irons, electric razors, and toothbrushes. Clean. Don’t update the cabinets without thinking about modern hardware.

Vanity

Don’t ignore the impact of contemporary vanity. New countertops (you might want to read our take on the differences between granite and other options article on this site), sinks, and faucets significantly impact your remodel's success. Consider double sinks, especially in a master bath. For the highest return on investment, we recommend granite countertops and modern sinks and faucets.

Keep Your End Goal Front and Center

Don’t forget your end goal. If it increases your enjoyment, do the things you would love. But, if your main goal is to increase your resell value, you may want to skip a jet tub or steam shower.

Of course, we all like to get the biggest bang for our buck, so don’t forget the little things that are less expensive. New paint and lighting can make a tremendous difference to the look of your bathroom. Some open shelving takes up less room and can be less costly while adding a lot of storage. Also, be sure to look in your mirror. It can be a detriment or give a luxurious look.

Avoid Mistakes

Keep your remodel in scale with the rest of your home. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is doing a bathroom remodel that is not proportionate with the house and neighborhood. Keep your remodel aligned with your home’s market value and neighborhood standards. Appraisal expert Leslie Sellers says, "If you’re putting in granite counters, a fancy faucet, and a (jetted soaking) tub in a starter home, you’ll have a nice bathroom, but you won't recoup much of your investment.”

Ready to Talk to Someone Knowledgeable?

The L&L Construction team would love to lend you our expertise. We’ll help you decide which upgrades make the most sense and stay within your budget and timeline.

The L&L Team is more than happy to look over your space and specific needs to talk over what choice is best for you. Call or Txt anytime at 206-455-4365 for a free consolation!