Renovate For Quality of Life: Getting The Best Return From A Bathroom Remodel

Upgrading a bathroom is a big decision for a homeowner. Not only is it a significant financial investment, but doing the work can be a major inconvenience for a family. However, putting the time and resources into a well-designed bathroom remodel can add real value to your home, as well as improve your quality of life. In the Madison area, a $19,000 bathroom remodel yields a 69% return on investment, according to Remodeling 2017 Cost vs Value Report. This, of course depends on a number of variables including changes to the floor plan and which neighborhood or town in Greater Madison your home is located in. Speak with an expert at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel for more information. Before putting the work and the financial resources into a bathroom remodel, homeowners should consider how the work they are doing can both meet their needs and yield the highest return on investment.

Choose the right bathroom to remodel

Before homeowners start shopping for tile, they should consider whether the upgrade makes sense. Remodeling a powder room might be top of your list, but unless you are expanding it into a full bath, adding luxury items in a powder room won't add much value to the home. Instead, look to the bathrooms that are used the most. Is the master bath too small? A remodel and redesign can yield more floor space while also adding a few upscale touches. Is the guest bathroom terribly dated and dingy? Getting rid of the pink tile and adding traditional features, like all wood cabinets and stone floors, will get you more bang for your buck.

Pay attention to design

Hiring a contractor with a good eye for design will get a homeowner closer to their dream bathroom and result in a higher return on investment. Someone with knowledge of different materials and their costs, in addition to construction, plumbing, and zoning requirements, has the skills to find ways to make a homeowner's vision fit within their budget, whether it's using a more affordable material or finding that item worth the splurge. A contractor with great design skills can also work within the space they have, adding a wall-mounted sink or shifting the location of the vanity and tub to yield a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing room.

Splurge on a few high-end items

If a homeowner has a limited budget, think about keeping the basics basic - moderately-priced vanity, toilet, and tile - while spending a little extra on a high-end item. Radiant heat floor mats is a great feature, especially during cold Wisconsin winters, and is something a home buyer will certainly remember. Items like a walk-in shower or a free standing tub are also memorable and can add a real wow factor to the project.

Skip the whirlpool tub

While it might be tempting to add a large whirlpool tub to a master bath, remember that most people don't have time for a bath and this large and bulky feature goes largely unused in most homes. Consider a luxurious walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling stone and high-end fixtures, or a shorter tub that opens up more floor space, making the room appear bigger.

The real estate market today does not demand for a jetted tub to be included in a master bathroom suite. In fact, more often than not, people are removing them where the existing shower is sub-standard size. Don't install a jetted tub or air tub just because you think you need to have one. A bathroom without a whirlpool is OK to have if you have a great shower. But if you have a bathroom with a sub-standard shower, it is often detrimental to home sale.

...Unless you personally love it.

If you personally love your whirlpool, then you are truly the right person to have one in your bathroom. This simple advice comes in to play: Remodel first for yourself, and second considering resale. It's unlikely that having a whirlpool or air tub in your bathroom will ever hurt your chances of resale, as long as the rest of the bathroom is well done and has a good shower in it. So if you want a whirlpool and will use it, by all means, include it!

Consider a master suite remodel

The vast majority of homes in Wisconsin are over 30 years old and in some regions, the average home age is over 50! In older homes, it's less likely to find modern amenities and large master baths. Homes with small bathrooms or only one full bath will see a larger increase in value by investing in an addition with a large bathroom, instead of remodeling the home's small, single bath. Building a master suite addition gives a home an additional bedroom, an additional bathroom, and a special retreat for the homeowners. According to the Remodel 2017 Cost vs Value Report, a $119,000 master suite addition adds and an average of $84,000 to the home's value. That's a 70% return on investment!

Pick something you love

For homeowners looking for a long-term investment, remodeling a dingy old bathroom not only yields a higher home value, it improves quality of life. Modern Americans spend a significant amount of time in the bathroom. Choosing materials and colors you love, and making it a warm and welcoming space will add value, not only to the home, but to your lifestyle.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 2/14/2018.

About Degnan Design Build Remodel
Since 1981 Degnan Design Build Remodel has provided home improvement and construction services to customers throughout Greater Madison, Wisconsin. Our goal is to WOW you with a "Designed For Your Life" solution using a process that will transform your home into a beautiful living space, delivered on time, and on budget. We are known for our communication, respectfulness, and a commitment to our customers and our community. Contact us to speak with one of our designers about your home improvement project.