I've had this discussion with a few people lately... They're getting ready to list their home and wonder if they should spend the money to upgrade a dated bathroom before they list.
Here are my thoughts...
There is no doubt that a beautiful bathroom can definitely increase your home's value and appeal. But renovating bathrooms can be tricky because they are some of the most complicated and costly rooms in a home to redo. So take a little time and do your homework before you jump in. It is essential to weigh the costs (and I mean take a deep dive here), potential returns, and the local market conditions. Consulting with local contractors, tile, and flooring professionals as well as cabinet makers and shops to get some real-life, material and labor costs is a great place to start when pricing out the cost of a new bathroom. You should also loop your trusted real estate agent in and see what they think the value add would be to the home if you move forward with the renovation.
I've personally just completed two back to back bathroom remodels in my home and let me tell you it was a long haul (we had a lot of plumbing work) and it left a big dent in the bank account. My husband and I are flirting with the idea of selling our home and embarking on a new adventure and with that in mind we decided to go ahead with the remodels anyway because who knows when or if we'll actually sell..... we decided to roll the dice and cross our fingers that it would benefit when the time comes to list and move on.
How bad is it and what's the current market?
If your bathroom is outdated, showing signs of wear, or has functional issues, a renovation might be necessary. Buyers are often turned off by old fixtures, moldy grout, or outdated tiles. In a competitive market, a fresh, modern bathroom can be a significant selling point that sets your home apart. However, in a seller’s market where demand exceeds supply, a full renovation may not be necessary—minor upgrades might be enough to attract offers.
Costs vs. Potential Gains
A full bathroom renovation can be costly, averaging between $20,000 to $50,000. While you might recoup 60-70% of this in the sale, consider whether it’s worth the investment. Sometimes, smaller updates—like replacing fixtures, repainting, or refreshing caulk can have a high impact at a fraction of the cost.
Know Your Buyers
Understanding your target market is key. If your home is in a neighborhood where buyers expect move-in-ready properties with modern amenities, a bathroom renovation could boost your home’s appeal and sale price. However, if buyers in your area are more focused on affordability, they might prefer to save money and make updates themselves.
When you opt for a "no reno redo," here's the list I swear by....
If you decide that you don't want to spend the time, money, and hassle on a bathroom renovation, consider some mini upgrades to make the bathroom look crisp, clean, and refreshed before you take it to market. See my list below of bathroom upgrades that will make a world of difference.
Paint walls and ceiling (avoid high shine finish - use washable eggshell/satin finish and ask the paint guys to add in a bottle of the mold/mildicide inhibitor.
Deep clean on grout and tile
New caulk around tub, fixtures, sink, and toilet
Replace mirrors or add a frame around the mirror if it is delaminating at the bottom
Swap the dated work shower/bath/sink fixtures out for fresh shiny new ones
Grungy toilet? You can get a nice clean new toilet without breaking the bank
Don't forget the lighting. Dated lighting fixtures can really bring a bathroom down. Put some light on the situation and go online or to your local lighting store and choose some modern new fixtures.
Wood vanity/cabinets - give them a good wash and polish. If they are scuffed and worn, consider having a wood refinisher give them a little touch up with stain — if they are too far gone, yellowed, or just plain outdated, consider ordering some new doors and giving the whole vanity a lovely coat of paint.
Painted vanity/cabinets - if they are in good shape but just dirty, then give them a good clean. But if they are worn, scratched, and/or peeling, then call your painter or get out your paintbrush and show them some love.
Clean that ceiling fan. Grab your vacuum with the fuzzy brush attachment and your step ladder. A good clean almost always makes the bathroom ceiling fan look, sound, and work better. If yours is a total wreck, then consider replacing it.
Organization. Look, nobody wants to tour a home on the market with cabinets full of old towels, makeup, shampoo, medications, and all the stuff that accumulates in our bathroom cabinets over the years. Swing by the local Container or hardware store and get some of those plastic shoe boxes with lids. Throw away all the old stuff and then organize what's left and pop them back into the cabinets nice and neat.
New towels. Yup, new towels can be expensive but if your budget is tight swing by Target or Costco and pick up a couple of sets of fresh new towels.
Decor. Take a look around the room and see if your need to refresh or add in some artwork - maybe even an airy plant or beautiful potted orchid - don't go crazy but refresh to keep things looking crisp, clean and classic.
Good luck and as always if there is any way that I can help you with your project, please let me know. That's it for today... My husband just came home and opened up a lovely bottle of wine so gotta run and enjoy the last of our warm summer evenings.
Until next time...
XO — Tracey
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