Does a Bathroom Remodel Affect Home Value?

Can a bathroom remodel raise your home’s value? According to the Cost vs. Value Report issued every year by Remodeling magazine, in 2015 homeowners saw a 70 percent return on investment for mid-range bathroom remodels costing approximately $11,707. If you have the available funds and want to increase your home’s value in preparation for putting it on the market, or you simply want a fresh look, follow these bathroom remodel guidelines.

Plan a Budget

Unlike other rooms in your home where flooring, painting and trim are the only remodel concerns, such as a dining room, the bathroom has seemingly endless possibilities for blowing up your initial budget. From steam showers to custom tile work, the bill can easily creep into the high range. Most homeowners do not have tens of thousands of dollars on hand to dedicate to a bathroom, and as the remodel price goes up, the return on investment drops. Remodeling reports upscale bathroom remodels only have a 59.8 percent return.

Before determining the layout, investing in custom cabinetry, choosing the light fixtures and communicating your desires to a contractor, you should set a clear budget for the total remodel. Having a firm top price helps homeowners make wise decisions and avoid spending on frivolities they may regret later.

Determine Layout

Whenever a remodel involves moving plumbing, the cost skyrockets. Unless it is absolutely necessary, most experts agree that maintaining the same layout will save the homeowner a significant sum. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends leaving at least 18 inches from the centerline of a toilet to a wall or other fixture. They also recommend 30 inches between fixtures and walls. Consider a bathroom layout redesign if your bathroom falls significantly short of these suggestions.

Invest in Storage

As with many other spaces in the home and possibly more so in the bathroom, storage space is a vital element to a successful renovation. While stock bath vanities and cabinets may be less expensive, they cannot be customized to fit into a unique-sized bathroom. To put your bathroom remodel funds to good use, invest in custom-made cabinets accurately sized to maximize the

square footage of the room, if necessary. Besides giving you extra storage space, the bathroom cabinets will also be composed of long-lasting, high-quality wood, a step above the generic particle board that compose stock vanities and cabinets.

Don’t Forget Lighting

While often overlooked in the planning stages, lighting fixtures can alter the entire atmosphere in the bathroom. Be sure to place a fixture above or beside the mirror emitting at least 150 watts of light, as this location is the most important for personal grooming. Installing recessed lighting as an additional ambient light source can contribute to a relaxed environment. Make lighting

decisions early so the electrician does not have to tear up walls and ceilings to run wiring.

Choose a Reliable Contractor

Unless you do not currently live in the home, an ongoing construction site for a bathroom can seriously disrupt your regular routine. It’s important to select a reliable, prompt contractor who will deliver the finished product on time. You will also need to communicate your initial budget with the contracting company and ensure it’s a plan they have the ability to execute.

Don’t forget about the importance of custom bath vanities and cabinets when planning your bathroom remodel, and contact a local quality cabinetmaker today for a consultation.