By George DeMare, Vice President Business Development
Bathroom remodels can add significant value to a home.
HGTV lists a minor bathroom remodel as the number one home update that pays off. It costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures. While a good bathroom remodel is not necessarily cheap, homeowners get an average of 102 percent return on resale.
Homeowners are pulling out their ceramic tile in favor of cultured marble panes, installing thick-glass shower doors, and putting in sleek fixtures. They want beautiful bathrooms, but they do not want to constantly maintain them.
Current trends show people are tired of fighting grout lines and having to re-caulk. There is a real need for a bathroom that is easy to clean! Remodelers are seeking walk-in showers with frameless doors that are easier to clean and maintain.
Along with wanting a more convenient to clean restroom, homeowners are designing their bathrooms to be a more serene, spa-like space. Trends are showing people utilizing white and neutral colors with typical bathroom clutter organized with under sink storage and/or additional cabinetry.
When it comes to selling a home, bathrooms are a huge a selling point. Most people purchase the most expensive home they can afford and do not want a bathroom that needs work. In theory, the seller wants a potential home buyer to envision themselves in a bathroom that is comfortable for their lifestyle.
For a resale project, focus on the visuals: nice tiles, nice colors, and nice fixtures. Don’t spend a lot on the high-end amenities because most people cannot tell the difference. Prioritize what sells a bathroom and keep in mind the cost of every component of the project plan. Sometimes cabinetry can be updated by simply changing knobs without changing outdoors or entire cabinets.