Giving your bathroom a facelift can be a great way to improve your home's resale value. You may not consider your bathroom an important selling point, but potential buyers certainly will. A bathroom style that is up-to-date and in good condition will make your home more appealing and could help you get a better price. Plus, until you sell your home, you'll be able to enjoy all the upgrades. If you're considering a master bathroom remodel, here are some ideas to help you get started—and many will work just as well with guest bathrooms.
Making the Most of Your Master Bathroom Remodel
There can be a lot of work in bathroom remodels, so make sure to consider what you’ll get out of it before starting.
Many people wonder if a bathroom remodel can add resale value to their home. The answer is: potentially, yes—it’s one of the best ROI home improvements. A well-done bathroom remodel can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, and may even help you to sell your home more quickly. Of course, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to remodel your bathroom, including the project's cost and the housing market's current state.
You can do a few things to help ensure a maximum bathroom remodel ROI. First, focus on trends that are popular in your area. Buyers in today’s market are looking for up-to-date and stylish homes, so choosing materials and finishes that will appeal to them is essential. Second, make sure the layout of your new bathroom is functional and efficient. Even if you love the way your new bathroom looks, potential buyers may be turned off if the layout doesn’t work well.
Fix the Basics First
Fixing existing issues with plumbing, lighting, or anything else that may be breaking is the first step to any bathroom remodel.
Before starting any remodel, fixing anything that might be broken or heading that way is important. Take a moment to assess the situation and ensure you take care of the basics. First, check the plumbing. Are there any leaks or signs of wear and tear? If so, you'll want to get those repaired before moving on to cosmetic updates. Next, ensure there's no water damage, and if there is, take steps to address it. Other things to check include tiles, towel bars, and toilet seats.
In short, make sure that there's nothing right off the bat that's bothering you or would turn away a potential homebuyer. This will help you avoid worse problems down the road, whether during the selling process or while you're still living in the home. Once you've taken care of these essential repairs, you can move on to more cosmetic updates like painting or installing new fixtures.
Modernize With New Tiles
Tiles are a great way to make your bathroom look more modern, and there are numerous styles to choose from.
One way to modernize your bathroom is to install new tiles. They can be durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for use in a bathroom. When choosing tiles for your bathroom, choosing ones that are moisture resistant is essential. This will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and ensure that your tiles always look their best. You can easily give your bathroom a fresh, modern look with new tiles.
Tiles come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can find a style that suits your taste. Be sure to pick tiles that complement the other features in the bathroom, such as the tub, countertops, and toilets. One further consideration is potential homebuyers—choosing a style of tile that will appeal to a wide audience of people is vital to ensure no one loses interest in buying your home.
Increase Storage Space With Cabinets
Cabinets are key to helping you keep everything you need in the bathroom.
When it comes to the bathroom, storage is always at a premium. Towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies can quickly clutter up the space, making it challenging to keep the room tidy. One way to combat this problem is to incorporate cabinets into the room's design. Cabinets provide a place to store all of your bathroom essentials and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
When selecting cabinets for your bathroom, it is crucial to consider both function and style. Choose a durable and easy-to-clean material, and opt for a design that complements the room's overall aesthetic. Wall-mounted cabinets are an excellent option for small bathrooms, while freestanding cabinets can provide additional storage space in larger bathrooms. In addition, many cabinets come equipped with shelves, providing even more storage options. By incorporating cabinets into your bathroom design, you can create a more organized and functional space.
Update Light and Plumbing Fixtures
Even if fixtures like lights and faucets aren’t broken, swapping them for new ones is an easy way to add a new look to the bathroom.
One of the quickest and most dramatic ways to update the look of your bathroom is to install new light fixtures. Just because a light fixture or faucet works fine doesn't mean you can't change it. Consider installing a new overhead light fixture if your bathroom is small and cramped. You may want to add sconces on either side of the mirror in a larger bathroom. Not only will this provide evenly distributed light for tasks like shaving and applying makeup, but it will also give your bathroom an elegant, finished look.
Installing new plumbing fixtures is another key update in a master bathroom remodel. If your sink is outdated or damaged, replacing it with a new pedestal sink or vessel sink can make a big difference in the overall look of your bathroom. New faucets and shower heads can also help to update the appearance of your bathroom, and they may even help to improve water pressure and save water. By making some simple changes, you can give your bathroom a luxurious new look.
Freshen Up With New Paint or Wallpaper
Adding new paint or wallpaper to the walls of the bathroom brings a big change to the color and feel of the room.
Paint is a simple and inexpensive way to freshen up any room in your home, and the bathroom is no exception. A new coat of paint can brighten up a dull room and create a refreshing atmosphere. When choosing paint colors for the bathroom, consider using light and airy colors to create a spa-like atmosphere. Remember that light colors can make a small space feel larger, while darks can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
You can also use wallpaper to add interest and personality to your bathroom. Wallpaper comes in various colors and patterns, so you're sure to find something that fits the room. Like with tiles, pick an option that won't alienate future buyers.
Whether you use paint or wallpaper, just make sure it's ready to handle the demands of being in a bathroom. It'll need to take high humidity and likely the occasional splash of water, so having the ability to clean the wall is key.
Add Plants for Color and Life
Plants can be pretty decor for a bathroom, but also have been shown in studies to have positive effects on health.
Most people don't think to add plants to their bathroom décor, but there are several benefits. Plants can add a pop of color, help to purify the air, and improve the overall quality of your indoor environment. Plus, research has shown that plants can positively affect mental health. Great places for plants in the bathroom include the windowsill or hanging baskets from the ceiling.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that will thrive in high humidity, consider adding a Boston fern or a peace lily to your bathroom. Or, if you have a bright window in your bathroom, a cactus or succulent would make an attractive addition. Nothing is stopping you from using fake plants for just the decorative benefit either.
Accessories Finish the Look
Updating little accessories in bathrooms like towel racks and soap dispensers can add a touch of luxury.
While most people focus on décor and furnishings when they think about home design, the reality is that the small details can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a space. This is especially true in the bathroom, where accessories like towels, soap dispensers, and towel racks can play a significant role in the aesthetic. Of course, function is also essential in this room. But with a little thoughtfulness, it’s easy to find bathroom accessories that are both practical and stylish.
Towels are one of the first things guests will see when they enter your bathroom, so why not make a statement with them? Opt for vibrant colors or patterns that contrast with the rest of your décor. Most towel racks are purely functional, but there’s no reason they can’t also be beautiful. Look for options made from interesting materials like wood or metal, or opt for a creative design that adds personality to your space. Similarly, soap dispensers come in various styles—you'll be using them just about every time you're in the bathroom, so why not make them something you enjoy looking at?
Minor Changes Can Have a Big Impact
Even small changes like updating a door handle can make a bathroom look newer.
Many people underestimate the power of small changes. When it comes to the bathroom, even minor adjustments can have a big impact. For instance, changing the knobs and handles on cabinets and drawers can give the space a new look. Or, if you're looking for something with a little more impact, you could try refinishing the cabinets. This will take more time and effort, but the results are worth it.
And of course, sometimes the simplest change is just cleaning the bathroom. Focus on areas that collect dirt and grime, such as the sink, toilet, and shower. Don't forget about the caulk between tiles either! This can make a world of difference in terms of both appearance and hygiene.
Improve Your Bathroom, Increase Your Home's Resale Value
If you're looking to do a master bathroom remodel, you can do a few things that will make a significant impact. New light fixtures, paint, and accessories like plants can all help to refresh your space without breaking the bank. And if you're feeling ambitious, fixing some of the hardware—like towel racks, faucets, cabinets, and tiles—can also go a long way in increasing your home's resale value. In most cases, the bathroom remodel ROI is in the 60–70% range. Ready to get started? Get ready to give your bathroom the makeover it deserves!
About the Author: Based in Burbank, CA, Brad Korb has been a licensed REALTOR® and Broker since 1979. Now the owner of The Brad Korb Real Estate Group, he is the #1 REALTOR® in closed volume and number of homes sold in Burbank.