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Renovating a bathroom is a great way to get more use and enjoyment out of your home. Still, there are a number of myths surrounding a bathroom upgrade, as well as conflicting information (especially about how much of the cost you can expect to recoup in increases to home value).
If planning a bathroom renovation feels overwhelming, here is a list of 20 bathroom renovation facts to take you from first steps to the final finish:
Budgeting for Your Bathroom Renovation
#1 Set your target budget. One rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10% of your home's value on a master bathroom renovation, and no more than 5% of your home's value on a powder room or any other bathroom upgrade. Take the time to calculate the value of your home, the funds you have in reach, and the value you hope to add to your property before construction begins.
#2 Research return on investment. It is important to consider the many individual circumstances around your bathroom renovation: your region, the average home value in your neighborhood, and more. But as a baseline, some estimate that a midrange bathroom remodel will recoup 66% of cost. A luxury or upscale remodel is estimated to recoup about 36% of its cost, according to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. When considering these figures, it suggests you don’t need to get the most expensive renovation in order to recoup cost and add home value. In fact, aiming more toward the middle for a bathroom upgrade may be the safest course.
These numbers are averages, so consulting with a reliable contracting business is a great way to get a more accurate picture.
#3 Factor in the size of the space. The 2024 Architectural Design Guide suggests estimating the cost of your bathroom renovation by budgeting $600-$800 per square foot.
#4 Simple changes can have big results. Does a bathroom renovation mean you must rip it all and start over? Not necessarily! You can pick and choose which areas to refresh. If you’re not trying to start from scratch, consider how a simple vanity upgrade or addition of wallpaper could transform the space.
#5 Think outside the box. One fun fact from Zillow claims that homes with blue-themed bathrooms sold for more than $5,000 more than asking price. (This was from a 2017 survey, so make sure to research the most up-to-date home value trends before picking out tile!)
#6 Consider eco-friendly options. Energy efficiency and water efficiency are good for the planet, but they're also good for your own wallet. This savings does not have to come at the sacrifice of style. Check out Sunset Magazine’s round-up of low-water bathroom fixtures that still look great.
#7 Don’t skimp on labor. There are lots of ways to slim down a bathroom budget, but finding the cheapest possible labor shouldn’t be one of them. This will inevitably come at the cost of high-quality and long-lasting work, and may end up costing you dearly in the long run. Be sure to work with contractors you trust, who will bring high-quality work to your renovation.
#8 Add storage space. Imagine the ways you can keep surfaces clear and open by examining all the places bathroom storage can be added in this renovation. This increases the utility of the space, while also adding value to your home and appealing to potential buyers.
Confront the Myths of Bathroom Remodeling
#9 Myth: This is only about plumbing. Plumbing is essential to a bathroom, make no mistake. But when renovating a bathroom, you have the opportunity to strategize and reimagine the entire space, from fixtures to flooring to storage options, and more. Don’t limit yourself by only considering the plumbing, but keep the biggest picture in mind.
#10: Myth: I can do all the labor myself. There are many benefits of a licensed contractor, including their years of professional experience, especially if there is a hidden issue that gets unearthed during the renovation process. Also, consider the risk of financial loss or damage to your home if something goes wrong while taking on this labor yourself. Errors in bathtub or tile caulk can lead to mold, mildew, bad odors, and, ultimately, lasting damage to the walls of your bathroom. Don’t risk it - trust a professional with your bathroom renovation.
#11: Myth: A remodel means expanding the bathroom. While you certainly can expand the space in a bathroom during a renovation, this is not a requirement! A bathroom renovation is an opportunity to reevaluate the space, and the same amount of space can be made to feel bigger with better lighting, increased storage, and more.
The First Steps to a Remodeled Bathroom
#12 Your first purchase: Start from a new shower or tub. (From here you can shop for tile and other fixtures to complement.)
#13 First contact: A plumber, after you have the measurements of the shower and tub, for rough-in plumbing.
#14 Working with an electrician matters, too. Contact them early on in the process, though you should contact a plumber first.
Other Bathroom Renovation Considerations
#15 Types of sinks: A new sink can totally reinvent a bathroom, and recent trends for bathroom sinks include natural materials like wood, clay and ceramic, as well as separate sinks (as opposed to a double vanity). If you need inspiration, take a look through this list of different bathroom sink styles and materials care of Dwell Magazine.
#16 Types of toilets: Architectural Digest reports a trend toward more luxury toilets in bathroom redesign, with smart features, seat-warming, or the addition of a bidet. As in most fixtures, there is also a trend toward low-flow and increased efficiency for toilets.
#17 Windows and doors: Don’t overlook the doors and windows of a bathroom, as sprucing them up can complete the transformation of your bathroom renovation. Trends in this space include barn doors, pocket doors, and French doors in a bathroom.
#18 Cabinets: A bathroom looks new and fresh with a new set of cabinets, but keep in mind that a bathroom often requires custom cabinets. Architectural Digest suggests calculating an estimate of the cost of new bathroom cabinets at $200-$500 per unit.
#19 Don’t take your floors for granted: We may not think about bathroom flooring very often (as long as it isn't damaged!), but the type of flooring in your bathroom is a functional choice and a design one. In a guest powder room, waterproof flooring isn't as essential as it is for a master bathroom with a tub and shower. For a luxury renovation, heated floors are a popular upgrade.
#20 Test, maintain, or upgrade your bathroom fan: Your bathroom fan may not be a glamorous appliance, but it is essential to healthy air flow. If it isn’t working properly, mold and mildew can become huge problems. Take this bathroom renovation as a chance to test, repair, or install a new bathroom fan to keep your bathroom a healthy and pleasant space.
Start Your Journey to a Bathroom Renovation Today
Thinking about a bathroom renovation for your home? Reach out to Marks Building Co. for an estimate today!
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