5 Tips for Getting the Best Return on Your Bathroom Remodel

With the recovery of the housing market, not only are home sales increasing, but home remodeling is also becoming a better investment. One of the most impactful tasks to take on, whether you are remodeling to stay in your home or sell it, is a bathroom remodel. There are a lot of decisions involved in planning any remodeling job, and a wide range of costs, depending on what you decide to do.

Making the best choices when planning your bathroom remodeling will determine how much you enjoy the results and how much of a return you will see on your investment when you decide to sell the house. Here are five tips for getting the best return on your bathroom remodel.

Consider Resale Value

Check out the real estate market in your area and talk to real estate agents to find out how much of an effect a bathroom remodel will have on the resale value of your home. Another question to ask is how it will affect the speed with which your home sells. The bathroom is one room that can kill a sale in a heartbeat if it is not up to par, but active real estate agents will know what kind of demand there is in your market for the latest styles (It will be much higher among buyers of high-end homes in Scottsdale than in the more middle-class homes throughout Phoenix, for example.)

Incorporate Universal Design

All housing markets in the Phoenix area have a large proportion of retirees among home buyers, making universal design home remodeling an especially worthwhile investment. TWD has in-house certified professionals who can design your bathroom to accommodate all users, regardless of age or abilities. Aging in place is a concept that is very important to older home buyers, and by factoring universal design into your bathroom remodel, you make your home very attractive to this population when it comes time to sell.

Some of the elements that will be considered are counter heights, door widths and shower curbs. There are some very sleek-looking designs in modern showers that are actually made to accommodate a wheelchair, yet have the look and feel of indulgent luxury—a far cry from the institutional functionality that dominated the appearance of older accessible models. All it takes is a properly designed floor to eliminate the need for a shower curb that would interfere with a wheelchair or trip someone who didn’t have climbing mobility. These universal design elements let you increase accessibility while improving the appearance of your bathroom!

Maximize Low-Cost Upgrades

Changing the tub or shower, and anything that requires adding or moving plumbing will be among the more expensive parts of bathroom remodeling, but there are many additional aspects that are much cheaper. Be sure to factor in the necessary big jobs, but also take advantage of the enhanced effect of the smaller ones too.

Bathroom lighting makes a huge difference in how the room appears, and is one of the less-costly upgrades to make. Storage is also a high-perceived-value addition that isn’t expensive if you have some space where your remodeling contractor can add some cabinets.

Minimize Consumption of Water and Energy

By incorporating features that cut down on water use you not only cut down on your bill, but make your home more efficient in the event of future water shortage or drought regulations. You also reduce your environmental impact, which is good for the planet and something many buyers look for. Would you believe an average family can save 17,000 gallons of water per year just by going with low-flow faucets and showers? The difference is amazing and adds up to somewhere between $60 and $120 in total utility costs. Your water heater may not be right in the bathroom, but upgrading it with a better-insulated and more energy-efficient model is another way to really reduce utility bills.

Work With an Experienced, Licensed Remodeling Contractor

It may seem like a cost-cutter to hire a local handyman to do your bathroom remodeling, but there are several reasons it is less expensive to work with a licensed remodeling contractor. There are a lot of things that can go wrong in bathroom remodeling, so you want to work with someone who has the experience to make sure they don’t go wrong on your job. For example, poor plumbing can result in leaks that result in walls having to be removed and even flooring having to be replaced. Inexperienced remodelers also tend to damage adjacent cabinets and fixtures, which you don’t have to worry about with a licensed and insured remodeling contractor.

TWD has been in the home remodeling business in Phoenix for 20 years. If you would like to know what’s trending now, and what the best bathroom remodeling investments are, give us a call at 623-544-1211. Our certified design professionals would be happy to discuss your remodeling plans with you.