If you’re getting ready to sell your home, remodeling the bathroom is an easy way to update your house and increase your home’s value without doing a complete overhaul. Even with a relatively modest amount of time, money, and effort, you can get a high return on investment (ROI) with a bathroom remodel in Phoenix. In fact, according to Zillow, homeowners can recoup around $1.71 for every $1 spent in the bathroom.
As you start assessing your bathroom and making plans, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Don’t over-improve. Talk to your real estate agent or check comps in your area by browsing through Zillow or Redin to see what types of bathroom upgrades or styles are available in houses in your neighborhood. Make sure that your remodel is in keeping with your home’s value. For instance, if you plan on listing your home for $250,000, you probably don’t need to spend $50,000 on a luxury, spa-like bathroom remodel.
- Fix problems first. Consider any issues that might crop up in an inspection report, like mold, poor ventilation, leaky faucets or pipes, etc. Take care of those issues before anything else. You can also address purely cosmetic issues that might turn buyers off when touring your house. Peeling paint, old caulk, dirty grout, or water and rust stains can make a bad first impression but are easy to remedy.
- Consider budget-friendly, DIY changes along with your remodel. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and even on your cabinets can go a long way toward giving your old bathroom a new look. Instead of a builder’s grade mirror or mirrored-front medicine cabinet, a framed mirror can make your bathroom look more modern and polished. Giving your bathroom a good deep cleaning can help address unsightly stains.
When you’re ready to get started with your bathroom remodel, focusing on the following five areas will give you the most bang for your buck and increase your home value.
Update Your Flooring
Nothing makes a bathroom feel more dated and dingy than old flooring in disrepair. Depending on when your home was built, you might have cracked tiles, peeling linoleum, or stained vinyl on your bathroom floor. Installing new ceramic or porcelain tile will go a long way toward giving your bathroom a fresh look. These materials are durable as well as stain and water-resistant, which is essential in a bathroom.
If you’re planning to put your home on the market, it’s usually best to stick with a neutral color palette (think grays, black and white, or beige) for your tile flooring since that will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. Keep it simple and classic in both color and design for the best results.
Upgrade Fixtures and Lighting
It can seem minor, but changing out old faucets, shower heads, lighting fixtures, and cabinet and drawer pulls can greatly impact the overall look of a bathroom, making it feel like a brand-new room. Just make sure to coordinate everything with the same finish so there’s nothing jarring to the eyes.
If possible, think about swapping outdated light fixtures. Although many homes have lights over the mirror, installing wall sconces on either side of the mirror instead can be an easy style upgrade. Bright LED lights overhead or next to the mirror will help showcase your bathroom, giving it a cheerful, clean, modern feel.
Replace the Bathtub or Install a Shower
Although jetted tubs were once all the rage, many homeowners have since realized that they are rarely used and difficult to clean. If your bathroom has an outdated jetted tub, consider replacing it. If you live in an area popular with young families with children, think about putting in a simple soaking tub, which is easier for bathtime.
If there is already a tub in another bathroom in your house, replacing the tub in the master bathroom with a shower might make more sense. Walk-in showers with glass doors are both attractive and versatile and can make your bathroom feel bigger than a traditional shower with a shower curtain.
Install a Better Toilet
There’s nothing worse than an old, stained toilet, plus it will stand out like a sore thumb once you’ve freshened up other parts of the bathroom. Many homeowners are investing in eco-friendly or low-flow toilets that are good for water conservation and save money on water bills. You might also consider a toilet with an elongated bowl and seat, which tends to be more comfortable. Potential buyers will appreciate the upgrade.
Splurge On a New Vanity
One of the most effective ways to change the look of your bathroom while also increasing efficiency is to put in a new vanity. If your bathroom has a single pedestal sink with no storage, a simple switch to a vanity with drawers and under-sink storage can make a huge difference. Something else to consider is adding a vanity with dual sinks so that both partners can get ready at the same time, especially in the master bathroom.
Hire a Professional
When it comes down to it, you want to make sure your renovations get done right, especially if you’re tackling a bigger project like putting in a shower, replacing a vanity and toilet, or installing new flooring. Working with professional guarantees that the work will pass inspection and will also save you time and headaches trying to do it all yourself.
For residential bathroom remodeling in Phoenix, JMG Contracting can do it all! As a family-owned and operated business, we truly listen to our customers and are with you on your project every step of the way, from start to finish.
Staying within your budget is probably a priority for you, especially if you’re looking for the best ROI on your remodel. We understand and are so committed to getting you the best value we’ll even take you along with us to wholesale distributors to pick out materials.
If you’re considering bathroom remodeling in Phoenix, contact us today for a free estimate. We would love to help you get the most for your money!