Should I Renovate My Bathroom Prior to Selling My Home?

Many times, clients make the decision to renovate their bathrooms because they intend to stay in their home for the long run.  For others, the intention is to sell their home sometime in the not-too-distant future.  The question is, is a bathroom renovation worth the effort if a homeowner intends to sell the property?  The answer is most often a resounding “yes”!   

In most cases, upgrading a bathroom that is outdated, unattractive or worn out, will increase the value of your home.  We only need to watch an episode of “Love It or List It” to realize the impact of a beautiful bathroom on a potential buyer.   

It’s been said that a bathroom renovation prior to selling a home should wisely be viewed as an investment rather than an expense. A clean, updated bathroom can not only increase your home's value, but it can sometimes mean the difference in a potential buyer choosing your property over another similar home.  Further, if there are safety concerns such as faulty wiring or poor lighting, mold or mildew, structural issues, or cracked and broken tile, it may erode buyer confidence and give the impression that your home has not been properly maintained or well cared for.  These items will likely show up in a buyer’s home inspection report, so it’s always wise to deal with them in advance, rather than risk negotiating a lower selling price.  According to Zillow, 29% of sellers make some sort of improvement to their bathrooms before listing their properties for sale.  Here are some tips to make sure you get the most “bang” for your buck! 

Firstly, set a realistic budget that makes sense for your renovation and home.  This is not the time to go overboard with costly fixtures and unnecessary options, as you want to maximize your ROI.  Make good quality, cost effective choices for your bathroom.  Simple, updated fixtures (including shower heads, faucets, toilets, towel accessories), fresh tile, ample storage, an attractive vanity and good lighting are all effective considerations for your project. In some cases, changing an older bathtub to a functional walk-in shower can be a game changer.  Our team at We Do Bathrooms will give recommendations and suggestions, then work within your budget to give you wonderful upgrades that will increase the appeal of your home.  Keep in mind that a mid-range bathroom remodel will get you the most return on your dollar when you sell. 

Stay with a light, neutral palette to make a strong first impression.  Choosing products, particularly tile and paint, in a neutral color family (such as beige or soft grays), helps appeal to a broad range of purchasers.  You want buyers considering your residence to easily envision themselves and their possessions within your rooms.  It is best to steer clear of choices that are too highly personalized.

Similarly, avoid trendy options.  For example, matte black fixtures are all the rage now but consider if these will have a lasting appeal. It’s always best to opt for classic choices that will stand the test of time.  Creating a clean, functional, attractive bathroom is your goal for a great first impression. 

In short, updated bathrooms certainly do contribute to homes selling more quickly and with fewer buyer negotiations, resulting in a better selling price! At We Do Bathrooms, we will help you get maximum appeal without overspending on your renovation.