It’s the smallest room in your home, but it has the biggest impact. Considering how much time we spend in the bathroom (a year and a half over our lifetimes, to be exact), it’s surprising we don’t put more effort into its comfort.
New plumbing technologies are making it easier to modernize these spaces we dedicate to hygiene, relaxation, and preparation. In fact, according to Homelight, modernizing existing bathroom fixtures is one of the biggest factors in increasing the value of a bathroom remodel.
That being said, revamping your bathroom is an essential step if you’re looking to improve your own comfort, and eventually put your home back on the market. A bathroom upgrade can result in a 50% ROI, as long as it’s done right. The following improvements will ensure that.
Radiant Flooring
Heated flooring in the bathroom is a major selling point in colder climates. Since you’ll likely have to replace the flooring, grout, or caulking on your bathroom flooring at some point anyway, why not install radiant flooring?
Heated floors add an immediate air of luxury to your home, and will mean a lot to buyers who value indulgence. It costs about $10-$12 per square foot to install, but will certainly add to your home’s resale value.
Steam Shower
This is a must for high-end homes, or for any sellers that truly want to up the incentive. Steam showers act as a shower and sauna all-in-one. These moisture sealed shower enclosures come with a generator that pumps steam into the enclosure, allowing you to sweat away the toxins.
Once you have the fixture, you can simply buy a steam shower kit through which you can adjust the temperature and intensity, add essential oils (for aromatherapy), and even play music. If you want your home to truly give off a vibe of opulence, this is a worthwhile upgrade.
It costs anywhere between $2500-$4000 to have this installed, but can boost home value by nearly 30%.
You may also want to take into consideration the type of people who you are selling your home to. If you are targetting families, a bath is more suitable than a shower, or if you are going to sell to older people, walk in baths or handrails could be installed to make the room more practical for them.
Bidet/Washlet
Bring a touch of Europe into your home by installing a bidet. Not only is this fixture known to be more hygienic than toilet paper, but it is also more eco-friendly. Bidets are yet another way of bringing a little luxury into your bathroom.
Washlets and bidet toilet seats are a less-expensive and DIY-friendly way to implement this upgrade. Many of them come with self-cleaning capabilities, as well as warming and deodorizing features.
Bidets reduce toilet paper usage by 75%, a fact that’s sure to appear to buyers looking to save money – and save the Earth.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are the latest in contemporary plumbing. Also known as “on-demand water heaters”, they heat cold water when it’s needed, as opposed to heating it 24/7. This allows them to consume 30% less energy than traditional water heaters.
In addition to their eco-friendly qualities, their compact build makes them an excellent fit for smaller homes. Larger homes, however, may need to install more than one. Bidet toilet seats easily take the place of your existing toilet seat, and simply need to be hooked to the water supply line.
The benefits of tankless water heaters are countless. They are easily installed and have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters. For homeowners that want to eliminate their long shower guilt, and their sky-high bills, it’s a must-have.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Perhaps not the sexiest upgrade, but certainly the most practical. While they may not directly impact your home value, they’ll definitely do so indirectly. This is because bathroom exhaust fans limit the humidity in the bathroom.
Due to this, there is a lower likelihood of mold growth – something that will absolutely turn prospective buyers away. Many bugs, like silverfish and certain ants, are also attracted to humidity. Bathroom fans will also keep the pests under control in your home.
Some older homes don’t have bathroom exhaust fans, so they’re a worthwhile addition. If you’re handy, they’re also a quick and easy DIY project.
Sensor Faucets
This is the upgrade that will truly bring your bathroom into the 21st century. Long limited to commercial bathrooms, touch-free faucets are the future. They are far more hygienic and progressive than regular faucets. For eco-conscious homeowners, they’re also another selling point.
Sensor faucets save water, as it’s impossible to keep them running, and they don’t stay on unless they sense a nearby presence. Touch-free faucets cost between $100-$200 to install. You may need to hire a professional for this one, but it will be worth it.
With the abundance of smart homes on the market nowadays, it’s important to keep up with the increasing demand for convenience and contemporaneity. These bathroom upgrades will set the tone for the rest of your home and show potential buyers that you value comfort over frugality. In turn, your forward-thinking is sure to pay off.