Is a Bathroom Remodel a Good Investment?

Now that we’ve shared our Interior Designer’s How-To Guide for Renovating Your Kitchen, let’s talk about remodeling your bathroom. There aren’t as many details in planning a bathroom remodel as there are in planning a kitchen, but it can be a costly investment that is fairly semi-permanent.

It’s difficult to backpedal decisions made for a bathroom, so we want to make sure the choices we make will be loved for many years to come. A common question comes up when considering a bathroom remodel:

Is it worth the investment?

Here’s a breakdown of where your investment is typically distributed and why investing in such a small space will make a huge difference in your home.

It’s a Space You’ll Use Every Day

We’re not talking about your garage or guest room. We’re talking about a space that will be seen by guests more often than most other spaces in your home. Alternatively, an owner bathroom is just as important, even if only you and your partner spend time there.

You will most likely use this space multiple times a day. It needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The typical pain points I see in homeowners are:

• A need for additional storage

• Poor lighting

• A lack of adequate space

You may relate to these issues, or you may have entirely unique concerns you’re not sure how to resolve. The issues you bring to a bathroom remodel will most likely add up to a large investment. The following are some costs you may need to consider.

Where to Start on a Bathroom Remodel

Choosing Durable Materials

Of every space in your home, your bathroom will experience the harshest cleaning chemicals. This means you’ll need extremely durable materials that can withstand this.

Most homeowners think tile when they think about their bathroom remodel. Tile is a great durable material to include in your remodel, but I never suggest using tile as a vanity surface. Your vanity will most likely be wiped down by chemical cleaners more often than, for instance, a tiled wall. Tile grout cannot withstand this kind of chemical maintenance (or even nail polish remover spills) in the long run and might break down in a few years.

Consider instead a quality vanity material that produces a smooth, solid surface, like quartz or granite. You could shop for cheaper vanities online – even Wayfair has some selections – but do some serious research on the materials they use. Inexpensive vanities typically use laminate surfaces that can bubble up with water damage.

Remember:

Your vanity is a piece of furniture – like kitchen cabinets – which will take a lot of wear and tear. Focus and invest your money here for the best results.

Buying Custom Shower Doors

Another big budget item homeowners tend to overlook is shower doors. Every bathroom is unique, which means the sizing of certain pieces will also be unique.

If your intention is to remodel your bathroom with shower doors, you will most likely need to invest in custom pieces. I always suggest doing this, if you have the budget for it, or else you may end up with pieces that simply do not fit. This can make or break your bathroom design.

Adding More Lighting can Add Up

Because of the small nature of bathroom spaces, lighting tends to become a huge issue for homeowners. Often their bathrooms end up dim and less functional and inviting because of this.

While investing in new light fixtures and solutions may not be too costly, the process can become more expensive if altering the electrical structure and layout of your bathroom is involved.

When you add a new light fixture, you’ll need to consider the plumbing placement. Working against plumbing is no easy task, and you’ll absolutely want to hire a professional. I will never suggest DIY-ing this!

To be extra mindful of your budget, keep your plumbing and electrical placements where they are and make room – at least 10% – in your budget for surprise costs.

Yes, a Bathroom Remodel is Absolutely Worth the Investment

You want the truth? Yes, a bathroom remodel can become quite costly. The second truth, however, is that it is absolutely worth the investment if it will improve the functionality of your home.

My rule of thumb is that no space in your house should make you feel anything other than joy or – at the very least – contentment. If your bathroom is that sore spot you try to ignore, it might be time to consider investing in a remodel.

More than anything, remodeling your bathroom should be fun – never a burden. If you plan out your budget properly, you can avoid drowning in any possible costs you weren’t expecting.