Home renovation is no longer an outlet to showcase your wealth (if it ever was just that). It has become essential for upkeep and functionality in these times, which climate change and unexpected occurrences have severely impacted. As a Kitchener homeowner, you’re probably no newcomer to freezing rain and ice pellets that make trees fall and expose your house to flooding risks.
That said, finding the budget for a renovation project can be tough. It’s trickier if you’re undergoing life transitions like having a new baby or switching from a secure job to a passion project.
It helps to start with a project guaranteed to have a high return on investment. A bathroom renovation fits the bill.
Bathroom Renovation and High ROI: Why They Go Together
Do you tend to inspect the bathroom first when checking into a hotel or an Airbnb?
That’s it.
The kitchen may be the heart of the house, but the bathroom is also a vital organ, so to speak. Consequently, maintaining your bathroom will reap dividends if and when you look to sell. It elevates the value of your house, helping you make a sweeter deal.
Typically, Kitchener homeowners can expect the bathroom renovation cost to be around $15,000 to $30,000. Your investment can exceed this range if you choose more luxurious additions. The costs will depend on the square footage and the amount of work, from plumbing to electrical.
A National Association of Realtors report found that bathroom renovation projects can bring you up to 50% of cost recovery. The report also attributed a “Joy Score” of 9.8 to these projects, proving their immense impact on making homeowners happier.
A Zonda Media Cost vs. Value report from 2024 has even more promising figures. It predicts that a midrange bath remodel can help you recoup 74% of the costs. Changing the countertops, fixtures, and tiles can be enough.
While bathroom refreshes and remodels are more lucrative than many other home renovation projects, a few oversights can mar the benefits. PD Renovations explains that Kitchener homeowners must be careful about permits, inspections, and building costs. It also helps to keep a buffer for delays in materials or labor-contingencies you cannot predict.
Are Bathroom Renovations Worthwhile if You’re Not Planning to Sell?
The deal with bathroom projects is that little can translate into a lot-a few minor changes make a tremendous impact.
For instance, changing light fixtures or swapping your vanity are not cost- or labor-intensive projects. Even so, your bathroom looks a lot better after you accomplish these tasks. As a result, more homeowners now consider bathroom edits to enjoy the delights of a spruced-up space, all for themselves.
Another advantage of a bathroom refresh is the classic saying of a stitch in time that saves nine. Bathroom renovation projects can alert you of deeper plumbing and foundational issues that warrant attention. They are an opportunity to run a professional inspection and understand which repairs are impossible to postpone.
For example, a Redditor shared how a routine home inspection revealed a leaking shower causing moisture buildup [r/AusRenovation]. It got them started on planning the necessary plumbing fixes that may have cost much more upon delay. Similarly, using energy-efficient light fixtures in the bathroom can lower your home’s electricity bills.
On a more sinister note, the BBC had a fascinating report a few years ago: A lady in Hampshire found a secret mirror during her bathroom renovation. It was behind a secret shower that was behind her shower!
The ROI Scale: Tips to Make the Most of Your Bathroom Renovation
If you’re inspired to give it a go, we have a few tips to maximize your ROI from upgrading your bathroom.
- Prefer neutral, classic colors and patterns to trendy but low-shelf-life designs. It will keep your home appealing over the years and not turn away buyers who want evergreen aesthetics. For example, think of fuzzy toilet seat covers, which were wildly popular at one time. Even the idea of them might gross some buyers out today!
- Switch to energy-efficient lighting and low-flow faucets. These changes will bring you immediate monetary benefits. They will also appeal to eco-conscious buyers if you sell in the future.
- Implement cosmetic upgrades, like changing the vanity or hanging up a classy mirror. These edits don’t cost much but can be more strategically rewarding than an entire gut rehaul.
- Consider avoiding grout during tiling changes. Forbes notes that many home buyers now avoid grout as it gets dirty quickly and is challenging to clean. Instead, you can opt for natural materials. Faux-finished tiles may not be the best idea either-they are not the real thing and always radiate a fake-ness.
Here’s hoping we gave you some inspiration to redo your bathrooms this year. We all deserve a relaxing space that may not be a spa but feels homely and comforting nonetheless. Knowing that bathroom edits are worth their price in future financial returns will keep you in the right frame of mind when planning and executing the renovations.