Believe it or not, a slim remodeling budget doesn’t mean putting off much-needed home improvement projects. This is especially true for rooms like your bathroom, which is such an essential part of your daily routine. You can make your bathroom a beautiful and functional space with a little creativity and careful consideration of how you spend your renovation dollars.
If you are in the market to sell your home, taking on a bathroom remodeling project can add value to your property and attract potential buyers. For most buyers, bathrooms and kitchens are major selling points in a home, so it’s wise to make improvements to this room before trying to sell your home. Here are some tips for creating a bathroom you (and buyers) will love without spending a fortune.
The Design
Note: A functional and beautiful bathroom design can be simple and inexpensive with proper planning and research. If you are renovating an existing bathroom or building a completely new one, you need to plan accordingly and determine the best products within your budget.
The best way to avoid common mistakes (like a burst pipe that can result in a lot of money and home damage) is to examine your existing piping and fixtures to figure out if any structural changes need to be made ahead of time. A significant part of a successful design is being proactive right from the start. Find a qualified plumber in your neighborhood to help with the project from start to finish. A quality plumber can speak about past project experience, educate you on the scope of work for your current project, and recommend cost-saving ways to design the layout of your new bathroom. A jack and jill layout can save you money as well!
While some people think hiring a pro is more costly, it can actually help you save money. It is not uncommon for unexpected problems to arise when taking on an extensive remodeling project, especially one involving plumbing and electrical work. Save yourself time, money, and the headache of thinking this project can be completed solely by watching a DIY tutorial.
The Elements
After you’ve successfully designed and built out your new bathroom, it’s time to start deciding on the elements and fixtures you will purchase to complete this space. Do some research on the bathroom features home buyers desire the most, and find budget-friendly ways to incorporate them into your remodeling project.
A double vanity is a huge selling point for many people, so consider building one from upcycled materials. Recycling and reusing old items and fixtures is a creative and sustainable solution that is kind to both the planet and your wallet.
Bathrooms aren’t always the most exciting room in your home. Bring life into your new bathroom by incorporating natural elements like houseplants or create an accent wall with an eye-catching wallpaper pattern. Wallpaper is a budget-friendly way to impress home buyers and make the room stand out.
While both of these options are great for a bold design, keep in mind, some buyers might be put off by patterns that are a little too wild, so consider playing it safe and opt for a more neutral or minimalistic color scheme that appeals to most everyone. Pro tip: Don’t forget to read installation instructions before purchasing a product. If you skip this step, you might waste money on a product that won’t last long in your bathroom due to steam and humidity.
The Benefits
All in all, making improvements to your bathroom before selling your home will add value and attract the right buyers who are willing to pay what your home is actually worth. Recent data shows that even a minor bathroom update pays off in the end, with the average return at resale being 102 percent if homeowners replace fixtures and flooring.
There are many other benefits aside from the money you save (and gain) from completing a bathroom remodeling project, like learning from the experience and process of taking on an extensive renovation project. Your new-found knowledge and experience can save you time and money when you move into your next home, especially if you have the guts to take on other remodeling projects to transform your new home into your dream home.
A little love (and even a little budget) can go a long way for remodeling a room as critical as the bathroom. If you want to attract the right buyers and sell your home fast, consider these tips to create a dream bathroom buyers can’t ignore!
