Beware Bathroom Renovations that DO NOT Pay Off

Some renovations just aren’t worth it if you want to get a good return on investment or ROI. This is especially true in the bathroom. Now, please know that if you plan to stay in your home and want to add these luxurious updates, by all means - DO IT! But if you plan to sell in the near term, know you may not recoup all of your investment. Let’s go through 5 bathroom renovations that might not pay off.

Bathrooms and kitchens are some of the most costly to update, so if you're renovating a home for sale, these are EXCELLENT rooms to tackle, but be judicious and know your neighborhood. When sellers put these upgrades into their bathrooms, they nearly never recoup the cost of the renovation and, as a result, don’t get a high ROI.

Steam shower: Steam showers can add a spa-like atmosphere, but they’re a niche item for buyers. Personally, I'd love to have one in these cold winters, but not everyone sees the same value.

Whirlpool bathtub: Most buyers see these outdated and have heard horror stories about how difficult they are to clean, which can make them a major turn-off. Instead consider a large, free-standing soaker tub.

Moving plumbing: Unless the layout of the bathroom truly doesn’t make sense, it’s not worth it to move plumbing around. This is one of the most expensive things to do, and you generally will never recoup the costs. Updating vanities, toilets and showers where they stand is going to net you better return.

Heated floors: Ah, my dream! These are lux for sure, but if your goal is a high ROI, steer clear of high-cost upgrades like a heated floor. Buyer’s just don’t care enough about heated flooring for it to be a selling feature.

Too many high-tech gadgets: A fun upgrade here and there can pique the interest of buyers, but too many can feel like overkill. (And sometimes buyers see $$$ for repairing things down the line.)

Everyone likes a nice, updated bathroom. But if you go invest in upgrades that don’t appeal to buyers, you’ll be spending money that you won’t ever get back when you sell. Most buyers don’t care about a high-tech bathroom with all the upgrades. In fact, many would much rather have that money put towards a kitchen renovation because that’s where they’ll spend way more time.

The next time you start thinking about a big bathroom upgrade, consider what future buyers might think and if you’re likely to have a high ROI. From there, you can make the decision that’s right for you now and in the future.

Have questions about which updates are right for your home? Just reply to this email and I’ll help you decide what upgrades will get your home sold for top dollar! I'm ready when you are.