How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck With a Bathroom Remodel

Photo: istockphoto.com

This is the third installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2022, a month-long series featuring high-ROI home improvements on kitchens, curb appeal, bathrooms, and more. Each week, we’re pulling from our vast library of informational content, vetted shopping guides, and connections to industry professionals to present primers on the top projects to take on this year.

A bathroom remodel not only makes a home more functional and aesthetically pleasing, it also boosts the value of the property. Whether you have plans to put your home on the market in the coming months or simply want to refresh your space, a bathroom renovation is a smart financial decision.

When undertaking any kind of home improvement, it’s important to consider whether the cost of the project will be recuperated if you decide to sell your home. Being mindful of the potential return on investment (ROI) before making a major financial commitment can help you prioritize projects that will pay off down the road in addition to improving your daily life now.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost? It depends on a variety of factors, most notably the project scope. For example, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel is approximately $27,000, according to the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report. And homeowners can expect to recoup nearly $16,000 of that cost at resale for an ROI of nearly 60 percent.

A small bathroom remodel or a powder room update will likely be even more affordable. Luckily, you don’t need to add luxury fixtures or high-end features to reap the benefits—in fact, higher-priced upscale bathroom remodels have a lower estimated ROI than modest refreshes.

Check out the following cost estimates, fixture comparisons, and expert-recommended shopping tips to help you nail down the scope of your bathroom update as well as how to get the best bang for your buck when you put your plans in motion.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Tub

One of the first decisions to make when renovating a bathroom is the type of tub you’d like to install. Bathtubs come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, and can be constructed from a range of materials. The right choice for you is based on functionality, your taste, and the amount of space you have to work with. The following articles detail everything you need to know before buying a new tub.

Considerations Before You Buy
What’s the Best Bathtub Size?
Popular Types of Bathtubs
The Pros and Cons of Freestanding Tubs
The Best Bathtubs of 2022
The Average Cost to Replace a Tub

Shower

Showers can take many forms, and choosing the right one greatly impacts a bathroom’s functionality. Many homeowners opt for a traditional shower/tub combo, but in more spacious or modern spaces they may opt to install a standalone shower instead. There are several factors to consider when choosing a shower—from the square footage of your bathroom to budget, function, and style—so we’ve compiled everything you need to know about designing a shower for your upcoming renovation project, including guides on installing tile and choosing the perfect showerhead.

Tub vs. Shower: Which is Right for Your Remodel
All About Walk-In Showers
The Average Cost to Remodel a Shower
How to Install a Shower Pan Yourself
The Average Cost of Tile Installation
The Dos and Don’t of DIY Tile Installation
The Best Showerheads of 2022
How to Install a Showerhead

Photo: istockphoto.com

Toilet

Choosing a toilet might not be glamorous, but it’s an essential part of any bathroom remodeling project. While it may seem like a simple decision, there are actually a variety of factors to consider before you buy. Water efficiency, cost, materials, and installation complexity are all elements to keep in mind. Many may opt to hire a professional to replace their
existing toilet, but it’s also possible to undertake the job yourself and save some money. The following articles will help you weigh the options for this project.

Considerations Before You Buy
The Best Toilets of 2022
The Average Cost of Toilet Installation
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro to Replace a Toilet?
The Dos and Don’ts of Replacing a Toilet
How to Install a Toilet Yourself

Flooring

Flooring is also an essential element in a bathroom renovation. Tile is a popular choice for bathroom floors, but the vast array of options can be overwhelming. Sort out the differences between porcelain, ceramic, and other tile materials first; then consider whether or not radiant floor heating is worth the additional investment.

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile Flooring
The Best Bathroom Floor Tile of 2022
All About Radiant Heat Flooring
Important Things to Know Before Installing Radiant Heat
The Average Cost to Install Radiant Floor Heating

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Vanity

One of the most fun parts of a bathroom remodel is designing a vanity. This is where you can get organized with cabinetry, shelves, and other storage solutions in order to make the space as efficient and functional as possible. The vanity area is also an opportunity for inserting style and creativity when it comes to colors, materials, and finishes.

While there are key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the vanity itself, planning a vanity setup also comprises choosing a sink, faucet, and mirror to go with it. The following articles include buyer’s guides for every element of a bathroom vanity as well as DIY instructions for installation and painting vanity cabinets.

The Best Bathroom Vanities of 2022
The Best Bathroom Mirrors of 2022
The Best Medicine Cabinets of 2022
The Best Bathroom Sinks of 2022
The Best Bathroom Faucets of 2022
The Average Cost to Hire a Plumber
How to DIY Faucet Installation
How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets

Lighting and Ventilation 

Lighting and ventilation are the two of the most important components in any bathroom. To ensure that your space is functional and safe, you need to choose the right lighting and ventilation systems. Bathrooms require bright task lighting for applying cosmetics and shaving, so choosing the right fixtures and bulbs is paramount.

Proper ventilation helps reduce humidity and eliminate odors, decreasing the development of mold and mildew. The right exhaust fan will make a bathroom safer and more comfortable, but choosing the correct model depends on a variety of factors. Below are guides on choosing the best lighting and ventilation systems for a bathroom remodel.

Important Bathroom Lighting Considerations
The Best Online Lighting Stores of 2022
The Best Vanity Lighting of 2022
The Best Recessed Lighting of 2022
The Best Flush-Mount Lights of 2022
The Best Light Bulbs for Bathrooms
The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans of 2022
How to Install a Bathroom Fan Yourself

Photo: istockphoto.com

Universal Design

Bathrooms with universal design are accessible to the largest number of users and feature elements that cater to those with physical disabilities. Older adults and those with mobility issues all benefit from bathrooms with universal design, and according to the Cost vs. Value report, a bathroom featuring universal design garners an ROI of more than 50 percent. Walk-in tubs and doorless showers are two great options for incorporating universal design into a bathroom remodel.

All About Walk-In Tubs
The Average Cost of a Walk-In Tub
The Best Walk-In Tubs of 2022
All About Doorless Showers
The Best Shower Grab Bars of 2022
The Best Handheld Showerheads of 2022