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How to get the most value out of your BATHROOM RENOVATION

THE WASHINGTON POST

An outdated bath with leaky plumbing and yellowing grout is just the place to start and end the day – said no one ever. If there’s one room in the house where the glossy sheen of newness is appreciated, it’s the bathroom, which is why bath remodels tend to offer a high return on investment.

Still, if getting the most money back out of your reno is your goal, it helps to think strategically before you schedule demo day. Herewith, tips from the experts.

Look at other bathroom remodels in your neighborhood

“One of the most important things to keep in mind for [return on investment] is the comps,” says Sarabeth Asaff South, home expert for Fixr.com, a remodeling resource website. Her advice: Look to renovations done nearby for guidance (try scanning Zillow or Redfin for recent sales). For instance, a renovation in a high-end area might feature a stand-alone soaking tub and heated floors. “If you include those things in a non-luxury setting, someone might be happy to find them, but they won’t necessarily want to pay more money for them,” she says.

Prioritize cosmetic upgrades

Generally, spending on cosmetic improvements will yield more bang for your buck than a gut renovation, See Bathroom, Page 21