A bathroom is a room that everyone uses. It’s important to make sure that your bathroom is comfortable and provides value for the homeowner. Value comes in many shapes and sizes. Value can come in the form of a refreshing sense of place when you walk into that once old and now new area of your home. Or value can be the price tag that you see go up after some much needed changes take place in one of the more frequently used rooms in the house.
Regardless of the need to increase value, there are some very simple ways to achieve what you desire. Some ideas to increase value in a bathroom is to add new towels and bathmat, fix up those peeling caulk lines, replace the vanity countertop, or even give this space a welcomed deep clean.
In this blog post, we will discuss these and many more ways that you can add value to your bathroom. We will cover both simple to do’s and full remodeling projects. So whether you are wanting to update your bathroom for yourself or for potential buyers, we have you covered!
Clean and Declutter
Let’s start with something simple. You probably have a ton of stuff just thrown around under the sink or laying on top of the vanity. Maybe your shower is looking more like a pantry these days. Well this should be the first move you make when looking to up the value of your bathroom.
Take everything out from under the sink, in the shower, and on top of the vanity. Sort through it all and get rid of what you don’t need. This process may take some time, but in the end, it will be well worth it. Not only will your bathroom look cleaner, but you’ll also have more storage space.
Finding it hard to get rid of that unused body lotion you’ve had under the sink for the last 5 years? Today’s the day you move on. Give it to someone who will actually use it (as long as it hasn’t expired)! Sure, it may be tough parting with some things, but in the long run you’ll be happy you did.
Once everything is cleaned up and organized, it’s time to give the bathroom a good deep clean. This includes wiping down all surfaces, scrubbing the grout, and cleaning the tub and shower. Make sure to pay close attention to any areas that seem to get dirty quickly.
Deep cleans will really work those joints and muscles but it is oh-so-necessary! A proper deep clean should leave your bathroom smelling refreshed and new. A new sparkling aura should be radiating from the walls and you should feel happy, and exhausted, for tackling this chore.
Invest in Some New (Inexpensive) Items
There are a lot of changes you can make to your bathroom, no matter the size. While some are larger purchases which are sure to raise the resale value of your home, there are smaller updates that are sure to make you take a little more pride in your living space.
One way to add value is by purchasing some new bathroom accessories. This can be anything from a new toothbrush holder, to a neutral colored shower curtain, to a toilet plunger (yes, this matters).
You don’t have to break the bank with these updates, but they can really make your bathroom feel refreshed. It’s also important to make sure that all of your bathroom accessories match. This will give the space a more put together look.
Some other ideas when considering buying new items for the bathroom are towel racks (to go with those new towels), bathroom shelves, a new shower curtain rod or liner, and toilet brush holders. Replacing the existing hardware with something new can also give your bathroom a fresh look without doing any remodeling.
Have you considered replacing the old toilet seat? This is a simple task that can make a big impact in your bathroom. There are so many different colors and styles of toilet seats now that it can really brighten up the space. And it will save your wallet from completely replacing the toilet altogether.
Finally, you can really turn some heads by picking up some stylish new bathroom fixtures! This can be a great way to add some value to your bathroom without doing any major construction. There are so many different bathroom fixtures on the market now, it’s easy to find something that will fit your style and budget.
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Are you liking these ideas so far? If you want some more ideas, especially for those of you with some smaller bathrooms, check out our other post where we help you turn that smaller situation into a place that is bursting with energy!
Replace Those Larger Features in your Bathroom
If you have a little cushion room in your budget, there are certainly some enticing upgrades that we could suggest.
Let’s start with a new sink. A sink can really make a bathroom feel new again. It can also be a great way to add value to your home if you should ever decide to sell. What kind of sink do you have now and what kind of feel do you want your sink to give off? A pedestal sink has a tendency to make a bathroom feel large. A vessel sink can make quite the statement, as can an undermount sink.
There are many different shapes and sizes of sinks available on the market, so take some time to find the perfect one for your bathroom.
It might also be time to replace that tub with something new and fresh. Again, this is an upgrade that could really add some value to your home down the road if you should choose to sell. What are you looking for in a tub? Soaking tubs are making a big comeback lately. If you’re looking for something that can help you relax after a long day, this might be the perfect option for you. Whirlpool tubs offer many benefits as well and can often add more value to your home than a traditional bathtub.
Whichever way you decide to go, make sure that you research your options and choose the perfect tub for your bathroom.
Maybe you aren’t a bathtub kind of person. Maybe a spacious shower is what speaks to your soul. If that’s the case, we have some great news for you. Showers are becoming larger and more luxurious all the time. There are now shower systems that offer multiple heads and even steam showers available on the market.
The number of new fixtures you add in your bathroom is only limited by your imagination (and your budget…oh, and your square footage)!
Replace those Boring Surface Areas
One of the quickest and easiest ways to add value to your bathroom is by replacing some of those tired old surfaces.
Start with the floor. If you have a tile floor, it might be time for an update. There are many new tiles on the market these days that can really give your bathroom a fresh look. If you’re not feeling adventurous, you could always go with a new vinyl floor. It’s affordable and easy to install.
If your bathroom has walls that are covered in wallpaper, consider a change in your life. There are many beautiful wallpapers available these days that can raise the level of elegance to your bathroom. If you’re feeling really daring, you could even paint the walls a new color. Just be sure to choose a color that will make your bathroom feel larger. These colors usually tend to be light and airy (neutral is your friend).
And finally, if your bathroom has a vanity with a Formica top on it, we suggest you run for the hills! There are many beautiful and affordable vanities available to you.
Let There Be Light
Two areas of interest we recommend thinking about are your windows and your current light fixtures.
If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, it might be time to add some. Adding a window can really brighten up a bathroom and make it feel larger. If you’re not sure what sort of window you should be adding, take a look at our other post that discusses the topic in detail.
If you do have windows in your bathroom, are they keeping the temperature regulated and do they maximize the natural light as much as they could be? If the answer is no, it might be time to add some window treatments.
As for light fixtures, there are many wonderful options to consider. If you’re looking for a quick and easy update, consider changing your light fixtures to something that is more in line with the style of your bathroom.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even change out the entire electrical system in your bathroom and go with smart light fixtures.
These are fixtures that can be controlled remotely and often come with a variety of different features. These features include things like scheduling, dimming, and even turning on and off when you leave the house.
Whatever route you decide to take, make sure you think about the lighting in your bathroom. It’s one of the most important aspects of any bathroom design.
There are many other things you can do to add value to your bathroom, but these are a few of our favorites.
Perform Some Small Maintenance
One of the simplest things you can do to add value to your bathroom is by performing some small maintenance tasks.
Some of these tasks include, but are not limited to: cleaning the grout between tiles, replacing the caulk around the bathtub and sink, and painting over any peeling paint.
One thing that most people don’t think about is the exhaust fan in the bathroom. Has yours been getting a little noisier over the years? If so, it might be time to replace it. This isn’t necessarily something you need to call a handyman for. There are many great exhaust fans available at your local hardware store that will offer a better option in terms of noise level.
By keeping on top of these small tasks, you can really improve the overall look of your bathroom.
Last Minute Odds and Ends
Before you run off to get started on making some of these changes, let us mention a few other items on the checklist that would go a long way in bringing that old bathroom to life.
You’d love some more storage space right? Or at least more functional space. So, add some shelving or a cabinet. If you’re handy and want to do it yourself, there are plenty of bathroom vanity plans online. But if you’re not so sure about your carpentry skills (or just don’t have the time), hiring a contractor is always an option.
You could also clear out the cabinet space underneath the sink and use a system of tubs/containers to consolidate, and make the space you do have much more efficient.
Next, be sure to add a few small plants to the space. Not only do they look great and add some life to the room, but plants also help purify the air. Succulents are a great option because they don’t require a lot of care.
Last but not least, run out to Bath and Bodyworks and splurge on some new scented candles. Bathrooms are generally small, enclosed spaces so they can be quite the sensory overload. A couple of candles with relaxing and refreshing scents will do wonders to help you de-stress after a long day.
Go Increase Your Value
So there you have it!
The bathroom is a small space but with some simple changes and additions you can make the bathroom more spacious, functional, and enjoyable. Remember, adding value is more than just about your bottom line (but that’s nice too!). For some who just want a better space to experience everyday, value is about the changes we can make today that gives us that tranquility that can last for years.
What are some of the top changes you would make to your bathroom? If we can help you bring your project to life, don’t hesitate to reach out!
