According to the National Association of Realtors, a bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to enhance the value of your home. Among home improvement projects, it also has one of the highest ROIs, allowing you to recoup as much as 70% of your investment.
Not all bathroom remodels, however, make good investments. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, the more expensive the remodel, the lower the expected ROI. Without carefully weighing the costs and potential outcome, you might end up losing money on certain remodels instead of increasing your profit.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel with the goal of improving the resale value of your Atlanta home, take a look at these common mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Choosing unnecessary, expensive upgrades
It’s easy to get carried away by the pictures you see in magazines or on interior design websites, which often feature stunning bathrooms with expensive materials and finishes. Quartz, marble, and natural stone countertops can certainly turn your bathroom into a luxury showcase, but the cost of these materials can set you back hundreds of dollars.
If you live in a neighborhood where this is the norm, it may be a good idea to invest in these upscale materials. Otherwise, a less expensive but good quality alternative, such as concrete, vinyl, or glass, can make your bathroom just as appealing and functional.
Other more affordable features to consider include a framed glass shower instead of a frameless one, standard paint instead of designer, and ceramic flooring instead of natural stone. Before putting your money on an expensive upgrade, shop around and weigh the costs against the benefits you can get.
In addition, keep in mind that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. For example, natural materials like marble and granite require more maintenance than vinyl or porcelain. Natural stone flooring can be slippery when wet and may require a special finish. This means that in addition to their high prices, these materials may also cost you more in maintenance cost.
2. Fixtures that don’t match
You want to give your bathroom a harmonized, clean look and one essential way of achieving this is to make sure your fixtures match. Have a uniform look for the shower, faucets, and other fittings. Don’t mix more than two types of metals, tiles, or wood, and keep color variations minimal. Make sure your fixtures and fittings complement your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Using the same materials throughout the space gives it a sophisticated, upscale feel.
3. Poor or no planning
Planning is very important in any home improvement, but even more so in a small space like the bathroom. Without careful measurements and space allocation, you could end up with a cramped or inefficient space that doesn’t allow a smooth flow of movement. If you need to redo any completed construction, you’ll end up with a more costly renovation and a lower ROI.
Your bathroom remodeling contractor can be your partner in achieving your financial and aesthetic goals. Consult with them every step of the way to achieve a successful bathroom remodel.
Sources:
7 Pitfalls to Avoid When Remodeling Your Bathroom, TheSpruce.com
12 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Design, RealHome.com
