When it comes to selling your home, bathrooms matter more than you might think. A clean, updated bathroom signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for, while an outdated or neglected bathroom can raise red flags—even if the rest of the house looks great.
How Much Value Does a Bathroom Remodel Add?
When it comes to boosting your home’s resale value, the bathroom is one of the smartest places to invest. According to HomeLight’s research, a midrange bathroom remodel delivers an average ROI of 72.7%. That means for every $1,000 you spend, you could potentially recoup $727 when you sell your home.
On average, midrange remodels typically return 60–70% of their cost at resale, while upscale remodels can still achieve a 50–60% ROI depending on the market. The National Association of Realtors also ranks bathrooms among the top three projects buyers look for when purchasing a home.
In simple terms: a well-executed bathroom remodel not only increases your home’s selling price but can also help it sell faster.
Bathroom Remodel ROI Examples
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Minor remodel: Updating fixtures, refinishing a tub, or replacing tile may cost around $10,000 and add $7,000+ to your resale value.
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Major remodel: A full upgrade with a new bathtub, custom vanity, and high-end finishes could cost $25,000, but return $15,000–$17,000 in value.
The key is investing in upgrades that buyers immediately notice—bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and storage—rather than overspending on luxury finishes that don’t guarantee higher returns.
Let’s look at the top 3 bathroom projects with the best ROI, along with additional updates that can further boost your home’s value.
1. Vanity Upgrades
The vanity is often the first thing buyers notice when they step into a bathroom. A dated, builder-grade vanity with worn countertops and old faucets can instantly make the entire room feel tired. On the other hand, a sleek, updated vanity communicates style, functionality, and move-in readiness.
Why the vanity matters for resale:
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Buyers expect quality countertops like granite or quartz, which are durable, attractive, and easy to clean.
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A double-sink vanity is highly desirable in master bathrooms, especially for couples. With many people now working from home, shared morning routines make this feature even more appealing.
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Comfort-height vanities (around 36 inches tall) are more ergonomic than older, lower models and have become the new standard.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the details. Upgrading the faucets, sink, and cabinet hardware ties the vanity together and makes it look brand new.
Complete your vanity upgrade with modern bathroom fixtures from BathtubsPlus.
2. Flooring Replacement
Nothing drags down a bathroom’s appearance like outdated or damaged flooring. Stained grout, cracked tiles, or yellowing vinyl can make buyers think the whole bathroom needs work. Replacing the flooring is one of the most effective ways to give your bathroom an instant facelift.
Best options for resale:
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Porcelain or ceramic tile: Timeless, waterproof, and available in endless colors and patterns.
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Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): Affordable, durable, and designed to mimic the look of wood or stone while being moisture-resistant.
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Natural stone: A premium choice that can elevate a luxury bathroom remodel.
Extra value add: Consider installing radiant-heat mats under the flooring. For about $150 per 6 feet of mat, heated floors provide a luxury touch that buyers in colder climates love.
Pro tip: Stick to neutral colors like gray, beige, or white. Neutral flooring serves as a blank canvas, appealing to the widest pool of buyers.
3. Tub and Shower Upgrades
Perhaps the most critical element in a bathroom remodel is the tub or shower area. It’s not just functional—it’s often the showpiece of the room. And buyers are paying attention.
Current trends:
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Walk-in showers: Spacious, doorless designs with frameless glass are in high demand. They look clean, modern, and open up the space visually.
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Soaking tubs: A freestanding soaking tub remains a top resale feature, especially in master bathrooms. It adds a spa-like feel that buyers love.
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Walk-in tubs: Increasingly popular among aging buyers and families planning for accessibility. These tubs combine safety with comfort, making them a smart long-term investment.
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Skip whirlpool tubs: Once trendy, whirlpool tubs have fallen out of favor and may not add much resale value.
Why it matters: While showers are used daily and may be prioritized, at least one bathtub in the home is essential for resale—especially for families with children. Removing every tub in the house can actually lower your home’s value.
Additional Upgrades That Boost Resale Value
Beyond the top three ROI projects, a handful of smaller updates can help maximize your bathroom’s appeal:
Modern Fixtures
Swap out dated brass or chrome fixtures for today’s finishes—like brushed nickel, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze. Update faucets, showerheads, cabinet pulls, and even towel bars for a coordinated, modern look.
Explore our bathroom fixtures to find stylish upgrades that fit your budget.
Energy-Efficient Features
Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads reduce water consumption while appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Many buyers now see efficiency as both a cost-saving and environmental benefit.
Better Storage
Floating vanities, medicine cabinets, or built-in shelving help reduce clutter. Buyers want a bathroom that’s both functional and organized.
Lighting and Mirrors
Good lighting is critical in bathrooms. Layer overhead, task, and accent lighting to brighten the space. Pair with a modern mirror—framed or backlit—for added style.
Universal Design Features
Accessibility is becoming a must-have for many buyers. Features like grab bars, curbless showers, comfort-height toilets, and non-slip flooring make bathrooms safer and usable for all ages and abilities.
Final Thoughts: Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It for Resale?
Absolutely. A bathroom remodel offers one of the highest ROIs of any home project, often recouping 60–70% of costs at resale. By focusing on the right upgrades—like a new bathtub, modern fixtures, and functional storage—you not only create a space buyers love but also maximize your home’s market value.
If you’re ready to remodel with resale in mind, start with the essentials:
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A statement bathtub buyers can’t resist
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Durable, modern bathroom fixtures
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Smart storage and lighting upgrades
Explore our full collection of Bathtubs, Vanities, Faucets, and Bathroom Accessories to design a bathroom that pays off—both now and at resale.
