When it comes to residential remodeling, many homeowners find themselves prioritizing their return on investment, or ROI, above everything else. This is smart, especially if you know the Carolina residence you currently live in isn’t your family’s “forever home.” Knowing what renovation projects actually offer a good ROI, though, can be easier said than done.
By and large, the consensus among home services experts is that kitchen and bathroom remodels offer the most bang for your buck. There are, however, still certain details you need to know about renovating one of these spaces in order to maximize your investment. In this guide, you’ll find tips that will help you get the best possible ROI on your upcoming bathroom renovation.
Know your area
Different parts of North Carolina and South Carolina have different lifestyles. This will play into how much money you should spend on your overall bathroom remodeling project. If you reside in a region, for example, where most families are working class and don’t expect much beyond basic finishes and features, there’s no point in spending a fortune on your renovation if you plan to sell.
If, however, your property is in an affluent area, it might be worth the extra money to invest in pricier materials, such as marble and granite. If you have any questions about what sorts of features are common in your area, look at comparable homes for sale online or talk to a local real estate agent.
Repair problems first
When you renovate a bathroom, your first focus should be on fixing anything that is currently broken. If, for example, you have a broken shower head, the first order of business should be repairing it. Having a beautiful bathroom will do you no good if basic features don’t function properly.
Function over form
In the vast majority of Carolina zip codes, “function over form” is the rule to follow when it comes to renovating a bathroom. While it is obviously important for any remodeled space to look nice and up-to-date, functionality matters more than having a thousand dollar toilet, for example.
If you do decide to add upgraded features because you intend to live in your home for at least a few more years, make sure you focus your money on things that will be almost universally appealing to people. Radiant heating under the floor, for example, is extremely popular and, generally, a good investment in the long run.
Choosing super trendy materials or hardware options, though, might not be so wise. In fact, make real estate professionals and renovation contractors recommend choosing neutral finishes whenever possible. This will make it easier to re-sell your home.
Remember, if you have any questions pertaining to your planned bathroom renovation, you should have a conversation with your contractor. He or she will be able to assist you with everything from choosing materials that make sense for your area to figuring out which changes you should focus on. Reputable contractors work with a lot of homeowners, so they know what’s working and what isn’t in their service region.