UBCNews - Business - How To Add Value To A Home With A Bathroom Renovation: Key Upgrades To Consider

Episode Date: March 23, 2026

Welcome back everyone! Today we're tackling a topic that's on a lot of homeowners' minds - bathroom renovations. Specifically, we're looking at how you can add real, tangible value to your home through smart bathroom upgrades. I'm excited to discuss this with you. High Praise Construction & Remodeling City: Thornton Address: 3879 E 120th Ave Website: https://highpraiseconstruction.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that's on a lot of homeowner's minds, bathroom renovations. Specifically, we're looking at how you can add real, tangible value to your home through smart bathroom upgrades. I'm excited to discuss this with you. Thanks for having me. You know, bathroom remodels are actually one of the strongest home improvement investments you can make right now. Mid-range projects are consistently recouping around 70 to 80% of their cost when homeowners sell. That's a pretty solid return. So if someone's spending, say, $25,000 on a mid-range remodel, they could expect to add somewhere between $16 and $20,000 to their home's resale value?

Exactly right. And here's something interesting. Smaller strategic updates tend to outperform luxury renovations in terms of RRR. That's because they appeal to a broader range of buyers and align better with neighborhood values. Mm-hmm. Makes sense. So what are some of those high ROI updates that homeowners should prioritize? Well, let's start with walk-in shower conversions. These are really popular and they can offer strong returns, especially if you're converting a tub to a walk-in shower and you still have another full bathroom in the home. People are moving away from traditional bathtubs, especially in primary or guest bathrooms,

and opting for more accessible modern walk-in showers. That makes sense, especially for aging in place considerations. What else should be on the list? A new vanity and countertop are high ROI upgrades that can really transform the space. Fresh tile and flooring updates are also smart investments. Natural stone tile, for instance, can deliver particularly strong returns. Updated lighting fixtures are another cost-effective upgrade, and even modern toilets and faucets can provide solid value. So we're talking about essentials, the things that make a bathroom feel clean, modern, and functional.

Are there upgrades that don't pay off as well? Definitely. Luxury splurges like heated floors, custom stonework, high-end smart toilets, and gold-plated fixtures often have much lower returns, sometimes only 30 to 50%. They're beautiful, but they don't always align with what the average buyer is willing to pay for. I mean, I had a client once who installed a $7,000 smart toilet with mood lighting, and when they sold the house, the buyer actually asked if they could swap it out for something simpler. Oh, wow, that's quite the lesson in buyer preferences.

Right. So the key is focusing on broad appeal rather than personal taste. Now, uh, for planning a budget, what should homeowners keep in mind? Labor costs are huge. They typically account for 40 to 65% of the total budget. And if you're moving plumbing or electrical lines, those upgrades can add $2,000 to $8,000 to your project cost. It really drives up the overall expense. I'd say labor is the biggest piece of the pie, almost half your budget or more.

That point about labor and plumbing expenses sets up our next. piece, working with the right professionals. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a homeowner in the North Denver metro area considering a bathroom renovation, high praise construction and remodeling can help. As a family-owned firm based in Thornton, Colorado, they specialize in residential remodeling, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and large-scale renovations. Their approach focuses on trust, integrity, and family values, ensuring your project

is handled with care from start to finish. Learn more at high praise construction.com. Picking up on those labor and plumbing expenses, how should homeowners prepare for the unexpected during a remodel? Great question. I always recommend setting aside a contingency fund of 10 to 20% of your total project cost. Hidden issues like mold, structural problems,

or outdated plumbing can pop up once you start tearing into walls. That's smart. I remember a friend who found water damage behind their shower tile. It turned into a whole thing. Yeah, it happens more often than you'd think. And speaking of practical choices, white bathrooms are a timeless option that makes spaces feel cleaner, brighter, and bigger. Subway tiles are another trending choice. They're water-resistant and add a bright textured look.

I see. Go on. So classic neutral choices tend to hold their value better than bold, trendy designs? Exactly. And looking at which bathrooms offer strong returns, a well-executed bathroom renovation generally delivers around 70 to 75 percent ROI. The key is focusing on quality materials and professional installation rather than going overboard with personalization. So if you're renovating with resale in mind,

you want to focus on those mid-range updates rather than going all out on a luxury custom bathroom? That's the strategy, and don't forget about energy efficiency. High-efficiency toilets can save a family of four about 13 to 16,000 gallons of water annually, which translates to $55 to $170 in yearly savings. WaterSense certified showerheads can save an average household around 23 to 2,900 gallons each year. Those savings add up over time. So to everyone listening, have you thought about which bathroom upgrades would make the most sense for your home? Are you prioritizing resale value?

Or are you more focused on daily comfort and functionality? Both are valid goals. The key is balancing your immediate needs with long-term value. Focus on essentials like updated fixtures, fresh tile, and good lighting. Those upgrades appeal to the broadest buyer base and maximize. your return. In other words, stick with the fundamentals that buyers universally want rather than niche features. That's really practical advice. Thanks for breaking this down so clearly. To wrap up, if someone's planning a bathroom remodel, they should focus on mid-range updates,

keep labor costs in mind, and set aside that contingency fund for surprises. Exactly, and remember the goal is functionality and broad appeal. You're not just renovating for yourself, you're creating value that future buyers will appreciate. Great way to think about it. Thanks so much for joining us today. This has been really informative.