Let’s be honest, home renovation is hard work, and it’s important to make sure each project is worth the time, effort, and investment. Bathrooms are often overlooked in favor of larger rooms, but they’re actually an important room for prospective buyers.
Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or want to give your bathroom a major makeover, here are five outdated features to watch out for that could lower your home’s value, straight from a real estate agent, and how to fix them.
Bold Colors and Eye-Catching Wallpapers:
Whether used as an accent wall or an entire powder room, bathroom wallpaper has been a big decorating trend for a while now, but according to real estate agent Sunita Tejer, it’s best to aim for a more timeless look before wallpapering your home in the market.
“Thanks to the heightened dopamine effect in decorating, many of us want to incorporate more personality into our design decisions, but it’s important that potential buyers can really imagine themselves relaxing and lounging in the space,” she says. “This becomes difficult if your bathroom has a distracting bold color or wild wallpaper.”
One trend Taker recommends instead to clients looking to increase the value of their home is a spa-inspired bathroom, with its universal appeal and calming qualities.
“The bathroom is the first and last place you go to every day, so why not make it a tranquil place to relax?” she says.
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Jacuzzis and Jetted Tubs:
Stick with the spa oasis theme, Taker next recommends a bathtub. You might think that having a built-in hot tub in your master bathroom would add curb appeal, but she shares that its high-maintenance nature has the exact opposite effect. “Builders started installing tile hot tubs in the 1980s,” she explains. “These nozzles are hard to clean and harbor bacteria. You often have to break the tiles if there’s a problem, which new homeowners don’t want to deal with.”
So if you’re looking to renovate your bathroom and have the budget, we recommend replacing your Jacuzzi tub or shower-tub combination with a walk-in tiled shower (or steam shower, if you’re feeling extravagant). Install a freestanding bathtub in front of a window to maximize value.
Carpet, Wood, and Vinyl Floors:
When it comes to bathroom floors, you only have a few options: paving stones, tile, or luxury vinyl planks, says Taker. Anything else, especially carpet, hardwood floors, and retro patterned vinyl, will lower the value of your home and should be removed.
“In the 1950s, carpet was considered a luxury item, and builders installed it everywhere, including in the bathroom,” says Taker. “Carpet looks warm and cozy, but over time it creates a damp environment that can lead to mold, mildew, and odors.”
So why not wood?
“Wood floors are prone to similar problems,” she says. “And if the water isn’t wiped up promptly, the wood will warp and you’ll have to rip out and replace the floor.”
