There are a variety of reasons that a homeowner may decide to remodel their bathroom; they could be looking to increase the value of their home for a future sale, they may have discovered repairs that need to be made, or perhaps they’re simply looking to maximize their enjoyment of the space. Whatever your motivation may be, consider the following information before the hammer hits the tile to make sure your bathroom remodel turns out as successful as you’d hoped.

A Guide to Remodeling Your Bathroom

Which bathroom remodel projects have the highest ROI? 

Before you decide which projects to tackle, it’s worth your while to identify which bathroom remodeling projects have the highest ROI. This can be especially helpful if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future. According to the National Association of REALTORS’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report (www.nar.realtor.com), bathroom renovations are still a worthwhile investment, but homeowners should have realistic expectations about the return. On average, a bathroom renovation recoups about 50% of its cost at resale, while adding a new bathroom can recover approximately 56%. While these projects can make your home more functional and appealing to buyers, they’re often approached with long-term enjoyment in mind rather than the expectation of recovering ever dollar spent. If you’re preparing to list your home, talk with your agent about which bathroom projects are seeing the highest return in your local market.

How can I save on my bathroom remodel? 

There are various ways to keep your costs down when remodeling your bathroom, but it depends on the scope of your project. If, while preparing to sell your home, you identify a handful of outstanding repairs that need to be fixed before you list, it may be difficult to pull off a low-budget bathroom remodel while still fetching a competitive sales price. Neglecting these issues can be a costly mistake, and in some cases can even jeopardize a sale.

One way to save money on your bathroom remodel is to do it yourself. Identify the pros and cons of either doing a project DIY or hiring a professional. Though you may save money on labor, if you get in over your head on a project the costs can add up quickly, and you may end up having to hire a contractor to remedy the situation. If you decide to hire a contractor, thoroughly research multiple companies, ask for referrals from family and friends, and get multiple quotes before deciding which is best for the job.

Simple Bathroom Upgrades

As the scope of a bathroom remodel changes, so does the overall cost. Simple cosmetic updates like replacing fixtures, painting cabinets, or installing new hardware can often be completed on a modest budget, while full renovations that involve moving plumbing, expanding the space, or installing high-end finishes require a much larger investment. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a meaningful impact. Thoughtful, budget-friendly updates can go a long way in refreshing the look and feel of your bathroom. Here are a few ideas for budget-friendly bathroom upgrades.

• Refinish Your Tub: Remove all hardware from your tub and sand the entire surface smooth, evening out any chips or cracks and filling them with epoxy. Once the epoxy has dried, sand those areas one more time. Apply multiple layers of primer and topcoat as advised and buff the surface to finish off the job.
• Add Décor: A well-decorated bathroom can revitalize the space. Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls, install a new faucet and shower head, and match your towel rods and shower curtains for a quick bathroom refresh.
• Finishing Touches: The right bathroom lighting can make all the difference. Experiment with softer light bulbs or dimmers to create a sense of calm and relaxation. Add candles, scented oils, and new towels to make your bathroom feel like your own personal spa.

For more ideas on remodels, décor, and all things home design, visit the design page on our blog.

Windermere Blog – Design