Bathrooms

Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – bathroom renovations yield a 75 to 100% return on investment at resale*.

These tips will help you plan for your bathroom improvement needs with a focus on resale value:

 

Function

Consider the household’s bathing and personal grooming needs, including related storage, and any additional comforts like heated flooring or a steam shower.

Space

Contemplate altering the current layout for improved ergonomics, particularly before moving walls to enlarge the space.

Furniture & Fixtures

Choose durable and easy-to-clean cabinet, countertop, toilet, shower, tub and basin materials in a neutral colour and contemporary style.

Flooring

Consider durable and easy-to-clean neutral-coloured options that perform well in wet, heavy traffic conditions.

Plumbing

Replace older galvanized steel or lead pipes and ensure drains are vented and traps are installed.

Electrical

Determine if new electrical circuits are required, like a dedicated whirlpool bath circuit, and ensure outlets near water have ground fault circuit interrupters.

Lighting

Balance ceiling, cabinetry and countertop lighting for the right mix of energy-efficient ambient and task lighting.

Moisture Barrier

Reduce potential moisture damage with an adequately powered exhaust fan and ensure all bathroom materials are moisture and mould resistant.

Water Wise

Investigate low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage by as much as 40%.

Accents & Décor

Apply neutral paint and accessory colours that compliment furniture and fixtures and keep decorative items to minimum to avoid clutter.

Interview at least three contractors, ensuring they are licensed, insured and agreeable to obtaining any required permits. Depending on the style and quality of materials and installation, your bathroom improvement has a minimum life expectancy of 15 years.

*Appraisal Institute of Canada, Home Renovation Survey