An average bathroom renovation increases a home’s resale value by more than the original cost. Beware of including some trendy expensive items that are not worth spending money on and may fall out of style. Many of them do not recoup the initial cost. Avoid overspending on these additions.
Steam Showers
Steam showers may be one of those expensive fads that lose their appeal. Especially at an installation price of around $12,000.00 They use less water than a shower but require more electricity to operate properly. Steam showers do not provide a decent return on investment when you sell the house.
Stand-Alone Bathtubs
Free-standing bathtubs are a great design feature in a bathroom that has enough space. But many people do not bathe often–making a fancy stand-alone tub a waste of money. If you don’t use the bathtub very much, opt for a tub/shower combination that provides for your needs. A basic tub costs $700.00. A luxury tub may cost up to $3000.00.
Whirlpool Tubs
Whirlpool tubs cost up to $35,000.00 to install. You will never recover that investment. It costs more money to operate and requires more maintenance. Repairs for pumps and electrical components are expensive and messy.
High Tech Niche Products
All of these techy niche products are unnecessary. You can use the bathroom for its designed functions without any of them. The installation costs add up quickly and the more toys you have, the more electricity you use. Much of the technology is far from problem-free and costs money to repair or replace.
- Motion-Activated Faucets.
- Motion-Activated Soap Dispensers.
- Self-Flushing Toilets.
- Self-Cleaning Toilets.
- Smart Mirrors.
- Smart Glass.
- Smart Lights.
- Smart Showers.
- Smart Tubs.
- Toilet Bowl Lights.
- Heated Towel Racks.
- And the List Goes On.
Marble Floors
Marble floors are beautiful. Marble is also porous and absorbs water and stains easily if not resealed regularly. It needs resealing every 3 -6 months–turning marble floors into a constant maintenance job. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are approximately one-quarter of the cost of marble, require little maintenance, and can be made to look very attractive.
Tiles Everywhere
Installing tiles outside the shower or tub enclosure is a waste of money. Tile is much more expensive than a good paint job and the grout is more difficult to clean. Not cleaning tile grout can lead to mold growth which is unhealthy and makes the room look uncared for.
Heated Flooring
Installing heated bathroom flooring costs up to $20.00 per square foot not including tiles. Maintenance costs can be expensive and you will never recover the installation cost on resale.
Fancy Light Fixtures
Fancy light fixtures look very attractive, usually provide inferior lighting, and do not pay back their investment. Some light fixtures look totally out of place in bathrooms. Bright lighting with a dimmer switch is a better option for much less expense.
