When selling your home, it is common to consider projects that can enhance its value. After all, you want to make more money in the sale, right? Many Staten Island homes have bathrooms that date back to when they were built. Is a bathroom remodel a worthwhile investment before selling your home?

What Homebuyers Look For in a Bathroom

Bathrooms can make or break a home sale. They are high-use spaces and tend to get a lot of scrutiny from a potential buyer. A modern, updated bathroom can show the buyer that the home is being taken care of. Older bathrooms can signal disrepair and neglect. Older bathroom fixtures imply wear to the system that will likely cost the buyer money down the road. Often, signs of a good bathroom for a buyer can include:

  • Modern style
  • Functional room layouts
  • Showers/tubs that are well-maintained
  • Durable materials that feel like they will last
  • Bathrooms that pass inspections

Bathroom Remodel and Resale Value

Bathroom remodels are among the greatest bang for your buck for resale value. However, it isn’t a 1-to-1 increase in sale price. Rather, it can affect the sale positively in different ways. An updated bathroom can help a home sell faster, sell closer to the asking price, and help it stand out among other similar homes.

Full Overhaul or Small Renovation?

While the answer to this question can vary greatly depending on the state of your bathroom, a few updates can turn an aging bathroom into a modern one. However, if your bathroom feels dated, it may require a full facelift. A full-fledged remodel can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal. But even simple renovations, like replacing the fixtures on the sink and tub, can go a long way in making a nice bathroom feel higher-quality.

Bathroom Renovations and Passing Inspections

When selling your home, don’t rely on DIY renovations. The sale process can put your home under a lot of scrutiny. As such, everything needs to be up to code. Hire a licensed contractor to handle any renovation requirements you have. This will help ensure that the renovations follow legal guidelines. If any permits are needed for the renovation, a licensed contractor will ensure that they are filed. Because bathrooms require a lot of plumbing, it can be important to hire a contractor who has experience in plumbing. Otherwise, hire a licensed plumber separately, or subcontract one through your contractor.

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