These 4 Bathroom Upgrades Add the Most Home Value, According to Contractors

Because bathroom remodels involve shopping for things like new tiles, mirrors, and lighting, aesthetics often capture a lot of attention. But if you’re looking to add value to a bathroom, you can look to areas beyond this, too.

Even if you’re not immediately looking to sell your house, making the most of a typically compact space might be a priority. These value adds will not only boost ROI, but make any bathroom more functional.

To find out the bathroom upgrades that boost a home’s value the most, we spoke with several contractors who have years of experience in bathroom remodeling.

A Quality, Waterproofed Shower

The best bathroom upgrade is a complete shower surround, says Dan Kelly, president of Contractor Source—especially if it’s an older bathroom that previously only had a tub. And the best shower upgrades include high-quality waterproofing products, he notes.

“We see people who are willing to pay a premium for bathrooms that demonstrate professional installation and proper waterproofing, not cheap patchwork over a problem,” Kelly says.

Dotan Trabulsi, CEO of Optimal Home Remodeling & Design, notes that investing in waterproofing will save money and time down the line.

“It resolves long-term maintenance problems, particularly in older homes where we often see moisture damage behind tile,” he says.

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Frameless Shower Enclosure

In the area of quality shower systems, experts note that frameless glass shower enclosures offer greater value than other systems.

Frameless shower enclosures are composed of tempered glass panels secured at the edges with clips and hinges. The result is a contemporary look that takes up less visual space.

John Salvatore Gelfusa, from HomeWorks CGO Inc., points out that frameless glass shower enclosures are look nicer and are extra-functional.

“The absence of metal framing means far fewer nooks and crannies to try to keep clean,” he says.

Large Format Tiles

Large-format tiles are another value adder that’s easy to clean (less grout lines, notes Alex Stepanov, a bathroom design expert with Counter Culture Fabrication Group Inc).

First, you don’t need as many tiles to fill a space, and second, the tiles are often sturdier and don’t need to be replaced as often. “There are fewer seams for water to get through, making for a longer-lasting upgrade,” Stepanov says.

Aesthetically, they help “create a modern aesthetic that ties the room together,” says Noah Jackson, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at bathroom contractor Premier Home Pros.

Heated Floor

While a heated floor may seem like pure luxury, many homeowners view it as a necessary component of tile or natural stone flooring.

“A heated bathroom floor is a relatively low-key system to install during a remodel, but it adds comfort that you experience daily—especially in colder months,” Trabulsi says.

Stepanov agrees, noting that heated bathroom floors are a subtle touch of luxury that wow current and future residents.

It’s best to go for a heated floor with tile, stone, or concrete. After turning off the floor system, the heat stored in the flooring can continue to radiate for up to ten hours, curbing high electric costs.

Other Bathroom Upgrades That Add Value

While the four upgrades outlined are big, they’ll give you the most bang for your buck down the line, according to the pros. Additionally, these smaller bathroom upgrades offer great value without requiring a significant remodel budget:

• Vanity top: You could opt for a new countertop for your existing vanity. The right product can increase the bathroom’s overall value, says Stepanov.
• Grout colorant: As an alternative to complete tile replacement, Gelfusa recommends using grout colorant to give tile a refreshed look. “Grout colorant can completely change your grout color and seal it in one step,” he says.
• Updated fixtures: Dan Kelly suggests replacing bathroom fixtures to freshen the bathroom while controlling costs. “The bathroom updates with high value are improvements to fixtures, not just superficial finish work,” Kelly says.
• Heated towel bar: A heated towel bar is a small upgrade you’ll notice each time you reach for a towel, Gelfusa says. Plus, towel bars are usually multi-tier, meaning you can hang six to eight towels.