Bathrooms sell rentals — and the right updates can boost perceived value, justify higher rent, and shorten days on the market. So, why not do everything you can to have a successful rental property? In today’s article, we discuss why bathroom grades matter for rental ROI, some of the best bathroom renovations, and what upgrades not to overspend on.
Why Bathroom Upgrades Matter for Rental ROI
Periodic upgrades are essential for every rental property, and some rooms may require more attention than others. Our Texas property management team can tell you, bathrooms sell rental properties.
That said, it’s essential to pay attention to when yours needs updating. After all, upgrades (especially in areas like bathrooms) help justify higher rent and reduce the number of days your rental is sitting on the market.
If you don’t want to do a whole bathroom remodel, you don’t have to. Even small touches, such as caulk, grout, lighting, and water-saving fixtures, can be major selling points for tenants.
Quick, High ROI Cosmetic Updates
There are several quick and easy upgrades you can do to make your bathroom more attractive to prospective renters. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make a great first impression. Small, intentional fixes can give your bathroom a modern feel and help your listing stand out in a competitive market.
Here are some of the best bathroom renovations that are quick and simple.
Add a fresh coat of moisture-resistant, neutral paint to the walls and ceiling.
Replace outdated faucets and showerheads with modern, water-saving fixtures.
Re-caulk and re-grout to make tubs, showers, and tile look and feel new.
Update cabinet hardware and door handles to modernize the space.
Add storage with floating shelves or an over-the-toilet cabinet.
Install a modern, thin mirror to open up the space.
Larger Bathroom Upgrades Renters Love
If your bathroom needs more of a facelift, you may lean more toward some larger or mid-range upgrades that refresh and elevate the space. For these changes, you’ll want to focus on durable, low-maintenance materials that look great and feel new to renters.
Here are some of the best bathroom renovations that can help improve your property’s ROI and catch the eyes of prospective renters.
Replace the vanity with a new, modern model that offers ample storage and features a large mirror.
Upgrade the tub or shower with a modern acrylic surround or ceramic tile for a sleek and spacious look.
Refresh the flooring with water-resistant vinyl flooring with a slip-resistant texture.
Add a glass shower door to make the room feel bigger and more luxurious than a curtain.
Install shelving for more storage space above the toilet or on a bare wall.
When Larger Projects Make Sense
There are times when you may need a full remodel or renovation. For instance, if there are safety issues or if the building is no longer up to code, it may make more sense to do a larger project to keep your property compliant. On the other hand, if you bought a fixer-upper and you’re redoing the whole home, you don’t want to skip out on the bathroom.
Here are a few signs or scenarios when a larger project makes sense.
Essential systems are failing due to outdated plumbing or electrical work.
There are chronic leaks, mold, or poor ventilation.
The layout is dysfunctional with a lack of storage, a tiny vanity, or an awkward tub or shower layout.
There are code or safety concerns like old lead or asbestos materials, water damage, or no exhaust fan.
What Not to Overspend On
While several bathroom upgrades are beneficial, there are some that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on. After all, some of the best bathroom renovations are quick, simple, and relatively affordable.
Here are some of the fixes or upgrades you don’t necessarily have to overspend on.
High-end stone tops for vanities
Luxury showers
Heated floors
Smart mirrors or medicine cabinets
Designer faucets and hardware
Floating toilets
Wallpaper or specialty paint finishes
Protect Your Property With Professional Management
Bathrooms are a great selling point for rentals, and shouldn’t be forgotten when re-vamping your property. While some areas of the home may need more extensive upgrades, some of the best bathroom renovations are simple and relatively affordable.
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh coat of paint, replacing cabinet hardware, or adding a bit more storage space. Regardless, it’s important to stay up-to-date with these necessary changes.
If you’re looking for a team of property managers to care for your properties and tenants, look no further than Stone Oak Management. We can help you market your properties, find and screen qualified tenants, respond to maintenance requests, and collect rent payments. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service management.
