Next to the kitchen, bathroom upgrades are often the number one investment for new rental property owners, who tend to spend far more money than they need to. Many believe that a high-end bathroom will automatically yield increased rental rates, but this is rarely the case. Often, an expensive bathroom remodeling project does little to improve your rental rate or property value. To maximize rent and value, focus on less costly and more durable upgrades that are better suited for a rental property. Building a dream bathroom may sound appealing, but it is a mistake you can avoid.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades: Avoiding Costly Overhauls
Improving a rental property takes careful, budget-conscious planning to ensure you get the best return. Without strategic upgrades, you risk investing in features that won’t attract more renters or add value. The bathroom is one area where this is especially true, and many new property owners feel pressured to completely gut and remodel every bathroom in their rental house. According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs Value” report, an average full remodel of a bathroom costs around $25,000, while an upscale remodel can cost $75,000 or more.
Yet, a high-end bathroom often doesn’t provide the property’s value boost that owners expect. Tenants generally look for rental homes with a consistent level of quality across all rooms. If luxury bathrooms are paired with less luxurious finishes in other spaces, this inconsistency can turn away prospective renters. Inconsistent quality throughout a property often raises red flags for maintenance and repair issues—another reason why renters may hesitate to pay more for a property.
Affordable Bathroom Upgrades Tenants Appreciate Without the High Maintenance
Interestingly, many renters don’t want the high-end upgrades that homeowners dream about. Tenants typically prefer durable materials that are easy to maintain and less likely to require costly repairs. For example, you may invest in a whirlpool tub or high-end materials, only to find they’re rarely used or susceptible to damage. Choosing durable products that withstand regular use in less-than-ideal conditions is a much better investment for a rental property.
Creating a bathroom with an upgraded feel (without the upgraded price tag) can be reasonably easy. The trick is to focus on the upgrades that will make the bathroom feel updated without needing a complete overhaul. For example, a quality paint job and some new fixtures will go a long way toward creating a fresh and modern bathroom, as will simply replacing the grout and caulking. Light fixtures, drawer pulls, and towel racks are minor upgrades that give a room a high-end feel.
Consider installing a new one-piece tub and shower surround unit for bathtubs and showers that are ugly or not fully functional. Durable and affordable, they are quick to install and easy to maintain. Higher-end units can give a bathroom an upgraded feel without needing a custom tile job.
Selecting the best bathroom upgrades to create a rental property that appeals to renters can be challenging. Real Property Management Allies has the expertise and resources to help you identify which upgrades will increase property values and attract renters in Rome. We ensure the work is completed on schedule and within budget. For more information, contact us online or call us at 678-680-5065.
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