Bathroom upgrades are often one of the first places new rental property owners choose to invest, frequently spending more money than necessary. Many believe that a high-end bathroom will result in increased rental rates, but this outcome is rare. Often, an expensive bathroom remodeling project fails to add much to your rental rate or property value. To maximize rent and value, consider focusing on durable, cost-effective options suited to a rental property. Creating a high-end bathroom in a rental is one mistake you can avoid.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades: Avoiding Costly Overhauls
Improving a rental property takes a lot of budget-conscious planning to get right. Otherwise, you’ll sink cash into upgrades that won’t get you the desired return. Unfortunately, the bathroom is one room where this is too often the case.
New property owners may think they must completely gut and re-do every bathroom in their rental house to get that upgraded feel. But going that route will cost you. 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.
High-end bathrooms may seem impressive, but they rarely provide the property value boost that owners expect. Tenants generally prefer rental homes with consistent quality throughout. If your property has luxury bathrooms paired with less luxurious finishes in other rooms, prospective renters may be turned away. This inconsistency can signal potential maintenance and repair issues, raising red flags about the property’s overall upkeep.
Affordable Bathroom Upgrades Tenants Appreciate Without the High Maintenance
Surprisingly, renters often don’t seek the high-end upgrades homeowners desire, as these features typically require more maintenance. Tenants tend to favor durable and low-maintenance materials that can stand up to daily use. For example, you could install a whirlpool tub or other premium features that may never be used but could lead to high repair costs if damaged. Durable products that hold up in typical rental conditions are a much better choice.
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.
Choosing the right bathroom upgrades to enhance your rental property’s appeal to renters can be challenging. Real Property Management Reimagined offers the experience and knowledge needed to select upgrades that increase property values and attract renters in Brookhaven. We handle projects promptly and within budget. For more information, contact us online or call us at 470-945-4686.
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