Homeowners constantly juggle the balance between improving their properties and estimating a return on the investment. An upgrade that seems important to the owners may not be too exciting among potential buyers. Consider a bathroom remodel as a pathway toward an increased home value. Understanding this investment can give you an edge during the selling process.

A Top-Two Area to Upgrade

HGTV reports that the kitchen and bathroom are the two areas that should be considered when you want to remodel and recoup the costs in the home’s value. These areas are the busiest spaces in the home, and they can also come with expensive construction costs.

Buyers see a remodeled bathroom and translate that fact into high value for their dollar. They might bid higher on a New Orleans home with a newly installed Kohler LuxStone shower, for instance. You may not have put a lot of money into the remodel, but it appears to be a high-ticket item.

Focus on the Bathing Area

Your Baton Rouge home might have a huge tub in the master bathroom. Upgrading it to a whirlpool bath doesn’t exactly add value in this day and age, however.

The majority of people don’t have time for a bath. Reserve a tub for the other rooms where you need this fixture for bathing young children. The master bath would benefit from a walk-in shower with an attractive door. This design choice is perfect for adults of any age.

Take a Look Down

Remember that the flooring must be changed too. As a potential buyer walks in, the floor is a focal point. Because most bathrooms are relatively small, you might splurge a bit on more expensive tiles in this space. They give the floor a luxurious appearance that drives home sales. The cost total for the floor is minimal in comparison to the interest you’ll attract with this remodel. Let the professionals install the floor for a perfected look.

Save With No Plumbing Changes

Increase the home’s value without too much out of pocket by avoiding any major plumbing changes. Most remodeling costs reside in the labor, states the Washington Post. Don’t move the Kohler LuxStone shower to the opposite side of the room. Install it in the same location as the old fixture. Contractors simply need to connect the plumbing instead of rerouting it.

Dealing with plumbing changes doesn’t add value to the home. They aren’t visible to potential buyers. Concentrate on showers, sinks and toilets for visual appeal.

Swap Out the Toilet

An item that’s often overlooked in the bathroom is the toilet. It’s not a permanent fixture in your Baton Rouge or New Orleans home. In fact, it normally has a lifespan of about 15 years, according to Angie’s List. They aren’t too expensive either. Swapping out this item gives the bathroom a brand-new look without an expensive price tag.

The new toilet comes with a wax seal that protects the floor from any leaks. You’ll also enjoy the new flushing components in the tank. There’s great value in a toilet that doesn’t run or waste a lot of water.

Try to finish the bathroom remodel well before you sell the property. Enjoy the work that went into space. You’ll feel satisfied afterward as buyers send in their bids with excitement in their eyes.