For new rental property owners, bathroom upgrades are often the first place where they end up spending far more money than they need to. Many mistakenly believe that a high-end bathroom will automatically lead to increased rental rates. However, that is rarely the case. Often, an expensive bathroom remodeling project doesn’t yield the boost in rental rate or property value that owners expect. To maximize rent and value, prioritizing less costly and more durable upgrades is key. Building a dream bathroom in a rental property is one costly mistake to avoid.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades: Avoiding Costly Overhauls
Improving a rental property requires careful, budget-conscious planning to ensure a good return on investment. However, the bathroom is one area where owners often overspend without seeing the desired results. New property owners may think they need to gut and completely remodel every bathroom in their rental house to create an upgraded feel, but this approach is costly. 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.
While a high-end bathroom may seem appealing, it often does less to increase your property’s value or appeal than you might think. Tenants are generally looking for rental homes that maintain a consistent level of quality throughout. Depending on the market, if your property has luxury bathrooms but less-than-luxurious features in other rooms, you may risk turning prospective renters away instead of getting more rent. Inconsistent quality from room to room can signal to renters that the property owner has limited resources, leading to red flags about potential maintenance and repair issues.
Affordable Bathroom Upgrades Tenants Appreciate Without the High Maintenance
Interestingly, many renters don’t want the high-end upgrades that many homeowners dream about. Tenants may not be willing to put in the extra time and effort required to maintain higher-quality materials. For instance, you could invest in a whirlpool tub or other upgrades a renter may never use. Additionally, high-end construction materials are often easily damaged, leading to more expensive repairs compared to other durable products. Choosing materials that hold up under less-than-ideal conditions in a rental property makes more sense than installing items that may leak or break down.
Creating a bathroom with an upgraded feel doesn’t require an upscale remodel. A quality paint job, new fixtures, and simple updates like replacing grout and caulking can give the bathroom a fresh, modern look. Small upgrades such as new light fixtures, drawer pulls, and towel racks can also make the bathroom feel more high-end. If you need to replace an old bathtub or shower, consider a one-piece tub and shower surround unit. Durable and affordable, these units are easy to install and maintain, giving the bathroom an upgraded feel without the cost of a custom tile job.
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.
Knowing which bathroom upgrades will help you create the rental property your ideal tenants are looking for can be challenging. Real Property Management Heritage is here to help. Our team has the experience and resources needed to recommend upgrades that will increase your property values and appeal to prospective renters in Garden Oaks. We’ll also ensure that any work is completed in a timely and budget-conscious manner. For more information, contact us online or call us at 832-701-0766.
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