The Bathroom Renovation Reality Check
You're planning a bathroom renovation. You've seen the Instagram bathrooms with heated floors, smart mirrors, and rainfall showers. But here's the question: which upgrades actually increase your home value, and which ones just drain your bank account?
The average mid-range bathroom remodel costs €15,000-€25,000 and returns about 60-70% at resale. That means if you spend €20,000, you might recoup €12,000-€14,000 when you sell. But some upgrades return much more, while others return almost nothing.
Let's break down what's actually worth the investment.
The Numbers: What ROI Actually Means
ROI (Return on Investment) is simple: it's the percentage of your renovation cost that you get back when you sell your home.
Example: You spend €20,000 on a bathroom renovation. When you sell, your home value increases by €14,000. Your ROI is 70%.
But here's the catch: ROI varies wildly based on what you actually do. Replace an outdated vanity? High ROI. Install a €5,000 smart toilet? Low ROI.
High-Value Upgrades: Where Your Money Actually Works
These are the upgrades that consistently deliver strong returns:
1. Replacing the Vanity
Cost: €800-€2,500
ROI: 70-80%
The vanity is the focal point of most bathrooms. An outdated vanity makes the entire room feel dated, even if everything else is fine. A modern vanity with a clean design and good storage instantly updates the space.
What to look for:
- Clean, modern lines (no ornate details)
- Adequate storage (drawers, not just doors)
- Quality materials (solid wood or MDF, not particleboard)
- Neutral colors (white, gray, or warm wood tones)
Why it works: It's a visual upgrade that buyers notice immediately. It's also relatively affordable, so the ROI is strong.
2. Updating Fixtures
Cost: €300-€1,200
ROI: 65-75%
Old chrome fixtures from the 1990s scream "dated." Modern fixtures in matte black, brushed nickel, or brass instantly modernize a bathroom.
What to update:
- Faucets (sink and shower)
- Showerhead
- Towel bars and hooks
- Toilet paper holder
- Light fixtures
Why it works: Fixtures are relatively inexpensive but have a huge visual impact. Modern black or brass fixtures feel luxurious and current. Old chrome feels cheap and outdated.
3. Re-glazing or Replacing the Tub
Cost: Re-glazing €400-€800, Replacement €1,500-€4,000
ROI: 60-70%
A stained, chipped, or outdated tub is a major turnoff for buyers. If your tub is in good structural condition, re-glazing is a cost-effective solution. If it's beyond repair, replacement is necessary.
When to re-glaze: The tub is structurally sound but cosmetically damaged. Re-glazing gives you a like-new appearance for a fraction of replacement cost.
When to replace: The tub is cracked, leaking, or so outdated that re-glazing won't help. Modern freestanding or alcove tubs add significant value.
Why it works: Buyers notice the tub immediately. A clean, modern tub suggests the entire bathroom is well-maintained.
4. Neutral Tile Updates
Cost: €1,500-€4,000
ROI: 65-75%
Outdated tile (think small pink squares from the 1980s) kills a bathroom's appeal. Replacing it with neutral, modern tile is one of the highest-impact upgrades.
What works:
- Large-format tiles (12x24 inches or larger)
- Neutral colors (white, gray, beige)
- Simple patterns (subway tile, large rectangles)
- Quality materials (porcelain or ceramic, not cheap vinyl)
What doesn't work:
- Bold, trendy colors (they'll look dated in 5 years)
- Busy patterns (hard to keep clean, polarizing)
- Cheap materials (they look cheap)
Why it works: Tile covers a large visual area. Modern, neutral tile makes the entire bathroom feel updated and clean.
5. Improving Lighting
Cost: €200-€800
ROI: 60-70%
Bad lighting makes even a beautiful bathroom look dingy. Good lighting makes an average bathroom look great.
What to upgrade:
- Replace outdated fixtures with modern options
- Add adequate task lighting around the mirror
- Consider dimmable options for ambiance
- Ensure proper placement (no shadows on your face)
Why it works: Lighting affects how everything else looks. Good lighting makes colors look better, makes the space feel larger, and creates a sense of quality.
Low-Value Upgrades: Where Your Money Disappears
These upgrades might feel luxurious, but they rarely pay for themselves:
Moving Plumbing
Cost: €2,000-€5,000+
ROI: 20-30%
Moving the toilet, sink, or shower to different locations requires extensive plumbing work. It's expensive, disruptive, and buyers don't value it highly. They care that the bathroom works, not that you moved the toilet 3 feet to the left.
When it makes sense: Only if the current layout is genuinely dysfunctional (toilet in the middle of the room, etc.). Otherwise, work with what you have.
Luxury Gadgets
Cost: Varies
ROI: 10-20%
Smart mirrors, heated floors, towel warmers, and high-tech toilets are nice to have, but most buyers don't pay extra for them. They're personal preferences that don't translate to home value.
Exception: In luxury homes (€500,000+), these features might be expected. In average homes, they're a waste of money from an ROI perspective.
Over-Customization
Cost: Varies
ROI: 30-40%
Highly personalized choices (bold colors, unusual layouts, niche styles) limit your buyer pool. What you love might turn off potential buyers. Stick to neutral, widely appealing choices.
Planning Your Budget Wisely
Before you start spending, use the Bathroom Cost Calculator to estimate your specific project. Input your room size, desired upgrades, and location to get a realistic budget estimate. The calculator breaks down costs by category, so you can see exactly where your money goes.
Then, prioritize your spending:
- High-ROI upgrades first: Vanity, fixtures, lighting
- Essential repairs: Fix leaks, replace broken items
- Cosmetic updates: Tile, paint, accessories
- Luxury items last: Only if budget allows and you plan to stay long-term
Visualizing Before You Buy
Here's a critical step most people skip: visualize your renovation before you start.
Use the Renovation Studio to upload a photo of your current bathroom and see how your planned upgrades will look. Test different:
- Vanity styles and colors (use the Paint Visualizer for cabinet colors)
- Tile options (use the Flooring Visualizer for floor and wall tiles)
- Fixture finishes
- Paint colors
- Overall styles
The Renovation Studio combines all these tools in one place, so you can see how everything works together. Seeing your planned renovation in your actual space helps you:
- Avoid expensive mistakes
- Ensure everything works together
- Confirm your choices before you commit
A few minutes of visualization can save you thousands in regret.
The ROI Reality
Here's what a typical bathroom renovation ROI looks like:
Mid-range remodel (€20,000):
- Vanity replacement: €1,500 (ROI: 75%)
- Fixture updates: €800 (ROI: 70%)
- Tile replacement: €3,000 (ROI: 70%)
- Lighting upgrade: €500 (ROI: 65%)
- Tub re-glazing: €600 (ROI: 65%)
- Paint and accessories: €1,200 (ROI: 60%)
- Labor and other costs: €12,400
Total return: Approximately €13,000-€14,000 (65-70% ROI)
Upscale remodel (€40,000+):
- ROI drops to 50-60% because luxury upgrades don't return as well
- You're paying for personal enjoyment, not resale value
The Bottom Line
Not all bathroom upgrades are created equal. Focus your budget on high-ROI improvements: vanity, fixtures, tile, lighting, and tub updates. Avoid expensive plumbing moves and luxury gadgets unless you're staying long-term.
Use the Bathroom Cost Calculator to plan your budget, then visualize your choices in your actual space using the Renovation Studio before you commit. You can test paint colors with the Paint Visualizer and see how different tile options look with the Flooring Visualizer. Smart planning means you get a bathroom you love that also adds real value to your home.
Don't renovate blind. Plan your budget, visualize your design, and move forward with confidence.