Bathroom Remodel

2002 Cost vs. Value Report

In many homes, the bathroom doubles as a sanctuary. Or it can, if homeowners are willing to spend enough. For Stephanie Witt, owner of Kitchens by Stephanie, Grand Rapids, Mich., the question comes down to, "Do you want a payback on your investment or the room of your dreams?"

As it turns out, homeowners can have both. Measured as a national average, the price of turning a worn out bathroom into a new space -- that is, our mid-range bathroom -- is $9,720. That would recoup $8,506, or 88%.

The "room of your dreams" -- a bathroom with all the trimmings -- runs considerably more: $22,639, and recoups 91% of cost, or $20,609.

Project description

Mid-range: Update an existing bathroom that is at least 25 years old. Replace all fixtures to include standard-sized tub with ceramic tile surround; toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral double sink; recessed medicine cabinet; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.

Upscale: Expand an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom to 9-by-9 feet within existing house footprint. Double the number of windows and replace the tub with a custom dual 4-by-6-foot shower in a tile enclosure and glass block surround. The shower includes top-of-line fittings and full-body wash shower wall. Relocate the toilet into a partitioned area and replace it with one-piece color unit. Add a custom vanity cabinet with twin sinks set in granite tops and a linen/towel storage closet, general and spot lighting, a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Tile floor, papered walls, hardwood trim.