Bathroom and kitchen improvements that could double the value of your home

Looking to put your home on the market soon? A small investment repairing and upgrading some features may reap huge financial rewards.

This may be the best home improvement you can make.

After all, can we ever have enough bathrooms?

According to Steve Frellick, licensed contractor, a one-to-one bedroom/bathroom ratio is ideal.

“An additional bathroom creates greater functionality of a home, while also increasing resale value.”

Not sure where you could possibly squeeze in an additional bathroom?

There are usually a variety of hidden opportunities in homes.

This may be an underutilised closet, space in the basement, or “stealing” a little space from a bedroom or hallway, says Frellick.

Replace worn out tile with subway tile for a classic look that will appeal to most tastes, says Frellick.

If you have more wiggle room in your budget, replace a water-hogging toilet with a slimline, low-flush model.

Master suites that embody a luxurious spa-like feel are coveted by most of us.

If you’re going to upgrade, get schooled on what is on trend.

“There was a time when all new master baths had giant soaking tubs.

Today, most buyers prefer a smaller tub with a bigger, nicer shower, says Golden.

“Bringing your bathrooms into the 21st century creates a high degree of functionality and a huge return on your investment,” says Frellick.

You don’t have to necessarily gut it and start over.

New fixtures, fresh paint and light fixtures, and exhaust fans are good places to start.

“Outdoor living spaces are on the checklist for most new luxury home buyers,” says real estate agent Mary Ann Graboyes.

The ability to cook outdoors without running in and out of the home to retrieve food and utensils is a luxury any barbecue master can appreciate.

Build your outdoor cookspace with a BBQ grill, mini bar, refrigerator, and you’ll have a culinary home improvement masterpiece.

“The kitchen, living room, and bathrooms are the most important investments when considering increasing a property’s value,” says Allen Shayanfekr, CEO and co-founder of Sharestates.
(It makes sense, these are the rooms we spend most of our time in.)

But Shayanfekr isn’t talking about a coat of paint or a new fridge.

“Those home improvements increase the cosmetic value which can sway the right buyer. However, renovating the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room will directly impact the home’s value.”

Top of most home improvement lists are stone benchtops.

“Whether it is granite or quartz, the potential home buyer will not see the kitchen as finished without them,” says Dominguez.

Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to showcase the benchtops.

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Source: RD.com