Should I remodel my bathroom?

[Pretty Khare]

I bought my primary single-family residence a couple of months ago. There is a master bathroom designs that my wife and I really like. It will need shower and floor tile replacement, new plumbing fixtures, and the new shower enclosure and going to cost us around $9000 all in.  We are hoping to live in the house for a year or two and then rent it out. We are hoping to hold it for the long term as we are in Austin suburbs where appreciation  has been great however not sure what our actual holding period would be. as we are going to be in the house for only a year or two before renting  I’m not sure whether I should spend that money in the house just to enjoy the new bath for a short time. Any thoughts on how much value a bathroom remodel like that would add? Will I be able to recuperate my cost when I sell?

[Scott Mac]

Hi Pretty,

There is absolutely no way to know ahead of time if you will recover the cost 100% or even 1%.

The choice might come down to how much you and your wife want to have this very desirable bathroom vs the one that is in there now.

Getting your money back on it in a new-ish suburban home is just unknown upfront--I'd say this purchase is more of "Personal Desire" purchase than a hard nosed business purchase.

Although it could turn out at sales time to being some added sale price...(in other words there is a gamble to it).

Will it bring more rent--probably not--unless it's dated (pink tile, 1950's sink, 1980's cabinets, etc...)

Here are some pics of bathrooms from Apartment complexes. Nice clean, but not over the top.

Good Luck!