Although bathroom remodels can be expensive, if done well they can net an impressive 70% to 100% ROI. The key to getting that impressive return, however, is finding the ideal balance between form and function — with function being the most important of the two. The following list of top bathroom remodeling features sweeps through the latest research on what makes a bathroom both delightful and durable, whether you are remodeling for your own quality-of-life upgrade or to spiff up the bathroom before selling your home.
Key takeaways
- Set a clear budget with a cushion for surprises behind walls and under floors
- Plan in order: layout and plumbing first, then waterproofing, then tile and finishes
- Aging-in-place features like grab-bar blocking and curbless showers add long-term value
- Hire licensed pros for plumbing and electrical work and check that permits are pulled
1. Built-in Bathroom Storage Space
Most people who use bathrooms wish they had more storage space to hide their lotions, potions, towels and gadgets. Consider adding some of these storage-space-enhancing features in your bathroom remodel:
- Linen cabinets — It’s key to have a dry, roomy place to store clean, dry towels and washcloths without having to dash down the hall dripping in search of a fluffy towel.
- Recessed medicine cabinets — Fads pushed these treasures out of the bathroom temporarily, but people missed these small storage space powerhouses behind their mirrors as their counters became cluttered.
- Bathroom appliance storage — Like appliance garages that hide the smoothie blender and toaster in the kitchen, think out-of-sight storage with GFCI outlets for storing and charging hair dryers and shavers.
2. Luxury Bathroom Vanities
Speaking of storage space, bathrooms omitting the vanity are falling out of favor for the same reason medicine cabinets are coming back to a bathroom near you: They provide needed storage space and style. If you are looking at luxury bathroom vanities, choose from models that fit with your vibe, sporting smart drawers and cabinets that keep all of your essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Designers also recommend durable, easy-to-clean quartz countertops for your vanity. They come in luxurious colors and patterns that look like (but don’t require the same fussy maintenance as) marble.
3. Heated Towel Racks and Floors
Even if you go for the most basic, neutral bathroom remodel ever, add heated towel racks and heated floors, and you’ll understand why this luxury is a necessity. This bathroom power duo will ease you into any chilly morning by shielding you from goosebumps and cold feet when you step out of the shower, and the towel racks dry your towels so quickly.
4. Low-Flow Water Features
Today’s low-flow shower heads and toilets can save you thousands of dollars in water while conserving that precious resource within your community. Past models used to lack the pressure needed to get the job done, but today’s low-flow shower heads are designed for great coverage and pressure. Newer model low-flow toilets are often designed to be easier to clean with fewer nooks and crannies.
5. Places to Sit and Relax in the Bathroom
Even a small bathroom can feel more like a relaxing escape with added seating, whether at the vanity or in the shower. Added seating in the shower is especially wonderful for when you want to sit and shave your legs, or if you’re sick or hurt and need to rest while showering. Add easy-to-reach shower heads and include nooks for storing essentials and hooks for a hanging washcloth or loofah.
6. Bathroom Tiles: Style and Safety
You can use tiles of all shapes and sizes to create stylish, eye-catching backsplashes and shower wall designs. Create visual drama with herringbone, chevron, subway or custom tile designs around your backsplash, or even large, patterned stone “book” slabs for the shower. To improve traction and safety on the shower floor, textured, small tiles in any design can prevent slipping and falling while adding to your design scheme.
7. “Hidden” Bathroom Upgrades That Save Money and Maintenance
Improving ventilation, drainage and waterproofing in your bathroom remodeling project may not be exciting, but it will drastically improve your bathroom’s functionality and durability, to say nothing of reducing maintenance and repair costs over time. Some great ways to do this include:
- Upgrading from 1.5-inch drain pipes to 2-inch drain pipes
- Adding waterproofing behind walls and under the floor
- Adding a window to the shower
- Improving ventilation ducts and adding ceiling fans
- Adding linear drains in the shower and ensuring the shower slope drains properly
8. To Tub or Not to Tub
That is often the debate when upgrading your bathroom, and it depends on you. If you seldom take a bath, go for a luxurious shower upgrade and leave out the tub. If you love to relax in a hot bath, add a bath. Small-footprint, high-impact bathtubs can even fit into smaller spaces. If you’ve got a lot of space, consider a “wet room” that includes both shower and tub functionality in one space for quicker cleaning.
9. Lighting For Effect and Function
All parts of the bathroom need functional lighting, but take the style to a new level with a dramatic chandelier above the spa area or bathtub. Recessed lighting and wall sconces around vanity mirrors can remove shadows on your face for shaving or applying makeup.
Incorporating these features into your bathroom remodeling plan can take your daily personal prep space to a luxury spa level while giving you better safety, ventilation and storage space. Remember, the most important judge of what would make a great bathroom remodel, however, is simply to pay attention to your current bathroom pain points and wishes for how it could work better, and then use this list to help you plan your bathroom remodeling project accordingly.
How to Plan and Budget a Bathroom Remodel
Start by deciding on the scope. A cosmetic refresh with new paint, fixtures, and a vanity costs far less than moving the toilet, shower, or walls, because relocating plumbing adds labor and materials. Write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves, then get two or three detailed quotes. Costs vary widely by region, bathroom size, and material choices.
Set aside a contingency cushion, often around 10 to 20 percent of the budget, for surprises such as water damage, old wiring, or uneven subfloors that only appear after demolition. Order long-lead items like vanities, tubs, and specialty tile early. Having everything on site before work begins keeps a bathroom remodel from stalling while the room is out of use.
It also helps to plan where everyone will get ready while the work is underway. If the home has only one bathroom, talk with your contractor about keeping the toilet working as long as possible or scheduling the shortest possible downtime. Protect nearby floors and set up dust barriers, since a bathroom remodel can create more mess than many homeowners expect.
- Define scope: cosmetic refresh or full layout change
- Get multiple itemized quotes
- Keep a contingency fund for hidden problems
- Order fixtures and tile before demolition starts
Aging-in-Place and Accessibility Upgrades
A remodel is the easiest time to plan for the future, even if nobody in the home needs extra support today. Adding solid wood blocking inside the walls around the toilet, tub, and shower lets you install grab bars later without opening walls again. Many modern grab bars look like towel bars, so they can blend in with the design.
Other features to consider include a curbless or low-threshold shower, a handheld shower head on a slide bar, comfort-height toilets, lever-style faucet handles, and a wider doorway. Good lighting and slip-resistant flooring help every age group. These choices make daily life easier for kids, guests, and older relatives. Small details like these can make the room safer without looking clinical.
Planning these upgrades now usually costs much less than retrofitting later. Blocking inside walls is inexpensive while the walls are open, and a curbless shower is far easier to build during a full remodel than to add afterward. If you plan to stay in the home for many years, discuss these options with your designer or contractor so they fit naturally into the layout.
- Grab-bar blocking behind walls
- Curbless or low-threshold shower entry
- Handheld shower on a slide bar
- Lever handles and comfort-height toilet
When to Hire a Professional and What to Ask
Painting, changing hardware, and swapping a mirror are usually fine DIY jobs. Moving plumbing, adding circuits, installing a new exhaust fan duct, or building a tiled shower pan are best left to licensed pros, because mistakes can lead to leaks, mold, or electrical hazards. Many areas require permits for this kind of work, and inspections can protect you when you sell.
When interviewing contractors, ask for proof of license and insurance, references from recent bathroom projects, and a written contract with a timeline and payment schedule. Ask which waterproofing method they use in the shower and how they handle change orders. A clear plan up front prevents most remodeling disputes. Getting these details in writing protects both you and the contractor.
It is also wise to stay involved during the project. Walk through the space at key stages, such as after plumbing rough-in and before tile goes on, so you can catch issues while they are easy to fix. Keep copies of permits, warranties, and product information in one folder. That record is helpful for future repairs and when you eventually sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A simple cosmetic update may take a week or two, while a full bathroom remodel that changes the layout or rebuilds the shower often takes several weeks or more. Timelines depend on permits, inspections, material delivery, and hidden issues found during demolition. Ordering fixtures early helps keep the schedule on track.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Labor and plumbing changes are often the largest costs, especially if you move the toilet, shower, or sink. Custom tile work, high-end vanities, and heated floors can also add up. Keeping fixtures in their current locations is one of the most effective ways to control the overall budget.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom?
It depends on your local rules and the work involved. Cosmetic updates often do not need a permit, but plumbing changes, new electrical circuits, structural changes, and ventilation work usually do. Check with your local building department or ask your contractor to confirm and pull any required permits.
What should I do first in a bathroom remodel?
Start with planning: set a budget, decide on the layout, and choose major fixtures before demolition. On the job site, the usual order is demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections, waterproofing, drywall, tile, then fixtures, paint, and accessories. Following this sequence avoids costly rework.
