The Long-Term Effects Of Half Baths On Home Resale Value

Half baths can feel awkward and tough to design. They come with limited space, may have weird dimensions, and don't seem as important as a full bathroom. If you're unsure about what to do with yours or perhaps are even considering removing it, pause and think long-term because this room can actually have a positive effect on your home's worth. Depending on your local real estate market, the presence of a well-designed half bathroom can add up to $10,000 to your property's resale value.

While what constitutes a full bathroom is a tub, shower, sink, and toilet, a half bath contains just a sink and toilet. Although small, it can still be a valuable addition to your home if you don't have one already. Half baths are also fairly easy to fit into a floor plan because they don't need much space. Once you figure out the plumbing and electricity, you can have a half bath on the ground floor, attic, basement, or even outside in the shed or garage. The extra relief area can be great for those in your household who share a bathroom. It can also serve your guests as they have a close-by place to use and don't have to go into the bedrooms to access an en-suite. 

The kind of convenience provided by a half bathroom shows why it can add value to your home. However, it needs to be designed right. Some elements you should prioritize in a half bath are the fixtures, floors, paint colors, and lights. These should be modern, functional, space-saving, and energy-efficient, just like any other room in a home where you'd like to increase the value. Note that adding a new half bath can cost around $6,000 to $12,000. To cut cost, you might be able to reuse an old sink or vanity, or thrift quality, vintage fixtures that add some charm as well. However, keep in mind that you can get a great return on your investment when you're ready to sell, given the increase in your home's value a well-designed half bath can create. 

Optimizing space is especially important with this room, and there are several ways to make your half bath feel bigger. Smart fixtures, like wall-hung toilets, enhance the loo, along with sleek sinks and vanities that free up floor space. They can make a world of difference, especially combined with regular maintenance, cleaning, and decluttering. One fun perk of having a half bath is that you can get away with more distinct styles since it's not a main room. You can use this space to try out a unique wallpaper, sink shape, or flooring tile, for example. But it's best to avoid bathroom design choices that make it harder to sell your home.