Bathroom renovations, when done right, are an excellent way to increase the value of your home. However, in my many years as a contractor, I’ve seen a lot of shoddy bathroom renovations. And we can chalk most of that to our friendly DIY projects, as now we should all know by now, a skill cannot be learnt by a 10-minute YouTube video!

Here are a few things that you should do in your upcoming renovation project, as it will not only make your bathrooms gorgeous but also help in appreciating your house price!

1. Invest in in-floor heating

Who loves cold feet? Certainly not me. Here is why in-floor heating is a wise decision:

• walking on a warm floor (especially in winter) provides comfort and feels great 

• systems are programmable, so you can set it to the perfect temperature 

• newer systems can now be controlled from your mobile device (you can set your floors to be friendly and toasty for your arrival home!)

• systems are energy efficient, which means lower energy bills and cost savings

• heating systems can be installed only in areas that require heating (it’s pointless to put heating systems under your vanity)  

2. Upgrade your bathroom vanity

Vanities are a big plus for adding extra storage space and all our grooming products. There are so many options for vanities: single sink, double sinks that include cupboards and drawers, or even wall mount vanities—all providing different storage options so you can get the most out of your space.

3. Waterproof your bathroom

We always talk about the importance of waterproofing your bathroom. A reliable waterproofing system (and I am not talking about your drywall) will ensure that moisture isn’t penetrating your walls or floors.

If you find you have a musty smell in your bathroom, that could be an indication that you have mold. Mold is not toxic, but it can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

4. Budget for the unexpected

If you have an older home, it’s probably best that you budget for some surprises! Improper ventilation and hidden water damage could amount to some extra work, so it’s always good to have a 10-15% cushion in your budget, just in case. If you don’t use it, it can go back into savings or another project.

5. Upgrade for the future

It makes sense to consider the future when you are doing a renovation. As we age, our priorities change, but we also want to stay in our homes for as long as possible. So, if you have more than one bathroom, I suggest installing a curbless shower with a bench and probable recess niche or shelving on the main level of your home.

6. Keep a bathtub

Everyone loves a nice shower, but if you have multiple bathrooms in your home, I recommend keeping at least one bathtub in one of the bathrooms. A tub is something families with young kids look for, and you want to make your house have as many pluses as possible when you sell your home. If you are going to replace your bathtub with a newer version, there are plenty of styles available.