Does a Bathroom Remodel Increase Home Value? 2026 ROI Data

Homeowners invest in bathroom remodels for many reasons — comfort, aesthetics, functionality, accessibility. But one question comes up in nearly every conversation: will I get my money back?

The short answer is: probably not dollar-for-dollar, but you'll get a significant return. And in Raleigh's competitive real estate market, that return can be even higher than national averages. Here's what the data says — and how to maximize your investment.

National ROI Data: What the Numbers Say

The most widely cited source for remodeling ROI is the annual Cost vs. Value Report, published by Zonda (formerly Hanley Wood). Here's what their most recent data shows:

• •Mid-range bathroom remodel: 73.7% ROI nationally
• •Upscale bathroom remodel: 38.8% ROI nationally

What does that mean in real numbers? If you spend $6,000 on a mid-range bathroom remodel, you can expect to recoup approximately $4,400 in increased home value at resale. Spend $25,000 on an upscale remodel, and you might recover around $9,700.

The takeaway is clear: mid-range remodels deliver far better returns than over-the-top luxury builds. This is great news for Showerly customers, because our most popular packages fall squarely in the mid-range sweet spot.

Raleigh Market: Why the Triangle Is Different

National averages tell part of the story, but local market conditions play a huge role in your actual return.

Raleigh and the Triangle area have several factors working in homeowners' favor:

• •Population growth: The Triangle continues to be one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. More people moving in means more demand for homes.
• •Rising home values: Median home prices in Wake County have increased significantly over the past decade and continue to trend upward.
• •Competitive market: In a market where multiple offers are common, the condition of bathrooms can be a deciding factor for buyers.
• •Relative affordability: Compared to other high-growth metros, Raleigh remains relatively affordable — which means buyers have budget for homes with updated features.

In this environment, a well-executed mid-range bathroom remodel in Raleigh can return 80% or more of its cost in home value. Some real estate professionals in the Triangle report bathroom updates as the single most impactful improvement for resale, second only to kitchen renovations.

What Buyers Actually Notice

Not all bathroom improvements are created equal in the eyes of buyers. Here's what actually moves the needle:

Tile Quality

Buyers can immediately tell the difference between real tile and acrylic panels. A shower with quality porcelain tile, clean grout lines, and a professional finish signals care and investment. Panels signal "quick flip" or "builder grade."

Modern Fixtures

Dated brass fixtures or old chrome instantly age a bathroom. Modern finishes — matte black, brushed gold, brushed nickel — signal a contemporary update that buyers value. It's a relatively small cost that makes a big visual impact.

Glass Enclosures

Shower curtains are a red flag for many buyers. A frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosure transforms the bathroom, making it feel larger, brighter, and more luxurious. Glass is one of the highest-ROI upgrades you can add.

Overall Condition

Cracked grout, stained caulk, missing tiles, water damage — these are deal-breakers. A clean, well-maintained bathroom gives buyers confidence in the home's overall condition. A freshly remodeled bathroom does even more: it removes the bathroom from the buyer's mental renovation list, which directly increases what they're willing to pay.

Tile vs. Panels for Resale

This deserves its own section because it's that important. We hear from real estate agents throughout the Triangle, and the feedback is consistent:

Real tile bathrooms sell faster and for more money than panel bathrooms.

Why? Because buyers perceive tile as a permanent, quality improvement and panels as a temporary fix. A tile shower communicates that the homeowner invested in the home properly. Panels communicate a quick cosmetic update.

In a competitive market, these perceptions translate directly into dollars. A tile shower can be the difference between a home that sells in the first weekend and one that sits for weeks.

Maximize Your ROI: The Sweet Spot

Based on national data and local market conditions, here's how to get the best return on your bathroom investment in Raleigh:

Our Essential package ($6,000) hits the ROI sweet spot. Real porcelain tile, KERDI waterproofing, new fixtures, complete demolition and cleanup. In Raleigh's market, this investment typically returns $4,500 to $5,000 in increased home value — a 75-83% return.

Add a frameless glass enclosure for maximum visual impact, and the return gets even better. Glass is one of the few bathroom upgrades where the perceived value often exceeds the actual cost.

View all package options on our pricing page.

The "Don't Over-Improve" Warning

Here's the flip side of the ROI conversation: don't over-improve relative to your neighborhood.

If the average home in your neighborhood has builder-grade bathrooms and sells for $350,000, investing $25,000 in a luxury bathroom remodel won't get you $375,000. Buyers compare your home to comparable homes in the area, and overly premium finishes in a modest neighborhood don't translate to proportional value.

The guideline: Match your remodel to your neighborhood's price point. In a $350K neighborhood, a $6,000-$9,000 bathroom remodel is appropriate and will deliver strong returns. In a $600K+ neighborhood, investing $9,000-$12,000 is well-justified.

At Showerly, we help you make this decision. We're not going to sell you a $12,000 Masterpiece build if a $6,000 Essential package is the smarter investment for your situation.

Beyond ROI: The Value You Can't Measure

Focusing solely on resale ROI misses the bigger picture. A bathroom remodel delivers value you enjoy every single day:

• •Daily enjoyment: You use your shower every day. The difference between stepping into a dated tub and stepping into a beautiful tile shower with modern fixtures is meaningful — it's the first and last thing you experience each day.
• •Reduced maintenance: A properly waterproofed tile shower with quality grout requires minimal maintenance. No more caulk repair, mold scrubbing, or panel replacement.
• •Safety improvements: Accessible features like grab bars, curbless entry, and built-in benches provide peace of mind. Visit our accessible showers page for options.
• •Pride of ownership: There's real value in loving your home. A beautiful bathroom contributes to that feeling in a way that few other improvements can match.

Ready to explore what a bathroom remodel could do for your home? Browse our gallery for inspiration, check our pricing page for transparent costs, or contact us to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bathroom upgrades have the highest ROI?

The highest-ROI bathroom upgrades are: replacing dated tile with modern porcelain (highest impact), adding a frameless glass enclosure, updating fixtures to modern finishes, and converting a tub to a walk-in shower. These improvements are visible, tangible, and universally appealing to buyers.

Should I remodel my bathroom before selling my house?

If your bathroom is dated, damaged, or has visible wear, yes — a mid-range remodel will likely recoup most of its cost and help your home sell faster. If your bathroom is already in good condition with modern finishes, your money is better spent on other improvements or pricing strategy.

Is it better to do a full remodel or just update fixtures?

It depends on the current state of your bathroom. If the tile is in good condition and the layout works, updating fixtures, adding glass, and refreshing grout can deliver strong ROI for a fraction of the cost. If there's water damage, dated tile, or layout issues, a full remodel is the better investment.

How does bathroom remodel ROI compare to kitchen remodel ROI?

Kitchen remodels typically return slightly higher ROI (75-80% for mid-range) but cost significantly more ($25,000-$75,000+). Dollar for dollar, a bathroom remodel often delivers better value because the investment is lower and the impact is high. Many homeowners get more total value from two bathroom updates than one kitchen renovation.

Does the type of tile affect ROI?

Yes. Quality porcelain tile in neutral tones with a modern format (12x24, subway, large format) delivers the best ROI because it appeals to the broadest range of buyers. Highly trendy patterns or unusual colors may limit appeal. Natural stone adds value in premium neighborhoods but has diminishing returns in mid-range homes.