The 14 Most-Wanted Bathroom Features That Can Boost Your Home's Value

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Zillow's 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report reveals that 29% of sellers remodel the bathroom prior to listing their home on the market. While the goal is to attract more buyers, the reality is that not all renovations are worth the money. In fact, The Journal of Light Construction's 2024 Cost vs Value Report highlights that a mid-range bath remodel can help recoup 74% of the invested capital, while an upscale one only offers 45%.

To ensure you don't waste your hard-earned dollars on renovations that don't spark buyers' interest, House Digest got in touch with seven experts for exclusive interviews. And here are the 14 most-wanted features buyers look for in a bathroom when buying a home. We have also included their estimated cost, so you can make an informed decision.

Trying to decide whether a single or double vanity is right for your space? The latter might be a better option if you're hoping to sell your home soon. Explaining the reasoning, Brett Cobb, owner and founder of Premier OKC Home Buyers in Oklahoma, says, "This year, I've seen firsthand how much buyers light up when they walk into a bathroom with a double-sink vanity." The promise of extra storage, more spacious countertops, and getting ready in the morning without fighting with your partner or children is too good to resist. "It might sound silly, but homes without them can seem behind the times," he adds.

Although a vanity upgrade can give you a return on investment (ROI) of about 60%, be prepared to shell out at least $550 for the smallest double sinks (4 feet long). The cost will go up based on the countertop material you opt for — natural stone slabs and stone composite are more expensive than laminate and ceramic tile. The fixtures and type (custom versus prefab) will also impact the total. However, double sinks don't attract buyers in all bathroom spaces. "Double-sink vanities are almost expected in a primary suite since people love having their own space, but in a guest bathroom they don't carry the same weight," elaborates Alexis Scott, realtor at Alexis Scott Home Team at Keller Williams Greater Downtown Realty.

Although a shower-tub combo might feel like a practical option, it's a dated concept that doesn't draw in buyers. Large showers are in vogue, with curbless showers performing better than their curbed peers. Wondering why? "Curbless showers are another big draw because they are more easily accessible, which really adds long-term value," answers Cobb. Since the lack of a raised barrier minimizes tripping accidents, it allows individuals across ages and mobility levels to enter and exit the shower without issues. Plus, a curbless walk-in shower is a brilliant idea for small bathrooms to maximize space.

Coming to the ROI, a walk-in shower can give you a return of nearly 55% of the invested capital. That being said, be prepared to shell out about $2,500 (or higher) for a curbless style. The high price is mainly because they require a custom shower base — one that slopes in the right direction for water to drain out. Adding a door to keep rogue water droplets in will cost extra (between $550 and $1,400 for a glass one). But if you aren't willing to shoulder the expense, a curtain could work.

Having a laundry hamper in your bathroom can be incredibly convenient. However, keeping a free-standing hamper out in the open can detract from the room's aesthetics, and give you one more thing to clean around. This is where built-in laundry hampers come in. They are often disguised as a regular cabinet, so they blend in with the rest of the decor. Some might even come with shelves on top, offering vertical storage. Hidden cabinets, like ones built in walls, will also make your bathroom more streamlined. Cobb agrees and shares, "I also notice buyers appreciate built-in storage like hampers or hidden cabinets because it makes the bathroom feel functional for daily life."

The expense for built-in hampers will depend on your aesthetic preferences and requirements. To illustrate, a slim laundry basket mimicking a cabinet is generally less expensive than wide ones (with double compartments). Whatever your preferences, try buying one with a removable basket, like Vasagle's Tall Bathroom Cabinet with Laundry Basket, so it's easier to carry your soiled garments to the washer. Also, measure the space available before purchasing one. Regarding hidden cabinets, custom ones will cost a minimum of $700 to $1,000 for each piece.

Putting your toilet in a separate compartment allows two people to use the same bathroom simultaneously — sans embarrassment. And this is precisely why this feature is winning buyers' hearts. Scott notes, "One feature buyers consistently respond to is a water closet. It isn't an expensive change if the space allows, but it instantly makes a bathroom feel more private and intentional." Wondering what's the minimum square footage required to put a water closet in your bathroom? Set aside at least 30 inches by 60 inches of space. If possible, increase the dimensions to 36 inches by 66 inches for a seamless pocket or swinging door installation.

The cost for adding this feature will depend on the changes you'll have to make. For instance, if you can spare the required space around your currently-installed toilet, you'll just have to build a closet-like structure around it. But if this feels claustrophobic, you can even build a semi-solid partition to separate the toilet from the rest of your room. If you go this way, expect to pay between $2 and $9 per square foot for it. However, the costs will go up if you have to install a new toilet, get flooring redone, and reroute plumbing.

Investing in a freestanding tub is a great master bathroom idea to make your space feel like a luxury oasis. This standalone feature will serve as a statement piece and command attention. Additionally, it'll give your house a competitive edge. Opening up about the benefits, Scott notes, "Freestanding tubs are also having a big moment. They bring in that spa-like, luxury feel people get excited about, and they photograph beautifully online, which helps a listing stand out." Better yet, they're available in a range of designs (like clawfoot and curved) and materials (natural stone, marble, acrylic, and fiberglass), so you can pick one that suits your interiors and preferences.

Despite these pros, you might still want to think twice about buying a clawfoot tub for your bathroom. This is because it demands more space than built-in counterparts. Plus, you'll have to maintain a distance of 4 inches between the feature and the wall. It's also best to create a bubble of 3 inches on each side. Moreover, freestanding tubs are quite expensive, with models starting from $2,000 to $3,000. Personalized ones can go up as high as $9,000. So, this is only a smart decision if your bathroom space and budget allows for it, and your existing home's value justifies luxe upgrades. 

Scrubbing gunk, stains, and mildew out of grout lines is no one's idea of a good time. It's a back-breaking task and having to clean grimy grout weekly can take a toll. To make your life easier, opt for tiles with fewer grout lines. This choice today will even boost your home's value tomorrow. Scott reflects, "Tile choices can make or break the impression of a bathroom. Buyers hate grout because it's hard to clean and quick to look dingy, so larger tiles are always the better option when the budget allows."

Large tiles (16 inches by 16 inches) are often more expensive than mosaics or smaller ones, because they need to be transported carefully. Labor charges are also high because professionals have to install them with care and extra precautions due to the bigger size and higher weight. But if budget isn't a concern, use them in your bathroom. Printed ones are a good option, too. Scott suggests, "My favorite trick to elevate the look without spending more is 'vein mapping,' laying tile to mimic one continuous marble slab. It takes some planning before installation, but the wow factor is always worth it." If you go this way, contract a professional for a neat finish.

Bid your wall-to-wall vanity mirror goodbye and mount individual frames for a low-cost upgrade. Scott explains, saying, "Instead of the standard builder-grade wall-to-wall mirror, buyers love individual framed mirrors at each sink because they feel more custom." So, if you splurge for a double vanity, don't settle for a dated wall-to-wall mirror. Instead, hang individual decorative mirrors over each to lend them a little personality and lure in buyers.

Decorative framed mirrors can range anywhere between $20 and $300 (or higher). However, the exact amount will depend on the size and design you choose. For instance, Sweetcrispy's 24-inch by 36-inch Black Arch Metal Frame Mirror costs about $30, but its 38-inch by 26-inch model is priced at $40. You can even opt for smart mirrors, if you'd like to give your bathroom a futuristic appearance. We like S'bagno's LED Bathroom Mirror variant; don't forget to select a size and shape that matches your requirements. But if you're on a tight budget, go thrifting to score a gorgeous piece for less and give it a makeover with paint or peel-and-stick tile sheet (disco mirror, anyone?). You can even replicate the squiggle mirror trend using cardboard and air-dry clay.

Half walls can be a great way to segregate your toilet from the rest of your bathroom when you want a little privacy, but don't have enough space to justify a water closet. Bonus advantage: You won't feel caged in a small space and can still converse with your partner (if you want). Ben Mizes, real estate agent and CEO of Clever Real Estate, is an advocate of the feature and mentions, "Half walls hiding the toilet make more sense than you might believe. Buyers may not like this, but when they see it, the inevitable reaction is 'That's smart!' Buyers like the extra layer of privacy and design intent."

Another pro of a half wall is that it's cheaper to construct than a full-blown water closet. You just have to account for $10 to $20 per linear foot. Either paint them in a color that complements the space or go with a matching wallpaper. Accent walls are a good idea, too. Shiplap, picture molding, and board and batten are just a few designs that'll look good. You can even add closed shelves on the side facing your toilet to house extra toilet paper rolls.

Turns out, spacious showers aren't just optimal for spontaneous dance sessions. They might earn you brownie points with potential buyers, too. Add in bespoke tiling to the mix, and you might have a hit feature in your bathroom. Jen Barnett, broker and owner of The Front Agency in Montana, shares, "Buyers will always comment on a spacious, custom tiled shower. They aren't looking for standard-sized showers with store-bought inserts ... instead they want large showers with custom tile surrounds using quality material in interesting designs like river rock, mosaic tiles, or subway tiles in a herringbone pattern."

Needless to say, custom tile designs are costlier than mass-produced inserts. And since you'll require more tiles to cover your large shower space, it can be an expensive upgrade. Labor costs will also go up (it's typically $8 to $20 per square foot) if you want personalized arrangements. With that established, remember that custom tiling can be a double-edged sword. You don't want to spend money on uber-personalized themes, like portraits, since they might not fare well in the future. So stick with designs that are likely to appeal to a wide range of buyers if you have your eye on selling. 

Going with a layered approach and selecting the right lighting are important rules to follow when you're designing your bathroom. Yet, the most beautiful fixtures can't beat natural lighting. Lincoln Rogers, real estate agent at Listing Masters, thinks the same. He voices, "Natural lighting will never go out of style." When asked how it can increase your home's value, he shares, "Bathrooms with large windows, skylights, or well-placed openings feel bright and inviting. Buyers really respond to spaces that feel connected to the outdoors, especially when you can see greenery or plants through the windows." This connection creates a relaxing environment and enhances your bathroom's aesthetic appeal. In short, "Natural light and openness makes the bathroom feel like a spa, without having to leave your home."

Alas, adding a window in your bathroom can be an expensive endeavor. Be ready to spend between $1,000 to $2,000 for installing a window in an exterior stud wall, $2,000 and $5,500 in a brick wall, and $1,500 to $5,500 for concrete. The size and type of window will also influence the cost. Skylights are pricey, too, but they're more budget-friendly than windows. Tubular models will set you back about $350, fixed models by $500, and ventilated models by $1,200. The size, shape, frame material, and glass type will dictate the total pocket pinch.

Although practical upgrades beat niche ones, sometimes you need to lean towards the latter to cater to your buyers' expectations. Highlighting such a feature, Alisha Melvin, Esq., a realtor, real estate broker, and attorney, shares, "Cryotherapy-inspired cold plunge showers are emerging as the new status symbol for ultra-luxury buyers. They're popular among athletes and wellness-focused homeowners who want the benefits of recovery and revitalization right at home. While niche, they set a property apart in the luxury segment."

So, bring home a cold plunge tub to target wealthy buyers with an active lifestyle. Plunge All-In is a freestanding model that doesn't require additional setup or plumbing. But you'll have to spare a 120 volt 15 amp circuit for the tub. The cost range for these tubs depends on the model you choose, the facilities they come with, the chilling options, the lowest temperature they can reach, and whether or not they run on electricity. High-end plungers with all the bells and whistles can go up to $20,000.

Did you know that your toilets make up for 25% of your home's indoor water usage? Thanks to traditional models draining about 7 gallons per flush, it can be difficult to conserve water if you're literally flushing gallons of it away multiple times per day. This is why it's a smart move to switch over to low-flow, aka high-efficiency models. They require a mere 1.6 gallons per flush, helping save thousands of gallons of water yearly. They'll also lower your utility bills.

Additionally, replace your regular lights with energy-saving ones, like LED bulbs and smart lighting, since they draw 90% less electricity and last longer. Besides being eco-friendly, these features will help sell your house faster, believes Melvin. "Fixtures that save water and energy are more than trends and are return on investment-friendly. Buyers are buying smart. Low-flow toilets, smart lighting, and eco-conscious design are increasingly must-haves for resale."

A low-flow model can cost about $500. If you have a few bathrooms in the house, replacing all the toilets can be a costly endeavor. In such instances, upgrade your toilet with Fluidmaster's High-Performance Toilet Fill Valve to save water. Water-saving faucets, like the Charmingwater Touchless Automatic Sensor, and solar heaters are other ways you can conserve water and energy.

Another high-end feature that can positively impact your home's resale value is steam showers. Discussing why they're such a draw, Melvin tells us, "Steam showers in higher-end properties are gaining traction in 2025 because they combine wellness and luxury, which can enhance a property's value. Buyers see them as a spa-at-home upgrade promoting relaxation, recovery, and skin health." In fact, steam showers can offer an ROI of up to 70%.

On the downside, they'll cost you dearly. You can expect to spend between $2,800 and $7,100 (though uber-ultra customizations can come with a tag of $25,000). The bill amount hinges on a few factors, including the shower type. Pre-fabricated ones, like basic ones or models with tub, sauna, and jetted shower or tub, will cost less than their customized versions. The size of your shower stall (if it isn't enclosed already), material you choose, need for ventilation, and labor charges will all define the pocket pinch.

Imagine getting out of your wet shower and stepping onto heated floors, especially in the winter season. Oh, the bliss! People interested in buying your house might have similar thoughts during the viewing, hints Ravi Kantha, founder and principal of The Kantha Team. He expresses, "Heated floors are a small detail that makes a huge impact. In New York winters, for example, buyers step on them and instantly feel the upgrade. It's a comfort-driven luxury that adds about 2–3% in resale value."

The good news is that heated floors aren't high-maintenance or all that power-hungry; they might add a mere $1 to your electricity bill. The bad news is they're quite pricey to purchase. On average, they can cost about $6 to $20 per square foot. The kind of radiant flooring you select will influence the total cost. Propane, solar, and geothermal are more budget-friendly than hydronic or electric. Your flooring type will impact it, too. Also, account for labor costs, since their installation isn't DIY-friendly.