Similar to the expert advice for kitchens, a bathroom update will give you a better return on your investment compared to a complete remodel. However, where should you save and where should you spend a little extra? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

Splurge: Mold Remediation and Plumbing

Hot steamy bathrooms can be a hot spot for mold growth, often behind walls and in ceilings where you can’t see it. While this splurge isn’t related to design, it is necessary for safety. Mold can cause serious illness and degrade the surfaces it grows on. Likewise, your plumbing is a priority for your upgrade budget. Outdated plumbing could be constructed with materials now known as dangerous (such as lead), could have damage or small leaks you can’t see inside the walls that could cause pipes to burst and flood, residential building codes might have changed or the general lifespan of your plumbing could be at its end. Take care of these essential fixes first, before deciding on which design options to save and splurge on.

Save: Toilet

If the toilet needs replacing, stick with a simple and streamlined standard toilet from a quality provider.

Splurge: Fixtures and Faucets

Spending more for top-quality faucets, shower heads and tub faucets is a sure bet. The key to this splurge is to opt for the best quality and most durable and well-constructed faucets and fixtures. Go with classic or modern styling and finishes for fixtures that go the distance without looking dated. Skip complicated multi-level style showerheads and similar fixtures as they often have special plumbing requirements that quickly add unnecessary cost – especially if your home’s plumbing is in good shape and not ready for an upgrade.

Save: Bathtub

Stick with a standard acrylic or fiberglass tub from a good manufacturer. Spending extra for a whirlpool tub or other fancy features can actually deduct value from your home as whirlpool jets require special upkeep and can be expensive to repair or replace.

Splurge: Vanity

Bathrooms aren’t known for having a ton of storage. Putting the vanity on your splurge list is a good choice to help you make the most of any available storage space. Splurging on the vanity also gives you the option to select the best quality materials for the hot and moist bathroom environment.

Save: Lighting

Lighting options for the bathroom are more affordable than ever. You can get stylish quality light fixtures at affordable prices from most larger retailers. When choosing lighting, make sure to select lighting options that don’t create shadows. Any overhead ceiling lights should be softer while lighting above the mirror/vanity should be bright to light up the face for activities like shaving and putting on make-up.

Splurge: Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Frameless glass shower doors are a great investment to splurge on. Glass shower doors prevent water leakage better than a shower curtain, protecting the flooring around the tub or shower. Choosing frameless glass doors over framed doors is a bit more expensive but requires less caulking and are less prone to mold growth. Frameless glass doors also add more to your home’s value for a better return on your investment.

Save: Flooring

If replacing the flooring in your bathroom is on your list, it’s a great place to save some budget. Porcelain and ceramic tile flooring options are plentiful and affordable at most home improvement retailers. Tile also holds up better than wood and laminate flooring options to the heat and moisture of the bathroom.

A bathroom update can add great value to your home, without the expense of a total remodel. Knowing what to save on and what to splurge on helps you create a plan that is on-budget while giving you a beautiful and fresh bathroom.