5 Features to Include in Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

A bathroom remodel is one of the most rewarding home upgrades you can tackle. It can make your daily routines more comfortable, correct long standing layout issues, and freshen up a space you use every day. With so many options, though, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by choices in fixtures, finishes, and new features.

Remodeling is also a major financial decision, and many homeowners are investing more in their homes than ever. According to FIXR, spending on homeowner improvements and repairs rose by 81% between 2014 and 2023, showing how much people are willing to put into updating their spaces. With that level of investment, it makes sense to focus on bathroom features that deliver comfort, function, and value.

Plan A Layout That Works For Real Life

Before you choose tile or faucets, start with the layout. A well planned floor plan can make even a compact bathroom feel larger and more practical. Consider how you move through the room in the morning, whether there is enough clearance around the toilet and vanity, and whether a tub, shower, or combination makes the most sense for your household. Adjusting the layout during a remodel is often easier than trying to work around awkward plumbing later.

A modern walk in shower, for example, can be a great replacement for an underused tub, especially if you add a built in bench and recessed niches for storage. Thoughtful door swings, pocket doors, and clear traffic paths also reduce bumps and clutter. When the layout supports how you actually use the room, every other feature you add will function better.

Choose Fixtures And Finishes With Resale In Mind

Bathrooms influence how buyers feel about a home, so your choices can support long term value. According to HomeAdvisor, bathroom remodeling projects tend to return about 60% of their cost when it is time to sell, making them one of the stronger investments in home improvement. While no feature is a guarantee, timeless choices can help you capture more of that potential return.

When selecting features, aim for a balance between personality and broad appeal. Classic tile patterns, neutral stone or quartz countertops, and quality fixtures in finishes like brushed nickel or matte black feel current without being too trendy. Pair these with one or two statement elements, such as a bold mirror or accent wall, that can be changed more easily in the future if your style evolves.

Prioritize Storage That Reduces Clutter

Storage is one of the most overlooked bathroom features until you move back in and realize there is nowhere to put anything. A well designed vanity with drawers, an inset medicine cabinet, and built in shelving can keep countertops clear and daily essentials within reach. Think about where you will store towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and backup items like toilet paper.

Custom or semi custom cabinetry allows you to tailor storage to your needs, whether that means deeper drawers for hair tools or pullouts for small items. Recessed shelves, over the toilet cabinets, and tall linen towers help you use vertical space without crowding the room. When everything has a place, it is easier to keep the bathroom tidy, which makes the space feel more luxurious and helps protect your new finishes from spills and clutter damage.

Invest In Lighting, Ventilation, And Comfort

Good lighting and ventilation are essential features that often get less attention than tile or countertops. A layered lighting plan that includes overhead lighting, task lighting at the mirror, and maybe a softer accent light can make the room more functional and flattering. Dimmable options are useful if you want a gentler glow for late night trips or relaxing baths.

Ventilation is just as important. A quiet, properly sized exhaust fan helps control moisture, which protects paint, grout, and cabinetry from damage over time. This is also a good stage to add comfort upgrades such as heated flooring, a towel warmer, or a thermostatic shower valve that keeps water temperature stable. These investments may be less visible, but they will improve your daily experience every time you step into the room.

Build Flexibility And Contingency Into Your Budget

Even with careful planning, surprises are common once walls and floors are opened up. Hidden water damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing issues can quickly eat into your budget if you are not prepared. According to This Old House, it is wise to set aside at least 10% of your total bathroom remodeling budget as a contingency fund for unexpected problems or design changes.

Beyond that contingency, consider future flexibility when choosing features. Blocking inside walls for potential grab bars, selecting a curbless or low threshold shower, and opting for wider doorways can make the space easier to use as needs change. These accessibility minded choices rarely detract from the look of the room, but they can significantly extend how long the bathroom remains comfortable for everyone in your household.