Most Common Reasons Homeowners Remodel Their Bathrooms

Every time you use your bathroom, you can’t help but see all the room for improvement. Maybe it’s too cramped and leaves you feeling claustrophobic. Maybe it’s aesthetically outdated and makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time in the worst way possible. Maybe you can’t help but think it’s dragging down your property value. Still, you just don’t know if there’s enough reason to invest the time and money into a bathroom remodel.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve been in the business of bathroom remodeling for over twenty years. With the support of the data compiled by the National Association of Realtors, we’re here to shed light on why our customers are looking to upgrade their bathrooms. Read on to discover the most common reasons why homeowners are willing to pay the bathroom remodel price in 2025 (and see how your own needs and goals stack up).

Table of Contents

1.  Remodeling for Personal Use
2.  Remodeling for Aesthetics
3.  Remodeling for Increased Durability
4.  Remodeling for Improved Efficiency
5.  Remodeling for Resale Value
6.  How Do Homeowners Feel About Their Bathroom Remodels?

Remodeling for Personal Use

Coming in first place, we have homeowner-focused improvements that prioritize better functionality and livability. According to the NAR 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, 28% of homeowners are opting to remodel for personal use. This can look like:

✅Seniors installing low threshold showers and grab bars for safety and accessibility 

✅Couples making their primary bathrooms more suitable for dual use with double vanities or shower expansions

✅Homeowners replacing bathtubs with walk in showers to make small bathrooms feel more spacious

✅Homeowners investing in the personal touches that make their bathrooms feel more homey

✅Parents replacing old bathtubs so their kids can enjoy cleaner, safer baths 

In other words, most homeowners aren’t renovating in preparation for a sale or with ROI in mind. Instead, they’re investing in the changes that allow them to get more use out of the bathrooms in the homes they plan to stay in for at least a few years.

Remodeling for Aesthetics

At this point, you might be thinking that as much as you hate your bathroom, it functions perfectly fine. Should you just leave it as is? The NAR 2025 Remodeling Impact Report shows that 23% (or the second biggest group) of homeowners renovate for beauty and aesthetics. This is a great opportunity to:

✅Rethink the flow or layout of your bathroom

✅Ditch outdated trends and styles

✅Incorporate colors and materials that you find more soothing, modern, or overall appealing

The reality is that even if you’re investing in a bathroom remodel largely for aesthetic reasons, you’re probably going to reap additional benefits by default. For example, that avocado green tile went in sometime in the 1960s, and it could easily be hiding water damage, mold, and outdated plumbing. 

Remodeling for Increased Durability

Functionality isn’t just measured by how we use the spaces and appliances in our homes. Functionality can also be measured by durability, which is what another 23% of homeowners invest in remodels to increase. For example, homeowners often remodel their bathrooms to:

✅Replace cheap materials installed by previous property owners or inexperienced contractors

✅Upgrade to bathroom materials like non-porous high-tech polymer (aka acrylic) to improve bath and shower waterproofing and prevent mold growth

✅Install materials and appliances that are designed to last for several decades (and which the homeowners themselves won’t likely need to replace)

✅Create a low-maintenance bathroom that can be cleaned quickly and easily

Just like remodeling for aesthetics will probably address some structural issues, remodeling for durability can allow you to improve the look and layout of your bathroom. The right contractor can help you prioritize your must-haves (like durable shower walls) without sacrificing your nice-to-haves (like premier wall designs and colors). 

Remodeling for Improved Efficiency

The drive for green residential living is on the rise. According to the NAR 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, roughly 15% of remodeling projects are completed to improve home efficiency. In a bathroom, that can look like:

✅Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and sink faucets

✅Upgrading outdated plumbing and electrical wiring to reduce water and energy waste

✅Installing light fixtures with Energy Star certification

Given that the bathroom is our largest source of indoor water use, it’s a great place to start to create a greener home.

Remodeling for the Resale Value

Where does ROI come into play? You may be surprised to learn that, according to the NAR 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, only 4% of homeowners are investing in remodels purely for better resale value. This primarily includes two very specific categories:

✅Homeowners who are ready to put their home on the market ASAP

✅Investors who buy and flip properties

The good news? Mid-range bathroom remodels can yield an ROI of up to 73% at the outset with some depreciation over time. What that means is that even if you aren’t remodeling with a buyer in mind, you’re probably still supporting your long-term property value, especially if your remodel eliminates significant damage.  

How Do Homeowners Feel About Their Bathroom Remodels?

Now you know why homeowners are remodeling their bathrooms. How do they actually feel about it once the installation and cleanup are done and it’s time to start using their new bathroom?

Looking once again at that NAR report, bathroom remodels have one of the highest satisfaction rates of any home renovation project. To be specific, bathroom remodels have a Joy Score of 9.8 out of 10, making it the fourth-highest rated project behind new primary bedroom suites, new roofs, and kitchen upgrades. In other words, most polled homeowners feel like their goals and desires were overwhelmingly met during the bathroom remodeling process.

Is Now the Time for Your Bathroom Remodel?

Now you know why other homeowners are diving into their bathroom remodels. Now it’s time to decide if your own needs and goals are worth the time and money it takes to transform your bathroom. 

At ZINTEX, our goal is to make that decision process as simplified as possible, and transparency is key. Up next, find out if there are any bathroom remodel tax deductions available to homeowners.

FAQs About Bathroom Remodels

Q: Should I hire a professional for my bathroom remodel?

If you’re making purely aesthetic changes, like repainting your bathroom walls or installing new hardware, you may be able to do it yourself. If your remodel involves structural elements of your home, electrical wiring, or plumbing, the safest thing to do is hire a professional. 

Q: How long do bathroom remodels take?

First, you’ll need to account for the lead time of a bathroom remodel. This is the amount of time between your consultation and the first day of construction. For many companies, the bathroom remodel lead time can take around three to six weeks. Actual construction times vary based on the scope of your project. For example, installing a new shower tends to take about one to three days. A larger-scale remodel can take anywhere from three days to two weeks.

Q: Is there financing for bathroom remodels?

Depending on your contractor, you should be able to finance your remodel based on factors like your credit score. Many homeowners are able to pay off their bathroom remodels in installments of roughly $199-$399 per month.