In today’s housing market, the number of bathrooms in a home is increasingly becoming a key factor. Over the past 50 years, the demand for multiple bathrooms has grown, with a notable increase in the number of bathrooms in homes nationwide. Changes in lifestyle, larger family sizes, and a desire for greater convenience are some of the driving factors.
But is adding an extra bathroom truly worth the investment? In this article, we’ll explore how much value an additional bathroom adds depending on the state, and weigh the costs versus the benefits. If you’ve ever wondered whether an extra bathroom could enhance your home’s function and market appeal, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Number of Bathrooms in New-Single Family Homes
Taking annual data from the U.S. census, we see that the number of bathrooms in new homes has seen a dramatic shift over the past five decades. In 1973, 40% of new homes were built with 1½ baths or less, but by 2023, that figure had plummeted to just 4%. This change highlights a clear trend toward more bathrooms in modern homes, as homeowners prioritize convenience and functionality. Meanwhile, the percentage of homes with two bathrooms has remained relatively stable, fluctuating only slightly over the years, with about 34% of new homes still including two bathrooms in 2023.
Homes with 2½ baths have experienced a rise and fall over the decades. In 1973, 19% of new homes featured this layout, and that figure steadily increased to a high of 37% in 2015, though it has since dropped to 28% by 2023. The biggest growth, however, has been in homes with three or more bathrooms. Before 1987, homes with three bathrooms were virtually nonexistent, but by 2023, 34% of new homes were built with three or more baths, marking a significant 22% increase since 1987. This surge underscores the growing demand for larger homes that offer greater bathroom access and enhanced privacy for families and guests alike.
How Much Extra Bathrooms Add to Home Prices in Each State
Adding an extra bathroom to a home can significantly increase its value. On average, an additional bathroom can boost a home's sale price by around 12%. To illustrate this, we used average home prices from Zillow and calculated how much a 12% increase would impact the home value across different states.
In 17 states, adding a bathroom would increase the home's price by more than $50,000. For instance, in Hawaii, the addition of a bathroom could raise the home's value by $102,041, while in California, it would lead to a $92,804 increase. Similarly, homes in Massachusetts, Washington, and the District of Columbia would see price jumps of over $70,000 with an extra bathroom. Colorado, New Jersey, and Utah also follow closely, with home price increases of over $60,000 due to the added feature.
Is It Worth Adding a Bathroom to Your Home?
A bathroom addition can offer a solid return on investment (ROI), with homeowners recouping an average of 34.7% of the cost—a 6% increase from last year. However, the ROI can vary depending on the location and type of bathroom added. The cost of adding a new bathroom in an unused space typically ranges from $18,000 for a half bathroom to as much as $70,000 for a full one. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, converting an existing space into a half bathroom is a cost-effective choice, with expenses ranging from $3,457 to $6,289.
Incorporating the latest bathroom trends can also add value and appeal to your home. Popular trends for 2024 include modern features like smart fixtures, natural materials, and eco-friendly designs, as highlighted in this article. These updates could make your bathroom addition not only a worthwhile investment but also a stylish enhancement to your home.
Ultimately, it doesn’t only come down to cost. While you may not recoup the whole cost of a bathroom addition when you sell your home, it may make life more comfortable by having the extra space, especially if your household has expanded.