Of course, you want your remodeling projects to pay off when you sell. But some luxuries just make your home life sweeter and easier — and there’s big value in that, too.
Here are some remodeling splurges that are great for your life now and someday may pique a buyer’s interest.
1. Steam Shower
What: A sealed shower attached to a steam generator that turns the stall into a steam room. You can build a steam shower from scratch or buy a prefab fiberglass unit.
Why: Steam relaxes, opens sinuses, soothes muscles, and cleans pores. Installing a steam shower is a major project that includes wiring for the generator; vapor-proofing walls, floors, and ceiling; installing a tightly-fitting door; and having a bathroom fan outside the shower to suck up the extra humidity.
Tip: A sloped ceiling in the shower room ensures that condensation runs off.
How much: Starting around $2,600
2. Heated Bathroom Floors
What:
Thin, thermostatically-controlled electric radiant mats that install under tile.
Why:
No more cold feet when stepping out of the shower in the morning. Many systems come with timers so warm bathroom floors await you each morning.
Tip:
Heated floors help stem mold growth in humid places.
How much:
$6-$16/sq. ft. for materials or at least $870 installed (not counting cost of tile or adding 20-amp GFCI dedicated circuit starting at about $125)
3. Skylights
What:
Upscale models feature insulated glass, solar-powered shades, and rain sensors that’ll automatically close an open skylight in bad weather.
Why:
Avoid dark, dreary room syndrome in areas you can’t brighten with windows — hallways, interior rooms, even closets Skylights save you money on heating, cooling, and lighting bills.
Tip:
If you plan to open and close skylights, order screens to keep out bugs and roof debris.
How much:
$500-$3,500 (depending on size, glazing, and complexity) installed
4. Towel-Warming Drawer
What:
A stainless steel, heated drawer that slips into cabinetry, plugs into an outlet, and warms towels.
Why:
Because there’s nothing more snuggly than wrapping a warm towel around you after a bath or shower.
Tip:
Towels take time to heat up — some people say as much as 45 minutes — so you’ll have to plan ahead to have a toasty one ready when you are.
How much:
$1,250-$2,600
5. Central Vac (aka Whole-House Vacuum)
What:
A super-suction, built-in vacuum system that features convenient inlet ports throughout the house where you plug in 25-to-50-foot lightweight vacuum hoses. The collection bin is usually located in a basement or garage.
Why:
No more dragging heavy vacuum cleaners up and down stairs and throughout the house. With central vacs all you need to schlepp is a lightweight hose fitted with a power brush.
Central vacs have up to five times the suction power of portable vacuums, and they store dust far away from where it’s collected — great for allergy sufferers. Some high-tech systems have retractable hoses that disappear into the wall.
Tip:
Make sure you have enough ports — at least one for every 500 sq. ft.