A bathroom remodel should make everyday life better — and the smartest budgets spend a little more where it truly counts. Some upgrades add lasting comfort and real resale value; others are nice but easy to skip. Drawing on years of remodels across Bismarck and Fargo, The Bathroom Store picked the six bathroom upgrades that are genuinely worth the splurge, plus how to decide which ones make the biggest difference in your home.
Do Bathroom Upgrades Add Value?
Yes — the bathroom is one of the highest-return rooms in a home, and buyers notice it. The upgrades that make the biggest difference at resale are the ones that read as quality and are expensive to redo later: the shower system, tile, durable fixtures, and smart storage. Spending on those — rather than on trend-driven decor — is what turns a remodel into an investment that pays you back when it’s time to sell.
1. A Luxurious Shower System
The shower is the centerpiece of most bathrooms, so it’s the first place worth investing. Multiple body sprays, a rainfall head, and a built-in bench turn a daily routine into a spa experience — and add resale appeal. Durable, low-maintenance surfaces matter most here: our seamless, grout-free Onyx Collection showers and open walk-in showers look high-end and stay that way with almost no upkeep. (Getting the footprint right matters too — see our guide to choosing a shower size.)
2. Statement Tile Work
Patterned, geometric, or marble-look tile on a shower accent wall or vanity backsplash adds drama that photographs beautifully and sets your bathroom apart. Texture, finish, and placement all shape the effect — a little premium tile in the right spot delivers far more impact than covering every surface.
3. Heated Flooring
In a North Dakota winter, heated floors are the upgrade homeowners never regret. Beyond pure comfort, radiant floor heat can help reduce moisture and mildew, improve traction underfoot, and even lower energy costs over time by warming the room efficiently. It’s a hidden luxury that buyers love.
4. High-Quality Fixtures and Finishes
Upgrading your bathroom fixtures is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the whole room feel more expensive. Faucets, shower trim, lighting, and hardware in a durable finish — brushed nickel, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze — instantly elevate the space, especially when the finish is applied consistently across every fixture for a cohesive look. Quality fixtures also simply last longer, so you’re not replacing them in a few years.
5. Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinets make far better use of a bathroom’s space than stock units. Full-extension vanity drawers, hidden organizer trays, stone countertops, and storage planned around how you actually use the room keep everyday clutter out of sight — and built-in storage is a feature buyers consistently rank near the top of their list.
6. Smart Bathroom Accessories
The finishing touches make a bathroom feel modern. Anti-fog smart mirrors, Bluetooth speakers, high-tech toilets with bidet and self-cleaning functions, and well-placed shelving near the shower add convenience that feels genuinely luxurious. Choose the ones that fit your routine rather than loading up on every gadget.
How to Decide Which Upgrades Are Worth It
Start with how you actually use the room. Walk through your daily routine and note what frustrates you — that’s where your budget earns its keep. From there, weigh layout and shower size, the style you want, storage and lighting needs, and your overall budget. A free in-home design consultation with The Bathroom Store makes it easy to match the right upgrades to your space and your goals — before you spend a dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bathroom upgrades add the most value?
The upgrades that add the most value are the ones that read as quality and are costly to redo later: the shower system, durable tile, high-quality fixtures and finishes, and smart built-in storage. These make the biggest difference at resale.
Are heated bathroom floors worth it?
In a cold climate like North Dakota, yes. Heated floors add everyday comfort, can help reduce moisture and mildew, improve traction, and warm the room efficiently — and they’re a feature buyers love.
What bathroom fixtures are worth upgrading?
Faucets, shower trim, lighting, and hardware in a durable finish deliver the biggest visual payoff for the cost, especially when the finish is consistent across every fixture. Quality fixtures also last longer than budget versions.
Do bathroom remodels increase home value?
The bathroom is one of the highest-return rooms in a home. Investing in durable, quality upgrades — rather than trend-driven decor — is what makes a remodel a smart long-term investment.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With Experts Who Know What’s Worth It
A standout bathroom combines style, comfort, and practicality — and knowing where to splurge is half the battle. The Bathroom Store’s design team helps Bismarck and Fargo homeowners choose the upgrades that add real value and skip the ones that don’t. Schedule a free in-home design consultation and estimate to start planning your bathroom.
Jayden Chuppe is the General Manager and Owner of The Bathroom Store, North Dakota’s premier bathroom remodeling specialist. With nearly two decades of experience in the home improvement industry, Jayden has built a reputation for excellence, overseen by his commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design. From tub-to-shower conversions to full-scale renovations, Jayden ensures that every project at The Bathroom Store meets the highest standards of durability and aesthetics. His goal is to help North Dakota homeowners transform their outdated bathrooms into functional, beautiful sanctuaries they can enjoy for a lifetime.
