We have a small master bathroom and two small closets in the master bedroom. Should we expand our master bathroom into one of the small closets leaving just one small/medium closet?
Asked by Dan Dinkel | Fort Washington, FL| 01-17-2023| 1,341 views|Remodeling|Updated 3 years ago
Go with the bigger bathroom. In terms of resale value and buyer appeal, an updated primary bathroom with more space consistently outperforms closet size as a selling point.
Buyers will compromise on closet size. They won't compromise on a cramped bathroom. A primary bathroom that feels spacious, has a good vanity, and a comfortable shower or tub setup is one of the top features buyers look for. A small bathroom in the primary suite is one of the most common complaints buyers have about older homes.
Expanding into one of the closets gives you room to potentially add double sinks, a larger shower, better storage, or just breathing room that makes the space feel modern. You'd still have one closet in the primary bedroom, and you can maximize that remaining closet with an organizer system to make it more functional.
One thing to consider is that the remaining closet should be a reasonable size. If you're left with a tiny single closet that can barely hold one person's wardrobe, that could become its own issue. A well-organized reach-in closet with a good system can hold more than people expect, but a closet that's clearly too small for two people sharing a bedroom will get noticed.
If the bathroom expansion is done well with quality finishes, it should more than offset the loss of one small closet in terms of both daily livability and resale value.
From a resale value standpoint in most Florida markets, a larger master bathroom outperforms a larger master closet, particularly when the bathroom upgrade includes a double vanity, a walk-in shower, or a soaking tub. Bathrooms are one of the top renovation categories for return on investment.
In Beverly Hills and throughout Citrus County, Florida, buyer preferences lean toward updated, functional bathrooms in master suites. The closet matters, but buyers who compromise on closet space more readily than on bathroom quality, especially in the 55-plus corridor where single-level living and accessible bath design carry real weight.
The practical answer depends on what the home currently has. If both are outdated, prioritize the bathroom for resale value. If the closet is clearly dysfunctional (no organization, poor access), a cost-effective custom closet system can address buyer concerns without a full renovation. A local agent can tell you what comparable buyers in your specific price range are actually asking for before you invest.
Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells
Deciding to expand your master bathroom into one of the small closets is ultimately a personal decision, as only you can decide if this is the best use of space for your needs. However, there are a few factors to consider when making this choice.
First, consider whether or not expanding the bathroom will make it more functional and comfortable for you and your family’s needs. Will it provide enough space for everyone’s toiletries and other essentials? If so, then it may be worth sacrificing one of the closets in favor of a larger bathroom. If however, you feel that having two separate closets is necessary, then expanding may not be the best use of space in this situation.
You should also think about how much time (and money) is involved in such an undertaking. Renovations can take months depending on their scope and complexity; meanwhile costs can vary greatly depending on materials used, labor hours required etc., so make sure to consult with professionals regarding all details before committing to any major changes in your home. Additionally, if renovating involves going through walls or ceilings around existing plumbing pipes/electrical wiring etc., then there could be hidden issues that might increase both cost and timeline significantly beyond what was initially expected – again consulting with a professional prior to beginning work would help estimate these variables more accurately.
Finally, determine whether or not this decision increases the resale value potential for your home should you decide to sell at some point down the road; making smart improvements now could yield greater rewards later once people start looking at properties like yours since larger bathrooms are often highly desirable features these days!
In short: expanding from two small closets into one large closet plus a larger master bath can provide improved comfort/functionality but comes with its own set of considerations including monetary investment/time commitment which should all be thoroughly evaluated before moving forward with any renovations.. Good luck!