Does a Bathroom Remodel Add Value in the Quad Cities? ROI Data (2026)

A midrange bathroom remodel returns about 69 to 71 cents on the dollar in our region, according to Zonda's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. Nationally the figure is closer to 80%, its highest level since 2007. In the Quad Cities, where median home values run lower, midrange projects beat upscale projects on return.

The Short Answer: Does a Bathroom Remodel Add Value?

Yes, but the return depends heavily on where you live and how much you spend. Zonda's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report tracks renovation payback across the country. It shows a midrange bathroom remodel returning about 80% nationally, the highest level since 2007. That is good news for homeowners.

The catch is regional. The East North Central region, which includes the Quad Cities, runs lower at roughly 69 to 71%. That means a $15,000 bathroom remodel adds about $10,500 to $10,650 in resale value here. You keep the daily benefit of the new bathroom, and you recover most of the cost at sale.

The key is aligning your investment to your neighborhood. In the Quad Cities, median home values run roughly $165,000 in Davenport to $250,000 in Bettendorf. A $15,000 midrange bath is a large investment relative to those values. Over-improving is the number one ROI mistake local homeowners make.

National vs Regional ROI by Project Type

Zonda breaks bathroom remodels into two tiers. The payback differs a lot between them. Here is how each project type performs.

• Midrange bathroom remodel: Returns about 80% nationally and 69 to 71% in our region. This is the sweet spot for Quad Cities homeowners. New vanity, fixtures, lighting, tile, and toilet in a standard layout.
• Upscale bathroom remodel: Returns only about 42 to 50% nationally. High-end materials, custom cabinetry, and luxury fixtures rarely pay back at resale, especially in a mid-priced market.
• Cosmetic refresh: Paint, hardware, lighting, and a new vanity can return 70 to 85%. This is the best bet if your bathroom is functional but dated.
• Tub-to-shower conversion: Strong return if you keep at least one tub elsewhere in the house. Removing the only tub can shrink your buyer pool.
• Plumbing and waterproofing repairs: Always worth it. Fixing a failing shower pan or cast iron stack prevents water damage that would cost far more later.

A cosmetic-to-midrange update returns 70 to 85% in most Quad Cities neighborhoods.

Which Bathroom Projects Return the Most?

Not every upgrade pays back equally. In our experience working with Quad Cities homeowners, the projects that return the most are the ones buyers actually notice and care about.

A new vanity, modern lighting, and updated fixtures top the list. They are visible, they signal a cared-for home, and they cost less than a full gut. Fresh tile in the shower area also delivers strong return, especially when it replaces damaged or dated surrounds.

In our experience, Davenport homeowners in McClellan Heights and Vander Veer get the best ROI when they keep the existing layout and focus budget on finishes. Moving plumbing and walls adds cost that rarely comes back at sale. A smart midrange update in a standard footprint is the winning formula.

The Over-Improvement Trap by QC Neighborhood

The number one ROI mistake in the Quad Cities is over-improving for your neighborhood. Appraisers value your bathroom relative to nearby homes, not in isolation. If you build a $40,000 luxury bath in a neighborhood where bathrooms typically cost $12,000, you will not recover the difference.

Here is how to think about it by local price band. In Davenport neighborhoods with median values around $165,000, a midrange $10,000 to $15,000 bathroom is proportionate. In Bettendorf, where median values run closer to $250,000, you have more room to invest, but upscale finishes still carry risk.

The rule of thumb is simple. Keep your bathroom renovation budget at or below what comparable nearby homes have invested. Walk a few open houses in your area or ask a local real estate agent before you commit. That research protects your resale value.

Remodel Before Selling vs Enjoy It Now

Timing matters for ROI. If you plan to sell in the next year or two, focus on cosmetic updates that show well. A fresh vanity, modern lighting, clean grout, and neutral paint help your bathroom photograph and appraise better. Skip the full gut unless something is failing.

If you plan to stay for five or more years, the math changes. You get to enjoy the new bathroom daily, which is real value that ROI numbers do not capture. A midrange remodel you love and use for a decade is a better investment than an upscale remodel you never recoup.

There is also non-financial ROI. Many older Quad Cities homes have failing shower pans and aging cast iron stacks. Fixing those prevents water damage and mold, which protects your entire home. That peace of mind has real value even if it does not show up in an appraisal.

Appraisers compare your bathroom to nearby homes, not to luxury magazines.

What Appraisers and Buyers Actually Notice

Appraisers are not interior designers. They look for function and condition, not trendiness. They check that plumbing works, ventilation is adequate, fixtures are updated versus original, and the space is clean and usable.

Buyers notice the same things, plus a few more. They react to lighting, vanity style, and whether the bathroom feels fresh or tired. A bright, clean, updated bathroom signals a maintained home. That perception drives offers.

What buyers and appraisers do not reward is over-the-top luxury in a modest home. A $50,000 spa bath in a $165,000 Davenport home does not add $50,000 in value. It adds what comparable bathrooms add. Spend where it shows, and keep the budget realistic for your street.

How Our Process Keeps Quotes Competitive

The surest way to protect your ROI is to get multiple competing quotes. When three licensed Quad Cities contractors bid on your bathroom project, you see fair pricing, compare scope, and avoid overpaying. That is exactly what Quad Cities Home Renovation does for free.

We quote you with our local, licensed, insured local contractors who know Quad Cities housing stock. They understand older Davenport plumbing, Bettendorf permit rules, and Moline inspector schedules. You compare quotes and choose the right pro, or walk away. Zero pressure, zero fees.

Why Choose Quad Cities Home Renovation?

Quad Cities Home Renovation is a FULL-SERVICE RENOVATION COMPANY, not a contractor. We serve Quad Cities homeowners with licensed and insured renovation contractors. Your estimate is always free.

• Licensed crew: Every member of our network holds $1M+ general liability insurance and active Iowa or Illinois licensing.
• Local knowledge: Our pros know Davenport's historic district permit rules, Bettendorf's flood zone codes, and Moline's building inspector schedule.
• Competitive quotes: You get competing quotes so you can compare scope and pricing. That protects your ROI.
• Zero pressure: Choose the right fit, or walk away entirely. Free, no-obligation, no high-pressure sales.

How much value does a bathroom remodel add in the Quad Cities?

Should I remodel my bathroom before selling?

Is an upscale bathroom remodel worth it?

Does removing a tub hurt resale value?

What do appraisers look for in a bathroom?