Remodeling your townhome before you sell it can be a smart idea for a wide variety of reasons. You probably won't be able to remodel every part of it unless you have a great deal of available funds, so it's important to carefully determine the best remodeling options.

A universal design for your bathroom will make sure that people of all ages and abilities can effectively use your bathroom. Giving your bathroom a universal design makeover may be a good idea, yet it won't be the best fit for every home seller. Consider these pros and cons before deciding whether it's right for your townhouse.

Pro: Your Inclusive Gesture Can Appeal to a Wider Range of Buyers

A universal design for your bathroom will ensure that your bathroom will accommodate any residents or guests. That's sure to mean that it will appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Potential home buyers with disabled children and the elderly will need this remodeling option, and they will likely appreciate the gesture of having it done prior to selling the home.  Having the universal design in the bathroom also enables you to market it with bragging rights to the cool, sensitive home feature.

Con: You Can Rarely Recoup the Costs of this Upgrade

Unfortunately, you may not be able to recover the money that you invest in this remodeling project. Although it can increase the value of your home, it may not increase the value enough to even match the funds that are spent on the remodeling effort. It may still be worth the investment for other reasons, though.

Pro: It Offers Potential Home Buyers a Variety of Perks

Home buyers may be able to more easily imagine themselves living in a townhome with a universal design in the bathroom. It can help them feel better because the increased accessibility, and couples who may be looking for a home they can grow old in will especially appreciate the design. Things like grab bars and wider doors can be useful for people of all abilities.

Finally, keep in mind that having a universal design for your townhome's bathroom may open it up to homeowners who may not otherwise consider your home, but there are no guarantees that this home improvement will pay off by attracting a serious buyer or increasing the price your home ultimately is sold at. Talk to your real estate agent about what you are thinking in terms of home improvement and prepare your townhome so that it appeals to the buyers you want to attract.