Bathroom remodels should run between 4-8k depending on the size of the bathroom. If you're talking about just a typical bathroom I would plan on an investment of 5k. Much of which you should recoup in the resell. If you're planning on staying for 3-5 years than its money well spent since you will enjoy living there and not having to go to the laundramat. Go 4 it!

Hi JMR:

In general, your return on investment for a bathroom remodel will be anywhere from 85% - 100%, depending on the scale of the remodel.

I see you're in Lincoln Park, and buyers are used to high-end there, but still: You should not spend more than 5% of your home's value on the remodel, and be careful not to max out at the high end, as you certainly don't want to over-improve.

Since you plan to stay for a good amount of time, you will get maximum enjoyment out of your remodel, as well as add value to your home. But, since you DO plan to re-sell in the future, be sure to remodel with mass appeal in mind. No funky crazy stuff that will only appeal to you, or you will find your ROI greatly diminish, if not actually hinder your sale.

Good luck.

JMR:
Depending on the size and the upgrades done there is usually a 10K-20K added value in remodeling a bath. Do you want to put a full size washer/dryer in the bathroom? Stackable? That might hurt your resale. The next buyer might not be so fond of that. There are washer/dryers in one that are used right now in smaller condos that do not allow the space for a stackable or side by side W/D. That unit can be installed next to your dishwasher. These W/D look really nice and are very practical.

JMR:

We just did a bathroom / shower on our main floor in an 1800 sqaure foot lincoln park townhome. We spent $8000 on it...but we really shopped hard to the major items over several months...the best tile deal we found as at mechandise mart: Mistro Mosaic great selection, very good prices..pick up in Skokie. We did 5/8" mosaic tiles in the bath and 12 X 24 tiles on the floor and walls. We bought the vanity at Home depot's Home Expo...and the rest at Home depot. Labor was $5500...we think we paid in the middle of all the quotes we got...lighting from lightology (On Chicago and Wells I think)...can't answer your return question.

Good Luck.