Your toilet is the workhorse of the bathroom. And while you may not give it much thought, upgrading your porcelain throne can be a home-value booster.

CURRENT TRENDS

• Water efficiency. Toilets can waste a lot of water. Today, you can choose from a variety of high-efficiency, water-conserving toilets without sacrificing flushing power. One style is dual-flush, which allows you to select the amount of water you use, based on the type of waste that needs to be flushed.
• Smart toilets. New technologies are changing the way you use the loo and can even prevent that age-old gender disagreement over leaving the seat up. Fancy models lift the seat when you approach and automatically flush and close when you leave. Other luxury features include a heated seat, front and rear washing and an air dryer.
• Hidden toilets. Homeowners are doing some creative things to keep the toilet separate from the rest of the room. Whether it’s a stylish partition or custom-designed furniture that houses the commode, you won’t even know the toilet is there.

BIGGEST MISTAKE

Like with all remodels, keep the toilet upgrade proportionate to your home’s market value, advises appraisal expert Leslie Sellers. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a fancy toilet and bidet in a starter home.

EXPERT TIPS

• On a Budget: Unless your toilet is falling apart, you don’t need to replace it. Oftentimes, all you need to do to update the commode is thoroughly scrub it down and replace old tank parts.
• Mid-Range: A two-piece toilet, in which the tank bolts on top of the bowl, is standard. But if you can afford it, a high-efficiency, one-piece toilet with an integral tank and bowl may be worth the investment. It offers a seamless, modern look and is easier to clean.
• High-End: Wall-mounted toilets add a unique look to a bathroom and are super easy to clean. Keep in mind that this style will cost more to install and maintain because it requires a thicker wall to mount the toilet and house the tank. Focus on highly efficient, water-saving models.