Having a remodeled bathroom is a great thing. One thing that isn’t so great about it is the cost. In order to help you determine how much it’ll cost we found this article. We hope it helps you plan out the bathroom of your dreams that you can afford!
If you???re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to update the look, increase resale value, add functionality, amenities and storage or a combination of all or some of these. Simple enough.
But the scope of the project depends on a variety factors ??? most of all budget, but also how long you???ve been in the house and how long you plan to stay there. As with most things, there are three levels of bathroom remodeling: good, better and best, says Leslie Molloy, a design consultant at Normandy Remodeling. In this new series, we???ll take you through the planning and execution process for remodeling your main bathroom.
Of course, the costs below are all relative and will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live, how old your home is and what kind of renovations have already been done. Remodeling a bathroom from the 1990s is a lot different than overhauling one built in the 1920s with mud-set floors and galvanized plumbing. ???Older houses likely have had a series of previous remodels that we usually have to peel back the layers and see what???s there,??? says Brad Little, president of Case Remodeling in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A look at three typical cost ranges
The first step is deciding which level of remodeling is right for you. Let???s take a look at three different cost ranges for bathroom remodels and common materials and finishes for each.
The Basic Bathroom Remodel
Often runs from $3,000 (DIY) to $12,000
What you might get: You probably won???t be able to move any plumbing around, but you could replace fixtures and other materials with stock, off-the-shelf products like you???d find in a big-box store.
Mid- to Upper-Range Bathroom Remodel
$10,000 to $35,000
Why the broad range? Well, location, materials, cost of labor and project scope play into it. For example, according to the Houzz Real Cost Finder, the average bathroom remodel in New York costs just over $32,000. In Mississippi it???s just under $14,000.
What you might get: Better fixtures, like a toilet with better flushing capabilities or faucets with better flow. And new features like flooring, a vanity, a sink, lighting, window treatments, hardware, a comfort-height toilet, a 36-inch countertop, a framed mirror that matches the vanity and a recessed medicine chest ??? all of which are slightly better quality than from a big-box store.
Plus, you can make a few more adjustments to the layout. Maybe you???ll put in a slightly smaller bathtub to make way for a slightly larger shower. Maybe you???ll slide a sink down and move the plumbing slightly to add a tall linen cabinet.
The Deluxe Bathroom Remodel
$30,000 to $100,000-plus
This level is also known as a full gut job. Everything will go away, and you???ll put things where you want. You might also punch into an adjacent room for more space or punch out the exterior. The toilet and shower might switch locations, the bathtub might go away and a sauna might come in; all-new high-end fixtures, materials, cabinets, lighting and finishes can be added. The room is likely to be larger. Detailed molding, trimwork and tilework might also be included.
Planning for a Bathroom Remodel
Budget breakdown: Once you establish your budget and start hunting for materials, consider the National Kitchen and Bath Association???s cost breakdown as a guide:
– Design fees: 4 percent
– Installation: 20 percent
– Fixtures: 15 percent
– Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
– Countertops: 7 percent
– Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
– Flooring: 9 percent
– Doors and windows: 4 percent
– Walls and ceilings: 5 percent
– Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
– Other: 1 percent
Of course, it???s up to you where to spend and where to splurge, but this breakdown is a good starting point. Plus, remember to reserve an additional 10 to 20 percent for unforeseen costs that might come up during construction.
When to remodel: You can do a bathroom remodel pretty much any time of year. The most common time to start is during the winter or spring.
How long it will take: Expect a month or two of planning and picking out materials and finishes. Designer Leslie Molloy says many of her clients usually spend about four to six months doing their own research and figuring out their budget and project scope before contacting a designer. Expect three to eight weeks for construction, depending on the scope.
First step: Figure out which of the three levels of remodeling your project falls into, then start looking at photos of bathrooms to figure out what style, materials and amenities you want. Molloy advises not to get too carried away with planning before reaching out to a designer for help. Professionals can quickly assess your goals and budget to steer you toward what will work for you.
