What will my bathroom cost?
It is either the question that is asked first or that you are most afraid to ask. Maybe as a
homeowner the better questions to ask are the following…
1) What do I want to change
2) How much do I want to spend
3) What kind of finishes do I want (or are in the budget)
4) How quickly would I like it finished
5) What kind of longevity and maintenance am I looking for
What do I want to change?
The least expensive bathroom remodel is one when every fixture is new and in a
different location. That being so the inverse is also true that if you don’t change anything
it will not cost a dollar (besides peace of mind). Here is a list of the descending order of
cost that are the most expensive to move (most of the time).
1) Toilets
2) Showers
3) Washers / dryers
4) Sinks
5) Closets / doors
How much do I want to spend?
As a remodeler it is always easier to stick to a customer’s budget when we know their
budget. Just like when shopping for Christmas presents, you don’t spend more than is
in the piggy bank. If you know how much you want to spend you can choose finishes
and the extent of the project based on that. Don’t have a contractor quote you a custom
vanity with onyx countertops if you have a prefab Allen and Roth budget. Neither is
wrong or right but one will better fit you, your family and your budget.
What kind of finishes do I want (or are in the budget)
If you are wondering how much a finish will cost you intuition is probably correct. There
is a reason you see a certain type of toilet or shower surround in trailer communities
and another type in gated communities. Something that is fast and easy to manufacture,
install and deteriorate is less expensive than something handmade, takes an artist to
install and lasts forever. Here is a quick guide in general end cost
Shower surround
1) Plastic $
2) Tile $$
3) Stone and glass $$$
Flooring
1) Vinyl / Laminate $
2) Tile $$
3) Stone / Wood $$$
Shower Doors
1) Curtains $
2) Prefab Glass $$
3) Custom Glass $$$
Here are some other items that tend to affect the final cost of a bathroom… Niches, # of
Sprayers, Heated floors, Type of cabinetry, intricacy of tile work, HVAC work, added
switches or outlets and more.
How quickly would I like it finished
There are actually two ways of thinking about this question. First how long as your
remodeler we will be working in your home, and second how long it takes for specific
finishes to be installed. They are related to cost but not always does less time make
something less expensive! Sometimes a finish like custom quartz surround panels are
extremely quick to install but more expensive than a timely option like standard tile. This
comes into play when a customer only has one bathroom in their home and needs it
back up and running asap. The fastest products to install are usually plastic and only
require screws, glue or elbow grease to put in. the longest install times are things like
tile mortar and drywall mud that have extended drying periods.
What kind of longevity and maintenance am I looking for
When deciding what route to go in your bathroom its best to have your longer term
goals in mind. Things like a move on the horizon, aging in place and parents or a baby
on the way can be huge factors in what your bathroom should look like and cost. If your
selling your home that neon pink toilet probably isn’t a good idea but if not GO FOR IT!
If you have a baby on the way you should probably keep your tub, whereas if your
parents are moving in maybe it should go. Lastly, materials end cost to the homeowner
(after material and labor) typically last longer the more expensive they are. Your
contractor can help you get the most longevity and minimal maintenance out of your
budget if you ask but there is a limit. Sometimes an extra $200 now could save you
thousands down the road.
A typical pull and replace remodel with quick finishes that are easy to find is going to be
in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. A more mid range bath remodel with a few layout
changes or higher end finishes will be closer to $10,000 to $20,000. A higher end
bathroom with custom, more durable finishes and a higher degree of layout changes
and difficulty will be $20,000 and more.
If you have any questions or would like an estimate
please reach out or fill out the form link below!