A sleek, updated bathroom instantly increases the value of your home or apartment. In fact, it’s second only to adding a kitchen or bedroom as one of the best returns on investment in house renovation. But, a quality bathroom remodel isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s a project that can easily run into the five figures depending on your choices and your contractor.
The biggest factor in the total cost of a bathroom remodel is the labor. On average, remodeling contractors charge $70 an hour for their services. However, this number can vary widely due to the wide range of materials and their wild price fluctuations.
Another large expense is plumbing and electrical work. Since bathrooms have so much water and electricity tucked behind walls in damp areas, it’s not uncommon for hidden corrosion or problems to emerge during the remodel. Unplanned repairs can quickly drive up the cost of a remodel. If you discover a serious issue that requires the removal and replacement of wallboard or drywall, for example, that can add an extra $1,000 or more to your overall cost.
Surfaces and fixtures are also big drivers of the bathroom remodel cost. Tile, for instance, can tack on an extra $10,000 or more to the budget, and running toilets can run $500 or more. This is especially true for high-end models with bells and whistles, such as the aforementioned heated seats and chromotherapy showerheads.
Even a simple change, like a new vanity or mirror, can run $250 to $700 or more, depending on the design and the materials. Paint is another major cost driver in a bathroom. It’s often chosen for its moisture resistance, which is important in this damp space, and a typical bathroom paint runs $200 to $5,000 per square foot.
Demolition costs are a necessary evil in any bathroom remodel, and they’re generally fairly expensive. On average, it costs about $50 per structure to remove old materials and haul them away, and this number can rise if you’re rejiggering the layout of your bath and need to move or relocate pipes and wiring.
Finally, a bathroom remodel that’s designed for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or aging-in-place standards can double the cost of a standard bath, because it typically involves enlarging the space. Other costs may include the hiring of a designer or a contractor certified in universal design and aging-in-place techniques. It’s wise to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs during any renovation.