A bathroom remodel is a great way to bring your home up-to-date. It can instantly increase the value of your property and make your home more appealing to potential buyers. But a remodel can also go over your budget, so it’s important to set a realistic budget for your project before you start shopping around for contractors and materials.
Costs can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your renovation, as well as the quality of the materials and finishes you select. Generally, labor costs and construction costs account for about half the total cost of a bathroom remodeling project.
The rest of the cost can be broken into non-labor costs, such as materials for a new shower or tub, vanity, and fixtures. Tile, flooring, and cabinets can all be costly to install.
If you’re a skilled DIYer, you can often reduce your cost by doing some of the work yourself, though this will require extra time and effort to ensure that everything is done right.
Your bathroom is probably the most important room in your house, so it’s a good idea to find a contractor who has extensive experience working on bathrooms, and who can guide you through the process of achieving your dream design without compromising your budget. It’s a good idea to meet with a few prospective contractors in person before you hire one.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few contractors, it’s a good idea to request a detailed bid from each one. This will include the amount of work you expect, as well as any permits that might be required for the project.
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you might also need to upgrade your electrical or plumbing. This will likely add an additional $500 to $1,500 to your bathroom remodeling costs.
Plumbers will usually need to make adjustments to your current pipes to attach a new sink, toilet, or shower. They’ll also install a new drain and toilet paper holder, if necessary.
If your water heater is corroding, or you’ve discovered that there are leaks or breaks in the plumbing, you may need to get it replaced. A new water heater will run from about $224 to $531, and a new toilet from about $150 to $250, according to HomeAdvisor.
To save money, consider upgrading your shower or tub instead of replacing it entirely. A soaking tub will usually cost between $110 and $200, while a regular shower will range from $40 to $80.
The cost of a shower or tub will be dependent on the type and style of fixture you choose, as well as installation and cleanup costs. Some options, such as a tub-shower combination, can cost up to $3,500 for materials and installation alone.
You’ll also need to pay for general cleanup and hauling fees, as well as professional caulking or grout sealing if you need them. The latter is a good idea because it’ll give your bathroom a polished look and help it stay waterproof.