There’s so much that goes into a bathroom remodeling project it can get confusing and overwhelming.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. If you’re tackling a bathroom remodel project, having a realistic idea of what things actually cost can make the difference between a bathroom that you settle for or a having a bathroom of your dreams.
Before you begin any project, it’s important to put your expectations into perspective when it comes to how much money you are willing to invest. Whether you want to call the term an allowance or budget, you need to financially plan for this project. You will also need to put into reality what things actually cost. We all would love a brand-new car for $10,000 but that is NOT reality. Factors can also change the budget…i.e. the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials; whether you’re planning to do some of the labor yourself all can affect the cost of a remodel.
The first step is deciding what allowance is right for you. Let’s take a look at three different cost ranges for bathroom remodels and what you might get for each allowance. These price ranges below include fixtures and labor costs.
Why the broad range? Well, location, materials, cost of labor and project scope play into it. For example, the average bathroom remodel in San Francisco, CA. costs just over $17,000. In Crown Point, IN, it’s just under $10,000 for the fixtures not including labor. The amounts shown below are based off of a National Average study.
- Basic Bathroom Remodel Often runs from $3,000 to $10,000
- Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel $10,000 to $40,000
- Deluxe Bathroom Remodel $30,000 to $100,000-plus
Basic Bathroom
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 (i.e. Home Depot, Menards, Lowes), but getting quality fixtures from a design store (i.e. Waterplace) might be difficult, but NOT impossible. You are most likely looking a cultured marble countertops or remnant granite/quartz tops, refinishing/painting your existing vanity cabinets or off-the-shelf cabinets. Don’t expect to tile the entire bathroom but you might be able to do the tub or shower area with some subway tile. Most of your fixtures from lighting to faucets will need to be basic, more off-the-shelf box store products. Please keep in mind that at this level many pieces have lower grade parts inside, and they will likely need to be replaced every five to seven years.The basic bathroom remodel is a good fit for you if you allowance is limited or if you are just doing a refresh to resell your home.
Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel
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 taller vanity with countertop, a framed mirror that matches the vanity and a recessed medicine chest — all of which are slightly better quality than what you can find at a big-box store (i.e. Home Depot, Menards, Lowes). 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.
A mid-range bathroom remodel is good for you if you are doing a remodel for yourself and not because you plan to sell and move. You’re limited in the space or footprint, but you’ll still be able to do a lot more with finishes and fixtures and cabinetry.
Deluxe Bathroom Remodel
What you might get: 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 just disappear, and a steam room 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, trim-work and tilework might also be included.
Whatever your bathroom allowance is I can make recommendations to keep you in your budget. I am a designer with over 27 years in this business who is passionate about design. I wish to share that passion with you and your project. Please call (219) 661-7021 or email me at dougv@waterplace.net to schedule an uninterrupted free consultation appointment with me to start the bathroom of your dreams.