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Bathroom remodeling is easily one of the most challenging home renovation endeavors. As an owner, if you’re taking on the project on your own, you have to:
- factor in budgeting restraints,
- hire the right people for the job,
- research a wide array of materials, fixtures, and decorative items.
Usually, the project involves tile work, electricity, plumbing, and construction.
For the newbie investor, projects of such complexity are rightfully intimidating. Inexperienced homeowners turn to online remodeling calculators but notice discrepancies when estimating the budget.
Rich snippets on Google show that some projects can cost between $8,000 and $15,000, while other resources offer a broader range between $12,000 and $30,000.
According to Forbes, the average price for remodeling your bathroom is around $10,000.
Now that you have different price estimates let’s finish with some tips for a successful bathroom remodel.
If it sounds overwhelming or too expensive, you can always look into new homes from reputable home builders. This guide will give you a starting point and help you along as you explore your options. Follow these tips for a more successful renovation.
Planning Upfront
Many general contractors offer complete bathroom remodeling. But, for every crew willing to take on a job, many owners would prefer to save on costs and organize the project alone.
If you are reading this article, we can assume that you are one of them. If that is the case, proper planning is vital for the success of your project.
Remodeling a bathroom requires several skilled professionals. So get estimates from them all and schedule them accordingly. If their schedules need to be arranged before work begins, circle back and update your plan.
Depending on labor availability, the phases may vary, but the sequence is usually predictable. Demolition is the first step in the project, followed by plumbing, electricity, and tile installation. Finally, you can install the fixtures, place the vanities, and decorate the renovated bathroom.
Understand Prices
While the phases of your project are the same irrespective of location, the prices and materials may vary. When comparing prices for different markets, the differences aren’t necessarily due to skill or expertise.
You may be working with a dynamic company with too many clients or a reputable company, or the pricing may reflect the cost of living in the market. Quick research will tell you the answer.
Plumbing, for example, costs $72 per hour in Columbia, SC, but $97 per hour in the state of California. These rates in different markets are different, but not because of a labor shortage or expertise. It’s because of the cost of living in California.
You can use online directories to plan your budget, but check out labor and material prices in your area for a complete picture.
Once you know how much services cost, you can look at professional marketplaces like Angi, Yelp, or Thumbtack. Then you can narrow your search to local service providers within driving distance. Check with the BBB (Best Business Bureau) to see if the remodeling business is accredited.
Demolition
Full-scale demolition might not be necessary, depending on the scope of your project. If you’re trying to save money, take some time to consider what needs to be changed to complete the remodel, and don’t demo anything you are keeping.
If you decide to replace the flooring, consider installing a wider drainage system adjacent to your tub or shower. Drain clogs and blockages are some of the most frequent jobs for plumbers, and throwing more than $100 on each occasion is a waste.
While rookie renovators might think removing tiles is a simple process, doing so without the necessary safety gear or exercising caution might result in serious injury.
It can be time-consuming, too. So it seems essential to account for demolition expenses ranging from $3 to $5 per square foot. The price depends on the strength of the material and the state in question.
Flooring
Since plumbing is applicable at various stages, flooring and plumbing often go together. You will also need to make arrangements for an electrician if you live in the north and want to install underfloor heating.
The glue, adhesive, and tile price varies according to the area and the material, but installation prices should be in the region of $7-9 per square foot. Installing backsplashes is more costly. Check with companies in your area for an estimate.
Plumbing
As previously stated, residential plumbing may cost up to $140 per hour and averages about $80 per hour. A project might become expensive when parts and supplies combine and add up.
Depending on your project, you can negotiate a fixed price for specific jobs instead of individually hiring professionals for certain tasks and buying materials. For certain services, several businesses offer flat pricing.
For instance, installing a toilet seat is a simple service that costs between $140 and $200. In contrast, bathtub installations can cost between $1,800 and $2,000. There is no labor cost estimate. The price includes the materials, parts, and labor.
Electricity
When hiring electricians, make sure to work with licensed professionals. Expect to pay between $70 and $120 for a job per hour because compromising the quality of your electrical wiring is not worth the small savings.
If you choose to replace the water heater, make plans for a meeting between the people in charge of the electricity and plumbing, as a safe installation often requires expertise in both fields.
If you want to save money, search for electricians in your area. Their involvement in projects like these is typically minimal. Many would be reluctant to make a long journey and spend more time getting there than doing the task itself.
Fixtures
Fixtures may be given top priority by homeowners who rent their properties. However, if you intend to sell your house, major improvements must be at the top of your agenda. Relocate your budget accordingly, and be willing to make a compromise.
Shower heads and faucets can cost $300 and $100 for an average model, respectively, while installation costs range from $100 to $300.
Décor
After the significant renovation phases, you may start working on curtains, shelving, organizers, wall art, and other decorative items. These costs could change, but you should budget between $600 and $1200 for a modest bathroom.
Work closely with your electrician, as the placement of many lighting items has to be planned in the early stages of the remodeling project.
