Bathroom Makeovers
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Cost of Remodels, Renovations,
Reconfigurations
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Houzz.com |
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Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom
Remodel Cost?
Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you
plan your bathroom remodel
Mitchell Parker
Houzz Editorial Staff; writer, musician, father, husband.
If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to update the look,
increase resale value, add functionality, amenities and storage or a
combination of all or some of these. Simple enough.
But the scope of the project depends on a variety factors — most of all
budget, but also how long you’ve been in the house and how long you plan
to stay there. As with most things, there are three levels of bathroom
remodeling: good, better and best, says Leslie Molloy, a design consultant
at Normandy
Remodeling. In this new series, we’ll take you through the
planning and execution process for remodeling your main bathroom.
Of course, the costs below are all relative and will depend on a variety
of factors, including where you live, how old your home is and what kind
of renovations have already been done. Remodeling a bathroom from the
1990s is a lot different than overhauling one built in the 1920s with
mud-set floors and galvanized plumbing. “Older houses likely have had a
series of previous remodels that we usually have to peel back the layers
and see what’s there,” says Brad Little, president of Case
Remodeling in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A look at three typical cost ranges
The first step is deciding which level of remodeling is Right for You?.
Let’s take a look at three different cost ranges for bathroom remodels and
common materials and finishes for each.
Co
info: See web article
1. The Basic Bathroom Remodel
Often runs from $3,000 (DIY) to $12,000
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.
Designer Lynn
Madyson says this bathroom in New York is her example of a
basic remodel. “Off-the-shelf options have gotten a bit better in recent
years,” she says. “You can get a little creative by doing an interesting
backsplash to make things look more high-end.”
Co info: See web article
Countertops: At
this level, low-end granite and cultured marble are most popular.
Tile: Don’t expect to tile an entire bathroom, but you could do a
bathtub or shower area with ceramic tiles or standard white subway tiles.
Walls: Apart from a bathtub tile surround or counter backsplash,
painting the walls is the most affordable choice here.
Co info: See web article
Cabinets: If
your cabinets are in good condition, you might just want to refinish
or paint them. Otherwise, you’re looking at off-the-shelf
units.
Lighting, fixtures and finishes: All basic, off-the-shelf products.
Keep in mind that because the plumbing fixtures at this level have plastic
pieces on the inside, they will likely need to be replaced every five to
seven years.
Tip: You can make up for the stock materials by putting more focus
on the accessories. Splurge on a nice light fixture or cabinet hardware.
“Accessorizing will draw the eye more so than the type of tile you have,
especially if you put up a shower curtain that hides it all anyway,” says
Little.
Designer Louis Cook of PerfectView
Remodelingsays this bathroom falls into the basic bathroom
remodel range. It includes a 24-inch vanity, a low-end granite countertop
and a typical fiberglass bathtub-shower unit.
Co info: See web article
The clients splurged on large-format, 6- by 36-inch tile flooring that
resembles wood. This put the project’s total cost at $12,650, Cook says.
Without the material upgrade, Cook says it would have been around
$10,500.
Co info: See web article
Here’s another one of Cook’s bathrooms that he puts in the basic category,
between $10,000 and $11,000. The vanity has a single undermount sink and a
granite countertop.
Co info: See web article
And the shower is an off-the-shelf fiberglass insert unit.
Who to hire: It’s recommended that you consult with a designer for
any project, but if you’re somewhat knowledgeable, you can do it yourself
or hire an experienced contractor to help. Generally, permits are not
needed at this level.
A basic bathroom remodel is good for you if: Your budget is
limited, obviously. “Or if you’re looking to resell your home but don’t
want to spend a ton to make it look nice, this is for you,” says designerMarlene
Ritland.
Co info: See web article
2. Mid- to Upper-Range Bathroom Remodel
$10,000 to $35,000
Why the broad range? Well, location, materials, cost of labor and project
scope play into it. For example, according to the Houzz Real
Cost Finder, the average bathroom remodel in New York costs
just over $32,000. In Mississippi it’s just under $14,000.
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 36-inch countertop, a framed mirror that matches
the vanity and a recessed medicine chest — all of which are slightly
better quality than from a big-box store.
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.
Countertops: A higher-grade remnant or custom piece of granite,
marble or quartz.
Cabinets: Semicustom pieces with higher-end finishes — glazed
instead of just stained — and decorative details like cabinet legs and
intricate door panels. “Maybe something made locally or in the U.S. that
maximizes every inch in your bathroom for counter space,” says designer Nathan
Reynolds-Poulin.
The bathroom shown here, done by Case Remodeling for $30,000 to $35,000,
is an example of a midrange bathroom remodel. It features porcelain tile,
a his-and-her semicustom vanity, granite countertops and brushed-nickel
plumbing fixtures.
Co info: See web article
There’s also a fully enclosed steam
shower with an integrated bench.
Plumbing: You can make moderate adjustments to the plumbing, like
moving the faucets or shower, but the toilet will likely stay in the
relative same spot. “The toilet location is the tree trunk of the drainage
lines,” says Little. “If you move that to an opposite side of the room,
you’ll then have to change the showerhead, drain and faucet locations. If
you can keep that where it is, do it.” You might also add separate valves
for temperature and flow control and showerhead pressure.
Fixtures: You can upgrade the fixtures for ones with higher-quality
copper or bronze inside, which will last considerably longer than
off-the-shelf units.
Tile: At this level porcelain will be your new best friend. It’s
more durable than ceramic and slip resistant, and there are more color,
size and design options. “Even the low-end porcelain is nearly
indestructible,” says Little. Porcelain tiles are designed to mimic
natural stone, and the untrained eye can’t tell the difference. “Sometimes
if you look closely, you’ll see repeating patterns of the same swirls,” he
says. “That’s because it’s basically a photograph of natural stone tile
printed on porcelain.”
You’ll have the option of doing more interesting borders and accent tiles,
and you can tile the entire room instead of just a shower or bathtub
area.
Walls: You can get a bit more creative with materials and do tile
walls or real beadboard for a custom look.
Co
info: See web article
Here’s another one of Little’s projects that cost around $30,000. The
space is clad in porcelain tile. Frameless glass encloses the shower.
Little breaks down the possible costs of a midrange project like this:
“The shower faucet, materials and labor could run $2,000; frameless glass,
$2,500; tilework, $4,000 to $5,000. You’re already to 10 grand just for
the shower,” he says. “A jetted bathtub is $1,500 to $5,000; a toilet,
$200 to $500; granite is $1,000 to $3,000. That’s why the dollar amount
per square foot in a bathroom is way higher than any other part of the
house, including the kitchen.”
But it’s wise to spend the amount in there, Little adds. “You wouldn’t
spend $300 per square foot in a bedroom. That’s just drywall, framing and
carpeting. In the bathroom there are so many more durable finishes that
will last 20, 30, 40 years. So it makes sense.”
Co info: See web article
The vanity is semicustom, and the fixtures are chrome.
Who to hire: You’ll likely have a team that includes a designer,
plumber, plasterer, tiler, painter and other specialists. “It’s not going
to be just a Joe of all trades,” Reynolds-Poulin says. This level requires
permits.
A midrange bathroom remodel is good for you if: You’re 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.
Co info: See web article
3. The Deluxe Bathroom Remodel
$30,000 to $100,000-plus
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 go away and a sauna might come in; all-new
high-end fixtures, materials, cabinets, lighting and finishes can be
added. Detailed molding, trimwork and tilework might also be included.
Cabinetry: Solid wood construction with custom finishes and
decorative accent pieces.
Tile: Natural marble, limestone or granite, all of which are more
labor intensive and difficult to cut. Natural stone requires more
maintenance, but every single tile has its own unique character.
Plumbing: High-end finishes and parts.
Amenities: Steam showers and radiant floor heating.
The example shown here, by Case Remodeling, falls into the deluxe
category. The cost was around $75,000, and it features radiant
floor heating, natural stone tiles, a custom-built vanity and
polished-nickel fixtures.
Co info: See web article
There’s also a freestanding tub with a freestanding faucet.
Co info: See web article
Co info: See web article
Reynolds-Poulin’s project here is another example of a deluxe project
(though he considers it midrange). The cost was around $48,000. He removed
a fiberglass shower; took out a washer and dryer; moved the toilet,
bathtub and sink to different places; and added heated floors. Because
this is the only bathroom in the house, it’s used not just by the
homeowners but by guests as well, and so they were willing to put a little
extra love into it.
The walls are real wood beadboard with deep molding. The windowsill is
marble. The fixtures are polished chrome with porcelain handles. The
toilet cost more than $1,000 alone, says the designer.
Co info: See web article
Co info: See web article
This master bathroom by Marlene Ritland ($35,000) also falls into the
deluxe range. The cost included all the tilework and plumbing and about
$12,000 worth of custom cabinetry.
Co info: See web article
Reynolds-Poulin did this bathroom for $60,000. The 5- by 8-foot space
features wallpaper, stained crown molding, porcelain tile floors, a
granite countertop on custom cherry cabinets made by a local carpenter and
cherry doors. There’s also a vibrant bronze finish on the plumbing
fixtures, some glass accent tiles and a frameless glass door. “It’s simple
in nature but has some nice colors to it,” he says.
Co info: See web article
He suggests you can save money by checking out granite yards and stone
yards for remnant pieces. “You might find a 36-inch piece of granite left
over from someone’s kitchen project and use it for the threshold in the
shower doorway,” he says.
Who to hire: Depending on the scope, you might have an architect,
engineers if you’re changing the footprint, a designer and all sorts of
subcontractors, like a mason, a tile layer, a carpenter, a plumber, an
electrician and a general contractor. It will require permits, plumbing
inspections etc.
A deluxe bathroom remodel is good for you if: You have the funds,
obviously. But at this level, you’re really getting the bathroom you want.
Maybe you had been saving up for a new house, but with the economy you
decided to stay put. Putting some money back into your home and making it
more enjoyable for you is a good investment.
Planning for a Bathroom Remodel
Budget breakdown: Once you establish your budget and start hunting
for materials, consider the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s
cost breakdown as a guide:
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Design fees: 4 percent
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Installation: 20 percent
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Fixtures: 15 percent
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Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
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Countertops: 7 percent
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Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
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Flooring: 9 percent
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Doors and windows: 4 percent
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Walls and ceilings: 5 percent
·
Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
·
Other: 1 percent
Of course, it’s up to you where to spend and where to splurge, but this
breakdown is a good starting point. Plus, remember to reserve an
additional 10 to 20 percent for unforeseen costs that might come up during
construction.
When to remodel: You can do a bathroom remodel pretty much any time
of year. The most common time to start is during the winter or spring.
How long it will take: Expect a month or two of planning and
picking out materials and finishes. Designer Leslie Molloy says many of
her clients usually spend about four to six months doing their own
research and figuring out their budget and project scope before contacting
a designer. Expect three to eight weeks for construction, depending on the
scope.
First step: Figure out which of the three levels of remodeling your
project falls into, then start looking at photos
of bathrooms to figure out what style, materials and amenities
you want. Molloy advises not to get too carried away with planning before
reaching out to a designer for help. Professionals can quickly assess your
goals and budget to steer you toward what will work for you.
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