Thanks to home renovation shows on channels like HGTV, we've all been led to believe that you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa oasis for a mere $5,000. While this may be possible if you're doing all of the work yourself and have access to donated materials, the reality is that a full bathroom renovation is likely to cost you much more. From materials to professional services, we'll cover all the expenses involved in a typical bathroom renovation, so you can make informed decisions about your project.
It's important to note that th4e cost of a bathroom renovation can vary greatly depending on several factors. For instance, are you planning to keep the same layout and simply give the space a facelift with new finishes, fixtures, and accessories? Or are you looking to completely overhaul the space, moving plumbing and electrical to create a new layout that better suits your needs? The answer to these questions can significantly impact the cost of your project, as moving plumbing and electrical will require more labor and materials, and may even necessitate permits and inspections. Other factors that can affect the cost of a bathroom renovation include the size of the space, the quality of materials you choose, and the level of expertise required from the professionals you hire. Therefore, it's important to consider all these variables when planning your bathroom renovation to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved.
Who Do you Need to Hire?
While it's possible to do a bathroom renovation on your own, it's generally recommended that you hire professionals to ensue the job is done right. Here are the professionals you may want to consider hiring:
Interior Designer: While an interior designer is an additional cost, we can be extremely valuable in helping you design a bathroom that is functional and meets your aesthetic. Plus, we can help you avoid costly mistakes like selecting finishes that will date your home. A designer can choose materials, colors, and finishes that work well together, and we can also recommend contractors and tradespeople to hire that are reliable and do great work. While it's tempting to dismiss professional help, when your spending $35,000 and up to remodel a bathroom, having professionals like interior designers on call, will ensure you don't regret any decisions.
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General Contractor: A general contractor is responsible for overseeing the entire renovation project. They'll hire and manage the tradespeople involved in the project, and will be your point of contact throughout the renovation process. Expect to pay a general contractor around 10-20% of the total cost of the project.
Tradespeople: Depending on the scope of your bathroom renovation, you may need to hire a variety of tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters/wall covering installers and countertop fabricators. These tradespeople will typically charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $150 per hour depending on their experience and expertise.
Often times because bathrooms are smaller, clients assume they will be cheaper but it's actually quite the opposite. There are so many variables to consider and a bathroom requires almost every trade so they are often the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel outside the kitchen. But, if done right they provide a great return both for the home owners daily use and also if you plan to sell.
Let's Look at some material costs
Tile: The cost of tile can vary widely depending on the type of tile you choose. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally more affordable, while natural stone tiles like marble and granite can be quite expensive. On average, expect to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot for tile.
Tile: $1,200+
Some things to consider if you are trying to stretch your budget are to think about not only the material but also the pattern and size. Larger tiles can be cost effective ways of saving money since they take less time than smaller more intricate tile. Check out my Pinterest board for 2023 Bathroom Tile Trends for some inspiration and consider using larger wall tiles to create a modern look at a more affordable price.
When it comes to the cost of a tile installation, this can be a significant expense and may have some homeowners thinking they can save the cost by DIY'ing this one. I do not recommend doing this yourself as generally clients are not happy with the outcome.
In terms of labor costs, professional tile installation typically ranges from $10 to $15 per square foot. Therefore, for a typical bathroom with a floor area of 50 square feet and walls measuring 100 square feet, you can expect to pay between $2,500 to $7,500 for th4e cost of materials and installation for your bathroom tiles.
Shower: The cost of a shower can also vary depending on the type of shower you want. A basic shower stall can cost as little as $300, while custom tiled shower with multiple showerheads and a body sprays can cost upwards of $5,500.
Shower: $2,500+
Tub: If you're looking to replace your bathtub, expect to pay anywhere from $400 for a basic acrylic tub to over $2,000 for a freestanding tub.
Basic Tub: $400
Vanity: The cost of a bathroom vanity can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and style. A basic stock vanity can cost as little as a couple hundred dollars, while a custom-built vanity made from high-end materials can cost upwards of $5,000. You can also save money by keeping your existing vanity and adding a fresh coat of paint.
Vanity: $1,500+
Mirrors and Lighting: Adding new light fixtures can help update the look of your bathroom. A simple vanity light can cost as little as $50, while a full lighting package including recessed lights, sconces, and chandeliers can cost several thousand dollars.
Mirror and Light Fixtures: $1,000+
Accessories: Small accessories like towel bars, toilet paper holders, and robe hooks can add up quickly. Expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 on bathroom accessories.
Accessories: $500-$1,000+
Faucets/Plumbing Fixtures: These include things like sinks, faucets and pipes and drains. A lot of people forget about the cost of all of the plumbing fixtures because they are hidden but those should also be accounted for in your budget.
Faucets/Plumbing: $600-$1,200
Countertops: Countertops will vary depending on the size and the material such as stone, quartz or granite and the cost of the sink.
Countertops: $1,500+
Paint or Wallcoverings: Painting your bathroom can be a relatively inexpensive way to update the space. Expect to pay around $50 per gallon of paint. If you are going to wallpaper you could be looking at $500-$800
Paint or Wallcoverings: $100-$800+
In addition to the material costs, you then have the design fee and general contractor/ subcontractor labor. So what does it all cost? Well on the lower end you could be looking at a breakdown like this:
Design fee: $2,500+
Total Product: $6,500+
Contractor/Trades: $15-20,000+
This means that for a lower end bathroom remodel you are looking at a total of about $30,000 or more to renovate with experienced and skilled labor plus the cost of design and materials. For a master bathroom or larger bathroom or for a project with higher end materials you should expect to spend about $50,000 or more.
This really outlines many of the basics but don't forget that you can also consider "extras" and working with a designer, they can help you to work these in if your looking for luxury upgrades. For example you may want to consider:
Heated floors: $1,500+
Steam Showers: $3,000+
Backlit mirrors: $400+
Outlet drawer inserts: $500+
Jacuzzi Tub: $3,000+
Renovating your bathroom can be a great way to update your home and add value. However, it's important to have an understanding of the costs involved and remember to budget for at least %15 additional costs for unforeseen issues that may arise. By breaking down the range of materials and services involved, as well as the professionals you should hire, you can better plan and budget for your bathroom renovation. While it's an additional cost, hiring an interior designer can be valuable in helping you design a space that meets your specific tastes and gets you the best return in the long run and a hiring tradespeople ensures you get the job done right.
I have made a free spreadsheet for you to download and use as a shopping list for items to consider in your bathroom. This is handy whether you do it yourself or hire help! If you have questions about your project or want to just discuss ideas, schedule a complimentary Discovery Call!
