Designing and planning your bathroom remodeling project is one of the most important steps in the bathroom remodeling process. Planning your bathroom remodel isn’t as easy as going to your local home improvement store, buying some tile, a new vanity, and some new fixtures, and going home to start trashing your bathroom. If you try this approach, you will quickly realize that it is not an effective or productive approach.
A very important component of the bathroom remodeling project is setting your budget for your project. To give you a starting point, I’ve detailed the basic material costs for a bathroom remodel. Keep in mind that these costs are general estimates for a basic bathroom remodel to guide you in setting your budget.
* Permits – Budget around 10% of total construction costs for permit fees.
* Tile – $7 to $15 per square foot
– The cost of the tile varies according to the amount of tile needed and the type of tile chosen
– For more information on tiles, check out the previous articles I wrote recently
– Along with the tile, you will also need tile grout and sealer.
– In-floor heating $14.00 per square foot.
* Bath – $500.00
– This is the average cost of a 60″ long by 30″ wide bathtub; 60″ long tubs typically range in width from 30″ to 36″ and in height from 14″ to 18″
– Dipping tubs start at $1,000
– Hot tubs start at $1,500
* Vanity: A good estimate is $125 per linear foot for the vanity
– This quantity is for a semi-custom vanity in maple, cherry or oak with soft-close drawers
* dresser
– Cultured Marble – starting at $80 per square foot
– Granite – starting at $90 per square foot
– Cambria – starting at $90 per square foot
* Sink: A good starting estimate is $200
– Depending on the vanity top you select, you may need to purchase a sink separately. Cultured marble vanity tops have the sink molded on top as a single unit.
* Bathtub and shower faucet – $350
– The finish you select for your faucet will affect its cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive, while brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze cost more.
* Vanity Faucet – $150
– The finish you select for your faucet will affect its cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive, while brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze cost more.
* Mirror – $200
* Bathroom accessories – $200
– Towel racks, toilet paper holders
– Again, the finish you select will affect the cost
* Lights – $200
– Make sure you have adequate lighting in your bathroom; the bathroom is where you begin and end each day.
– Use more than one light for bathroom services such as vanity, mirror and shower space.
* Primer, paint, accessories – $125
– To help with lighting in the bathroom, I suggest using a subtle color for the walls to help reflect light.
* Building Materials: $10 per square foot, this is a good starting point.
– Construction materials include tile backer, thinset, screws, drywall, joint compound, etc.
– If you have a bathroom that is 5 feet by 8 feet, you have 40 square feet. I would budget $400 for materials.
* Container – $300
* Plumbing – $1,000
– Disconnect sink, faucet, toilet, tub, and shower valve.
– Install a new sink, faucet, shower valve, toilet, and bathtub
– Install new stop valves for sink and toilet.
* Electric – $800
– Inspect the bathroom for a dedicated circuit to meet current electrical code
– Update electricity, install new plugs and lights.
– Connect the underfloor heating
– Install bathroom fan switch
– Remove and replace vanity light
It is important to stay within your overall budget. Once you’ve established a budget for the items needed, it’s time to decide who is going to complete the job. Undertaking a bathroom remodel can be a stressful and time consuming situation if you decide to complete the remodel on your own. Some questions to ask yourself before attempting a remodel on your own include:
* Do you have time to complete the remodel?
A bathroom cannot be properly remodeled in a weekend. As a contractor, I suggest that you develop a remodel schedule and then add additional days. Some unexpected problems will occur. To avoid unnecessary stress during the remodeling project, extend your timeline by a minimum of a few days.
* Do you have the necessary tools to complete the remodel?
Whether you complete the remodel yourself or choose to work with a contractor, this information should help you decide how much you’d like to spend on your remodel and what you expect for your money.
