If spending more than five minutes in your bathroom has become an unpleasant experience, be it due to discolored grout and spots of mold, tiles, and panels that periodically fall off, or simply an outdated look, you’re likely past being ready for a bathroom remodel.
The biggest barrier to making your dream bathroom a reality is often the cost, so how much does a bathroom remodel really cost?
What Matters Most When Remodeling Your Bathroom?
It’s important to reflect and figure out what elements of a bathroom remodel matter most to you. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Why do you want to remodel your bathroom? Make a list of your top priorities.
- What is your timeline? In some cases, making improvements over time may be a better solution than taking on a total remodel all at once.
- What’s your budget? You’ll need to know what you can spend before determining which renovations you can make. Which leads us to our next point.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
The answer to this question varies from bathroom to bathroom, depending on the bathroom’s size, what you want to do to it, and the quality and cost of your tiles and bathroom fittings. In 2016, the average bathroom remodel cost $11,364, according to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, with 20% of that being the cost of labor. This cost is a conservative number, as over 50% of those surveyed paid $10,000 – $30,000, and 31% paid over $30,000.
How Much Does a Shower Replacement Cost?
Often, the largest cost in the average bathroom refit is the cost of a shower replacement. While the cost obviously varies according to the overall cost outlined above, a guide price for a shower demolition and refit is $6,000 – $8,000.
How Much Does a New Vanity Cost?
Again, the cost of a new vanity depends on the size, style, and quality. A custom vanity works out at about $500 per foot, plus the cost of your chosen countertop. If you are on a budget, Wayfair is a great place to shop for stylish vanities at a discounted price that you can have installed by your bathroom fitter.
What are the Benefits of a Bathroom Remodel?
The biggest benefit is an improved place to spend your time! Your bathroom should be a place you can relax and have some alone time, and the nicer your bathroom the more time you’ll want to spend in there.
Another benefit is that an updated bathroom can be a great investment if you plan to sell or rent out your home in the future. The kitchen and bathroom are the two most expensive rooms to renovate, and some buyers will not consider a home if either of these rooms needs replacing. A great bathroom will prove to be a selling point and can provide a return on investment of up to 80%.
What are the Estimated Costs for a Bathroom Remodel?
For a complete remodel, the cost breakdown is as follows: (shown in percentages and an example cost for a $20,000 remodel)
- Vanity/cabinets: 16% ($3,200)
- Countertop: 7% ($1,400)
- Faucets and plumbing: 14% ($2,800)
- Lighting and ventilation: 5% ($1,000)
- Walls and ceiling: 5% ($1,000)
- Doors and windows: 4% ($800)
- Fixtures and fittings: 15% ($3,000)
- Flooring: 8% ($1,600)
- Installation: 20% ($4,000)
- Design: 4% ($800)
- Other: 1% ($200)
Obviously, these costs vary depending on your individual needs and your budget.
Do I Have to Remodel My Bathroom All in One Go?
In most cases, no, you don’t. You could have your new bath or shower installed first, and later do the vanity and tiling – simply progress in the order that most needs doing. If you want to rip out the whole thing and start over, then you will have to pay for the whole lot in one go.
What are the Steps to a Bathroom Remodel?
The basic steps are as follows: (though varies from project to project)
- Demolition of anything you wish to replace
- New shower plumbing installed
- Install a shower tray (if necessary) and bathtub
- Tile floors and walls, and paint
- Install lighting and electrical fittings
- Install the vanity
- Install faucets, showerhead, toilet
- Install accessories
If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom, it’s best to get a professional in to talk with you and give you a quote for your bathroom remodel. Our team has over 75 years of construction experience.
