How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

Like any home remodeling project, the cost of upgrading a bathroom can vary greatly depending on factors like the extent of the remodel and the ability of a homeowner to do any of the work themselves. The good news is that investing in a newer bathroom could be a smart move. Data provided by the real estate site Zillow indicates that the return on investment (ROI) for even simple, cosmetic changes can be as much as $1.71 for every dollar spent. Whether you are remodeling for resale or to make the bathroom sanctuary of your dreams, working with the right professionals will optimize every dollar you spend.

Here are some primary considerations that will affect your eventual cost:

• Replacing fixtures in their current locations will cost less. You can always upgrade outdated toilets and vanities as a quick and less expensive way to renew your space. The less effect your remodel has on anything behind your walls, like plumbing or electrical wiring, the lower the likelihood that you will run into unexpected problems that can unexpectedly increase your costs. By updating paint, fixtures, and lighting you can expect to pay between $500 and $4,000 depending on the new fixtures you choose.
• Are you remodeling a half bath, guest bath, or master bath? It makes sense that, generally speaking, the smaller the room, the lower the cost. Consider how often the room is used and spend accordingly. This may be why the average cost for remodeling a guest bath is around $7,000 to $12,000 and going “all in” on a master bath can average $30,000 and up.
• If you want to completely gut your current bathroom and begin anew, you can expect to pay more for this type of remodel. First, for any extensive project, it is recommended that you bring in design professionals. Once you have decided to reconfigure your bath and relocate fixtures, it is advisable to work with specialists, like plumbers and electricians. Particularly for remodeling spaces that are outdated by more than 10 years, changes in building codes and available materials necessitate expert help.
• Obviously, the more components in your bathroom that are being replaced, the higher the cost. A floor-to-ceiling remodel goes well beyond the relocation of fixtures. You will also be delving into plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, so in addition to increased costs for system upgrades, you will also be paying more for specialty labor. Based on national averages, expect to pay about $65 per hour for labor with labor costs equaling around 50% of your total project cost.
• High-end or specialty fixtures can also add significantly to your cost but may not necessarily add to your ROI. This may not matter if you are designing your ultimate bath retreat, but if you are working toward an upgrade for resale, being strategic in choosing your design elements is a good idea. Heated floors, a deep soaking tub, floating double vanity, or adding a bidet can hike your costs. You can always check with local realtors to see if there is a good return on these items in your local market. Remodels with high-end fixtures can bring costs above $40,000 depending on your room’s square footage.
• Any part of your remodel that includes the word custom will probably also increase your costs, but these expenditures may be worth it. Work with professional designers to find the right mix of custom elements, like cabinetry, tile, flooring, and unique lighting fixtures, with more standard market fixtures. Professionals who understand the best way to deploy custom and standard items together may provide you with a more custom look for a little less cash. For full custom options, there is almost no ceiling to what you can spend on a bathroom remodel. With showers that double as steam rooms, fixtures designed to maximize available space, and cabinetry made from exotic materials, a bathroom upgrade can be elevated to come with a six-figure price tag.

For any remodel of bathroom space, do not forget to also invest in one element that always interests future buyers — attractive and useable storage. Having adequate cabinets for towels, toiletries and other supplies is a must even for the smallest bathrooms. And whether you have limited, adequate, or nearly unlimited space, one way to capitalize on it and deliver a high-end looking result is to use custom cabinetry. Custom vanities and other cabinetry will allow you to use every inch of space and work with any obstacles or architectural elements.

Begin your budgeting process by assessing the importance in your daily life of the bathroom you are upgrading. Weigh the frequency of use against the current state of the room and how outdated it is compared to the remaining parts of your home. Consider the amount of time you plan to stay in the home and use that to begin a discussion with professionals about the importance of custom features compared to what can be purchased as standard items. Not only will experts be able to finesse your vision, but they can also build a plan for bringing all the elements together in a cohesive way.

Professional Bathroom Remodeling

Design services are key to see your vision come to life before you begin spending money. Work with an experienced company that understands custom bathroom cabinetry and can help execute your overall concept. We provide services that design cabinetry to meet your needs and install them to exacting standards, so you can be assured that your vision will come to life with no surprises. Regardless of your budget, Authentic Custom Cabinetry will bring exceptional value to your bathroom remodel.