Homeowners remodel their bathrooms for several reasons. Having a growing family, creating a more usable space or seeking a return on investment are all valid reasons for disassembling and putting back together one of the most essential rooms in the house. There are numerous factors to consider and decisions to make when you take on a bathroom remodeling project.
We talked with our resident expert about things you may not be aware of that you should consider before starting the renovation.
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Q: What’s the most important thing to consider when remodeling your bathroom?
A: For most of us, the most important thing to consider when remodeling a bathroom is the cost. Bathrooms can be shockingly expensive, and many homeowners are caught off guard when the project estimates start showing up. While there are endless bathroom remodeling ideas to consider, maintaining a realistic budget can be challenging right from the start.
To combat the budget issue, it’s important to start researching costs early, so when it’s time to start picking out the vanity and shower materials, you’ll have an idea of what each costs to install.
Q: What do you pick out first when remodeling a bathroom
A: If you plan to remove everything from your existing bathroom down to the studs, the first thing to pick out should be the shower or tub. Your plumber will be the first mechanical contractor to install rough-in components and will need to know specific measurements for the shower drain and supply lines.
The plumber will also need to know where the sink and toilet will be. However, the rough-in plumbing is predictable for most models unless you choose an unusual vanity or toilet. Choose tile and other finishes early in the project design as well to ensure compatibility with the fixtures and layout.
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Q: How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?
A: The average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000. However, bathrooms, houses and how they fit together vary widely from home to home. A small bathroom remodel that includes changing fixtures, lights and paint color can cost as little as $2,500, while more extensive remodels and customized bathrooms can easily exceed $30,000.
You can estimate your bathroom remodeling cost using its square footage. Assume around $70 per square foot for a modest room update and about $250 per square foot for a down-to-the-studs, custom bathroom remodel with heated floors.
Q: What is the most expensive part of remodeling a bathroom?
A: The most expensive part of remodeling a bathroom is the cost of labor. Changing the location of bath fixtures like the toilet, vanity and shower dramatically increases the cost of plumbing labor because the old piping will need to be removed and rebuilt.
You can save labor costs by performing some tasks yourself, such as demolition, painting or trim work, or by leaving the bathroom layout the same and simply replacing the existing fixtures.
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Q: How do you choose the best contractor for bathroom remodeling?
A: The best way to choose a bathroom remodeling contractor is to start early, take your time and research several companies. Asking friends and family for referrals or checking local reviews are excellent places to start your search.
After identifying several candidate companies, obtain at least three bids for the project and compare them based on prices, options and clarity. Ensure that you understand what each cost on each bid is for and get explanations for why particular prices may vary. Be wary of price estimates that are far less than the competing bids.