Your bathroom is among the most frequently used rooms in your house. If it is outdated or needs repairs, it will affect your life significantly. If you have been noticing signs of severe wear and tear in your bathroom, then it’s time to consider upgrading it.
The national average for a bathroom remodel is $20,000. Here’s how you can upgrade your bathroom for under $20,000.
The remodeling process is divided into several parts: planning, tearing down and final execution. A small/regular sized bathroom requires little to no planning and that is usually done by the contractor.
Larger bathrooms need additional planning to ensure proper utilization of space, hence a “bathroom designer” is a must. Its cost can range from $1,000 to $4,000. If any damage happens during the tearing down phase; one can expect an additional expense of around $2,700 for repairs.
What Determines the Cost?
One of the biggest factors that determine the cost of upgrading your bathroom is the size of it. A full remodel of a master bath can cost at least $20,000, while a full remodel of a small bath (40 sq. ft) will end up costing around $5,000.
You also have to consider the labor costs. Your bathroom is a small but complex structure. You will need the help of plumbers, electricians, and other contractors to get the job done.
Plumbers may charge anywhere between $45 and $150 per hour, while electricians charge $65-$85 per hour. You can DIY projects like painting the walls to bring the cost down, but stay away from any major plumbing or electrical work.
A fan is important to keep the bathroom ventilated and remove excess moisture. The standard cost for one is around $40-$100. You can also opt for a light/fan combo for the same price.
Your vanity will cost you roughly $3,000 and the average cost of tiling is somewhere around $1,500. It is recommended that you keep a buffer of 20 percent in your total budget. This extra money will help you combat any additional costs that may come up because of possible damages or delay during the remodeling.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your bathroom is a time-consuming process and it should not be rushed. Minor upgrades can also fetch a significantly higher Return on Investment (ROI) in the long run. So you must take your time with research and planning, as well as execution. Vigilance and patience during the remodeling will pay off over time.
Many factors go into determining the final price of upgrading your bathroom. Apart from the ones listed above; even your location and the time of the bathroom upgrade can play a significant role. If you follow the guidelines, you will be able to upgrade your bathroom for under $20,000 with ease.
*This article is posted by and in partnership with GBC Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Alexandria, VA and Rockville, MD.