Remodeling a bathroom is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs. However, the cost of a bathroom remodel can quickly add up, especially when certain elements significantly impact the budget. Understanding these key cost drivers can help you plan more effectively.
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Here’s a look at the top five cost drivers of a bathroom remodel to help you confidently plan your project.
1. Plumbing Relocation
Moving plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, showers, or tubs, can be one of the most expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel. Relocating these fixtures requires extensive labor, including cutting into walls or floors, rerouting pipes, and possibly upgrading the plumbing system to handle the new layout.
“If you have a toilet located in one corner of the bathroom, it may not be possible, especially if you’re on a second story, to move it to another corner of the bathroom so that you can get the slope you need,” says Derek Wood, project developer at Mountainwood Homes. “It can be a massive cost driver and a design consideration if you can only move it to one half of the bathroom without getting into the floor below.”
Tips to Manage Costs:
- Keep the existing plumbing layout to minimize the need for extensive plumbing work.
- If you must move fixtures, consider consolidating them to a single wall to reduce the amount of plumbing that needs to be relocated.
Before the remodel, this large Camas bathroom had a unique layout with an angled built-in Jacuzzi tub and gas fireplace in the center of the room. The clients wanted to update it to be more functional and fit their style.
2. Electrical Add-Ons
Electrical upgrades are another major cost driver in bathroom remodels. Modern bathrooms often include a variety of electrical add-ons, such as additional lighting, heated floors, towel warmers, bidets, smart mirrors, and ventilation. While these features add comfort and convenience, they also increase the complexity of the electrical work required, leading to higher labor costs. Additionally, older homes may require electrical system upgrades to meet current safety codes, adding to the expense.
“When you step into a remodel, there are things inside your walls that we are required to bring up to code, whether you want to change them or not – like a bath fan,” Wood adds. “If you have a fan from 1980, you need a new fan. Not only do you have to pay for the new fan, but new ducting, since that’s not up to code, a new roof termination so we can vent it, and new electrical since it’s required to have the fan on a timer switch. A bath fan can cost $1000 to get all those trades involved and make that happen.”
Tips to Manage Costs:
- Prioritize electrical add-ons that provide the most value to you, such as lighting or radiant heated floors.
- Work with your electrician to find cost-effective solutions that meet your needs without overloading your budget.
3. Tile Layouts
Tile layout is another significant cost driver in a bathroom remodel. The complexity of the tile design, the type of tile used, and the labor involved in the installation can all add to the overall cost. Intricate patterns like herringbone or mosaic designs require more time and precision to install, which increases labor costs. Additionally, smaller tiles or irregularly shaped tiles may need more cutting, which can lead to higher wastage and longer installation times.
Tips to Manage Costs:
- Opt for simpler tile layouts in larger areas and reserve intricate designs for smaller focal points.
- Consider using larger tiles to reduce the number of cuts and installation time.
4. Additional Cabinetry
The size and layout of your bathroom play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of the remodel, especially when it comes to cabinetry. The number and size of cabinets you need will directly affect the price. Larger bathrooms require more cabinetry, which means more materials and labor. While custom pull-out shelves, organizers, and specialized storage solutions are convenient, they can add significantly to the cost.
“If you add tall tower cabinets, a built-in linen cabinet, separate vanity cabinets, or a makeup vanity, that will push you to the higher end of our typical bathroom cost range,” adds Wood.
Tips to Manage Costs:
- Limit custom features, focus on essential features, and consider adding extras later if your budget allows.
- Prioritize cabinetry in the most used areas of your bathroom, such as under the sink or around the vanity.
- Consider semi-custom cabinets that offer more flexibility than stock cabinets without the high cost of full customization. You can choose from a wide range of sizes, finishes, and features, allowing for some personalization while keeping costs down.
- If your existing cabinets are in good condition, consider painting or refacing them instead of replacing them entirely.
5. Closet Packages
Incorporating closet space into a bathroom remodel can significantly affect the budget, especially if you opt for custom closet packages. These packages often include built-in shelving, drawers, lighting, and organizers tailored to your specific needs, but the customization comes at a premium. The cost can increase further if you integrate high-quality materials, soft-close hardware, and special finishes.
“Many clients are happy to have new, MDF organization thoughtfully planned for how they use their space,” says Ammon Hardy, project developer at Mountainwood Homes. “For example, if the client has tons of shoes or hats, we can build smaller shelves. There are budget-friendly ways to tackle the closet and get better storage solutions.”
Tips to Manage Costs:
- Opt for semi-custom or pre-designed closet systems instead of fully custom packages to save money.
- Focus on essential storage solutions that maximize space without unnecessary extras.
- Decide on a solution that works for now, and plan to add a custom closet system later.
Plan Your Bathroom Remodel
A bathroom remodel is a significant investment. With careful planning and an understanding of the key cost drivers, you can create a beautiful space that fits your budget. Prioritize the areas that matter most to you, and don’t be afraid to make trade-offs where necessary. By managing these cost drivers effectively, you can achieve the bathroom of your dreams without breaking the bank. Work with the Mountainwood Homes team to prioritize your wish list and create a beautiful and functional bathroom completely customized to you. Reach out to our team to get started with your bathroom renovation.