Typical Costs for a Bathroom Remodel

You've decided that you want to settle in your present home for at least a few more years, but that grungy, outdated bathroom has to go. Or maybe you're putting the house on the market and you figure that updating the bathroom can boost your home's appeal among prospective buyers. However, substantial costs a associated with even a modest bathroom remodel.

Contracting and Labor

Unless you're very skilled at do-it-yourself renovation work, one of the major expenses associated with renovating a bathroom is hiring a contractor and staff to execute some or all of the work. The contractor obtains necessary permits and supervising the laborers actually performing the work. Depending on how extensive a remodeling job you're considering, you may need to hire plumbing specialists and electricians along with workers to lay flooring and install tile work, fixtures, a vanity and a bathtub, shower enclosure or both.

Sinks and Vanities

If your bathroom sink and vanity were last replaced during the 1960s, you may wish to replace either or both of them. Installing a standard porcelain sink and wood veneer vanity cabinet in the same location as the original setup will cost much less than fitting out an antique solid wood cabinet to accommodate twin marble vessel sinks. Many bathroom remodeling projects also involve replacing the mirror and medicine cabinet with fixtures that match or coordinate with the sink and vanity.

Tubs and Showers

Replacing bathtubs and shower enclosures can represent the lion's share of your bathroom remodeling budget, even if you settle for standard issue replacement fixtures. Opting for high-end features like full-body spray shower fixtures or a sunken bathtub large enough for two will add significantly to the price tag. A very heavy bathtub or shower enclosure installed in an upper-floor bathroom may require reinforcing the floor in the bathroom. Heated floors, towel warmers and high-end tile work will also add to the expense of a bathroom renovation.

Wiring and Plumbing

Especially with older homes, wiring and plumbing can represent a major portion of a bathroom remodel's expense. Even if you replace your sink, tub and shower with similar fixtures placed in the same location as the originals, existing wiring and plumbing may need to be replaced to meet building code requirements or because they're simply worn out. If your bathroom remodeling involves major reconfiguration of the room, the job may require an entirely new plumbing system along with a total rewiring job.