Home & Garden
Remodeling Your Bathroom? Read This First
Bathroom remodels can snag high returns when you sell, but there are important factors to consider.
Bathroom remodels come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as simple as putting up a mirror, or they can be as complex as installing a shower and all the new plumbing that goes with it. The project cost will vary depending on the size and scope of the work, but bathroom remodels provide some of the highest returns on investment compared with other home improvement projects.
If you're considering a bathroom upgrade, do yourself a favor and keep reading. We've put together a list of common bathroom remodeling projects and their reported costs.
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Size Matters
According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide*, the average bathroom remodel costs $10,450. For a small to medium-size bathroom, you might spend as little as $3,500 to $7,000 to update the essentials. A large or master bath, on the other hand, could easily cost up to and beyond $13,000.
Smaller bathroom remodels are typically less expensive simply because fewer materials are needed for the job. Labor costs will also be lower because the remodel won’t take as much time as it would in a larger bathroom.
You can expect to pay more if you want to increase the square footage of an existing bathroom or replace current fixtures, and if you encounter issues with plumbing or electricity during the remodel.
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Calculating Your Bathroom Budget
Upgrading even a single fixture in a bathroom can go a long way to improve its overall aesthetic. Below are some of the most common options for bathroom upgrades and how much each one might cost.
Install a Mirror
Average Cost: $295
Mirrors can have a dramatic, even transformative, effect on a space. They are strong focal points and bring light and dimension to even the smallest of bathrooms. There is a wide array of styles and features to choose from, including those that add character and extra storage, and this update comes at a relatively inexpensive cost.
Install or Replace a Toilet
Average Cost: $370
Whether it’s a cracked tank, a leak or just an old toilet that has seen better days, replacing this essential bathroom fixture can do wonders for a space. Modern toilets can be environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing and easier to keep clean.
Install a Shower
Average Cost: $3,900
Upgrading fixtures or tiling the shower is an easy way to give your bathroom a facelift and boost your resale value. However, you can go even bigger and install a brand new shower complete with a modern design and the latest technology.
Install or Replace a Bathtub
Average Cost: $3,360
Adding a new bathtub or replacing an existing one can help you create a luxurious, spa-like environment in your bathroom. Just keep in mind that installing a bathtub can be a costly and labor-intensive project.
Install a Faucet
Average Cost: $245
Installing a new faucet can bring new life and character to your bathroom, and it’s one of the most affordable upgrades you can make.
Install a Sink
Average Cost: $380
Often taken for granted, sinks are one of the most important fixtures in a bathroom. It's important to choose a style that you're comfortable with and that enhances the overall décor of your home.
Install Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Average Cost: $1,775
Tile is a versatile floor, countertop or wall material for bathrooms. Tile is specially coated to make it impervious to water and ingrained dirt, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Install Natural Stone Tile
Average Cost: $1,800
Natural stone has served as a favored building material for thousands of years, and it’s hard to match when it comes to durability, variety, beauty and versatility.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're doing a full bathroom remodel or just installing a new toilet, you should have a contract in place before the work starts.
An experienced contractor should be able to give you:
- A written schedule and list of construction tasks they're going to perform
- Deadlines for completion
- Individual cost of each product and service
Make sure that your payment schedule and total cost are agreed upon — and put into writing — before the start of your remodeling project.
During the early stages of your remodel, you should also talk to your contractor about how they’ll deal with mistakes, damage or repairs that may arise during construction. A professional contractor's work should be backed by an expressed and written warranty or guarantee.
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* — All pricing estimates in this article are based on HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, a searchable database that gives homeowners an idea how much they can expect to pay for home projects in their area.
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Sources:
How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom?
Bathroom Addition And Renovation Costs
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Mirror?
How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace A Toilet?
How Much Does A New Shower Installation Cost?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A New Bathtub?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Faucet?
How Much Does A Sink Installation Cost?
How Much Does It Cost To Install Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile?
How Much Does It Cost To Install Natural Stone Tile?
