Cabinets

A new bathroom delivers comfort and style that makes a homeowner happy. But a full remodel is expensive, even in an ideal scenario, and the costs go up the more a homeowner changes the existing space. It’s important for homeowners to consider why they want to change the room and to work with an experienced remodeling contractor that can help them stay on budget and achieve their goals.

Changing the floor plan, moving walls and creating a whole new space is a major undertaking that will add significant cost to the overall project. This includes plumbing, framing and drywall as well as painting and flooring.

Cabinets go hand-in-hand with countertops, which is another big expense. While many countertops are made of quartz or granite, some are made of natural stone, like marble.

Most bathroom remodels require at least a permit, which can add to the overall cost of the project. A permit fee varies depending on your city, but it’s important to check with your local building department before beginning the renovation to find out what’s required and how much you’ll need to pay.

Countertops

Unless you’re a DIY-er with carpentry skills or renovation experience, most remodeling projects require professional contractors. This is especially true for bathrooms, which require specialized knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and structural issues. Attempting to perform a full bathroom remodel yourself can cost more than hiring a contractor and could even be dangerous or cause severe damage to your home.

Another significant expense is appliances and fixtures. This category includes everything from a new tub to a new sink, shower head, faucets, and toilet. It also includes the rough-in plumbing that will be installed to ensure a leakproof system.

When choosing fixtures, consider who will be using the bathroom most often. If you have young children, it may be best to invest in durable materials and kid-proof hardware. If you plan on selling the house soon, you might want to opt for upscale materials to increase your resale value.

Don’t forget to factor in labor, which comes in at 40% to 65% of your overall project costs. It’s not uncommon to find hidden or unforeseen damage during demolition and removal. For this reason, it’s a good idea to set aside 10% of your overall budget as a cushion. You’ll be happy you did when you avoid the extra cost of unexpected repairs and changes during your bath remodel.

Sinks

The bathroom sink is the most used fixture in any home, so a new one will be part of almost all full remodels. Options include a self-rimming vessel, an undermount sink that becomes seamlessly integrated into the counter, and a wall-mounted sink that offers more storage space. Vessels often brag bold colors and can become a focal point in the room, while undermount sinks are easy to clean.

The toilet also gets replaced in a full bathroom remodel. New toilets come in a wide range of styles and price points, from simple elongated models to deluxe high-efficiency water savers. Some bathrooms even have bidets now. A bathroom remodel may also involve replacing the vent stack, a large pipe that brings fresh air into the house.

A complete bathroom remodel also includes re-wiring the bathroom to accommodate a new layout. Moving fixtures like the tub/shower, toilet, and sink is cumbersome, invasive, and expensive, but changing the floorplan is sometimes unavoidable.

When it comes to wiring, a qualified contractor should do exploratory work early in the project to sniff out as many issues as possible. A new layout will likely require a replacement of old 15-amp electrical circuits with dedicated 20-amp ones for lighting, switches, and outlets that can withstand the frequent on/off cycles of hair appliances and electric razors. This should all be spelled out in your contract. A quality contractor will provide a line-item estimate for every item included in your remodel.

Fixtures

New light fixtures are usually UL damp-rated and can be mounted above a bathroom sink, in the shower or as the main overhead fixture.

If your bathroom includes a window, door or vent, these will get replaced too. Your contractor will install smart plumbing fixtures certified by the EPA to save you money on your long-term water usage. New drywall, premium paint and insulation are often included in this level of renovation.

The last step usually involves installing a new toilet. This isn’t necessarily a part of every remodeling project, but it can be useful if you want to add a more modern look or upgrade your existing model.

Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to increase your home’s value. However, it’s important to consider your goals and the housing market before making this big investment. Your real estate agent can provide insights into what upgrades are popular in your neighborhood, and what kind of return you might expect on your investment. They can also advise you on the best financing options for your project. This is particularly helpful when you’re working with a tight budget. Many people choose to finance their bathroom remodeling projects using a home improvement loan, personal or equity line of credit or cash.

Flooring

There are plenty of options for bathroom flooring, ranging from basic vinyl to tile Your contractor will help you find the materials that fit your style and budget.

If you’re going with a full remodel, the contractor will have to tear up the existing floor and remove the old fixtures and tiles. They will also need to cut into walls to install new pipes and electrical.

This work can reveal issues like rotted framing or damaged joists that will add to the cost of your project. To ensure that you’re getting a fair price, make sure your contract includes costs for demolition and disposal of the old materials.

Local construction permits may be required for the job. These vary by city and county, but can run $100 to $1,000 or more. Your contractor will provide estimated costs and obtain the permits as needed.

Don’t forget to add a little extra for the finishes and accessories that will give your bathroom a personal touch. Examples of finishing touches include vanity mirrors and medicine cabinets, a ventilation fan, and lighting. Depending on the look you’re going for, you might want to include items like a unique toilet paper holder or a shiplap wall.

Lighting

A full bathroom remodel often involves upgrading the lighting. This may include vanity lights, recessed lighting and other fixtures. It may also include a new ventilation fan.

Larger remodeling projects can change the overall footprint of a bathroom, such as moving walls or plumbing. In addition, if you’re building when materials are in high demand, it can add months to your completion date. If this is the case, you’ll need to develop alternative arrangements for your bathroom while work is underway.

Savvy homeowners can make certain types of upgrades themselves, such as a new toilet or low-flow showerhead. But other projects, like moving water and electricity pipes, should be left to professionals. Plumbing work is extremely dangerous, and it’s important to hire licensed contractors with experience working on plumbing projects.

Many homeowners choose to take out a personal loan to pay for their remodeling project. Personal loans are easy to apply for, and they can be accessed quickly to provide instant financing. However, it’s important to understand the financing options available before you commit to a particular lender.

If you’re interested in remodeling your bathroom, contact us at Detroit Construction Solutions today. We would be happy to provide a free estimate and answer any questions that might come up. We would love nothing more than to work with you in relieving the stress of your bathroom remodel needs. To learn more about your options or to get a quote from us, contact us at 586-443-6199 or fill out our contact form here.