How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Dreaming of bathroom ideas? Find out what the average bathroom remodel costs.
If a dripping faucet or stained bathroom walls have you dreaming of the brushed metal, glass tile and ultra-modern sinks in a remodeled bathroom, you’re not alone.
There are numerous benefits in bathroom remodeling — improved aesthetics, safety and comfort.
Did you know?
According to NKBA, millennials age 18 to 37 paid an average of $16,421 for a bathroom remodel.
Remodeling a bathroom also provides an increased home resale value, with a return on investment of up to 80 percent.
The average bathroom remodel cost $11,364 in 2016, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, with about 20 percent of that being labor cost.
A survey by NKBA on design trends showed that half of respondents paid between $10,000 and $29,999 for a bathroom remodel, while 31 percent reported paying more than $30,000.
Graphic by Emily Svenson
Remodel your bathroom all at once or in stages?
If you’re suffering from sticker shock, don’t worry. Bathroom remodeling isn’t all or nothing. You can cut down on bathroom remodel costs by going one step at a time. A bathroom can still benefit from new lighting or ventilation updates followed by a new bathroom vanity or granite countertops. You can always upgrade some features later down the road.
While it's easy to replace a light or faucet at a later date, you should have your contractor do the larger tasks at the same time. If you plan to replace the tub and install tile floor, it's best to do that all at once. You may save on labor charges if they can do a few tasks in one day instead of doing these tasks on separate days a few months apart.
Choose quality over quantity, especially based on the amount of traffic the bathroom gets. It’s a waste of money and a source of future aggravation if you buy a cheap toilet that leaks after you’ve redone the floor.
To save money, wait for sales at your local hardware store and look for rebates on high-quality materials. That way, you end up with a product you know will last and won't have to have someone replace fixtures from your remodel too soon.
Prepare for inconvenience during a bathroom remodel
Hopefully, your contractor won’t forget to mention the inconvenience that comes with bathroom remodeling. When the bathroom is unavailable, chaos is sure to follow.
It’s tough to predict an exact timetable for bathroom remodeling. Here are a few things to consider ahead of time:
• Locate alternative bathrooms on-site or nearby during construction.
• Keep lines of communication open with your contractor; be on the same timetable page of when things will be finished and when you can use your new bathroom.
• Plan for at least three weeks of an unusable bathroom.
Editor's Note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted on Dec. 10, 2012. Justin P. Lambert contributed to this article.
