The bathroom's wet area is the portion of the room that is waterproofed because it's designed to get wet. Typically, this encompasses the bathtub, shower, or combination of the two, as well as the walls around it. It's also usually the most expensive part of a bathroom remodeling project.
Typically, labor, tile installation, and bathroom fixtures are the three most expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel.
Remember, labor costs to remodel a bathroom account for 40% to 65% of the total project cost.
Overall Duration of a Bathroom Renovation
To the surprise of many people, an ordinary bathroom renovation project is estimated to take around 6 weeks to complete. This can include removing your existing bathroom features, such as a shower enclosure, light fittings and the bath.
However, if you have the flooring installed first, it can easily get scratched, cracked, or even completely ruined by trying to place a heavy object such as a bathtub on it, so it's often best and more convenient to place the tub first and add the new flooring afterward.
You can complete your bathroom renovation for under $10,000, and on time, especially if it's a small bathroom renovation. Set a firm budget, plan it well from the start and get several quotes. Speak to the experts first: plumbers, tilers and electricians.
What's Included In A Full Bath? A full bath consists of a shower, a bathtub, a sink, and a toilet. If it does not include all four of those parts, it is not considered a full bath. Sometimes, a full bath has more than one of these parts, such as two sinks in the master bath.
Zillow and Behr Paint conducted a study in 2021 and found that having a light-blue palette can significantly increase a home's value. Make the most of this popular bathroom color, paint your bathroom walls a soft shade reminiscent of the sky, and extend the hue to the ceiling.
The wet area is undeniably the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel, driven by the need for skilled plumbing, installation constraints, and the cost of materials.
Home renovations can be expensive, but you can still give your bathroom a makeover on a relatively low budget. With a sum as small as $5,000, you can overhaul the space, but you'll need to make smart choices and be prepared to roll up your sleeves.
To reduce the cost of your bathroom remodel, consider opting for affordable materials, keeping the existing layout, refinishing fixtures instead of replacing them, and handling some of the work yourself. Additionally, shopping around for deals on materials and fixtures can help save money.
"Plumbing issues or pipe redirection; layout changes that include rewiring; heater placement; floor leveling; and shower doors are usually the most challenging parts—and the most common issues—when it comes to renovating a bathroom", says Alonso Hernández, an independent contractor from Long Island, New York.
The average cost of a bathroom remodel can range from $5,000 - $50,000 depending on many factors. Some high-end bathroom projects can even exceed $100,000! With such a wide range, let's break it down into more helpful categories so you can see more closely where your project might fall.
Most high-end bathrooms have showers with multiple showerheads, floor-to-ceiling tile and a freestanding soaking tub. These luxuries make bathing a spa-like experience—and they can increase the value of your home.
The average cost of a bathroom remodel in California ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 for a mid-range remodel, with high-end remodels going up to $70,000 or more. Costs can vary depending on the size of the bathroom, the quality of materials used, and your location within California.
As a guideline, expect to spend in the region of: $8,000 - $15,000 for a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller bathroom using budget materials and fittings. $15,000 - $35,000 for an average-sized mid-range bathroom renovation using mid-range materials and fittings.
Take out a home equity loan
A home equity loan differs from a HELOC in that it offers fixed interest rates and loan terms. A home equity loan can be beneficial for paying for your bathroom renovation, especially if you're able to pay off the total costs of your project within three to five years.
Generally, flooring contractors prefer that the cabinets go in first so that there is less possibility of the floor getting scratched. Cabinet installers like the floor to be in place so that the cutting and dust from the floor installation will not damage the vanity.
Starting with the Wet Area
The wet area of your bathroom—typically where the shower, tub, and major plumbing fixtures are located—should be your first focus. This area is often the most labor-intensive part of a bathroom remodel and is prone to hidden problems such as water damage or outdated plumbing.
Professional contractors generally recommend installing new flooring before placing the toilet.