Remodel the Bathroom a Bite at a Time

Kitchen Remodeling Aug 13

When many homeowners think of remodeling projects, they focus on the big ones: living areas, master bedrooms, and outdoor spaces. Kitchen remodeling in Livonia often tops the list for local remodeling contractors because it’s such a popular way to add that “wow” factor while increasing the value of the home at the same time. Bathrooms are pretty low on the list if they’re on it at all. But bathrooms occupy a vital role in the day-to-day activities in the home, and remodeled bathrooms with new vanities, showers, and other appointments really help set the tone for the rest of the day for most homeowners - whether they know it or not.

Remodeling Takes Money

There’s no way around it. Remodeling takes money. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to put off bathroom or kitchen remodeling in their Livonia homes. That’s because, in their minds, the word remodeling is associated with the sound of hard-earned money going down the drain. The cost to remodel living spaces can be substantial, but homeowners often have a skewed view of what a remodeling project costs. They don’t pause to think about the fact that they have control over what goes into the project, whether in materials, sophistication, or the amount of technology involved. The average cost for remodeled bathrooms can run anywhere from $22,000 to over $90,000, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report. It’s important to remember that the highest costs are associated with major upscale remodels or add-ons. And it’s also important to remember that the average range is just that: an average. That means many homeowners manage to remodel for less.

Where Does the Money Go?

Before starting a bathroom remodeling project, it’s important to understand where the money goes. Knowing this upfront gives homeowners the ability to pick and choose where they feel they’ll get the biggest bang for their buck. Bathrooms have a lot going on; electrical wiring, plumbing needs, moisture control, and decorating schemes all have to come together in one space. Often it’s a compact space, making the project even more challenging. Much of the cost of remodeled bathrooms is in labor expense rather than in the finished goods such as shower surrounds, vanities, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, etc. Finished products typically account for about 30-40% of the cost of the project, although this varies considerably based on the quality of the items chosen. Bathroom remodels are more labor-intensive than other remodeling projects because of the tear-out, plumbing, and tiling processes. It’s not uncommon for this labor expense to account for 60-70% of the total cost of the project. Keep in mind that much of this expense will be dependent upon homeowner choices. If the homeowner decides to change the footprint of the bathroom, relocating the toilet, vanities, or the shower, those decisions will impact the cost of the project. Also, tilework is prevalent in most remodeled bathrooms, covering showers, floors, and sometimes wall space. Tilework is quite labor-intensive, so homeowners on a budget will need to keep this in mind when planning the remodel.

Breaking the Project Down

A good way to make remodeled bathrooms more affordable is to spread the expense out. There’s no rule that says the whole project has to be done at once. This is especially true in a home that has the luxury of more than one bathroom. While one is under construction, the others can pull extra duty. This allows homeowners to tackle the project as they’re able, spreading the cost out and keeping the impact on the wallet to a manageable level. Talking with a bathroom remodeling contractor can help homeowners gain perspective on what they want to accomplish and figure out a reasonable timeline in which everything can be accomplished. For instance, demolition will probably come in the first phase. Pulling out old vanities is a fairly simple task unless the sink is going, too. This project is much quicker and easier with the help of a knowledgeable contractor. Once the old units are out of the way, the door opens for new ideas. The contractor can help with style, size, and design for modern vanities and sinks that move the project a step closer to the desired new look. Most remodeled bathrooms benefit significantly from new cabinetry and more sophisticated storage systems. Depending on the age of the home, these are two areas that are often lacking. They’re also a great place to start for a homeowner concerned about cost. Pulling out old cabinets is something that can be done independently of the other features and fixtures in the bathroom. The right contractor will get the demo done with as little mess as possible, leaving the wall structure intact for new units.

Planning Ahead

The best way to tackle any remodeling project is by planning ahead, and remodeled bathrooms are no different than kitchen remodeling projects in Livonia in that regard. Before starting any project, homeowners should take the time to create a budget. They should create a realistic plan for the remodel as well as intermediate steps they can take along the way to accomplish the goal. It also helps to keep a few other items in mind. Getting quotes from more than one contractor is always a good idea since costs will vary from one contractor to another. Homeowners should resist the urge to add on items as the project progresses. This is a sure-fire way to drive up the cost of the project. And it’s not a bad idea to remain realistic throughout the process. Delays are bound to happen, but homeowners who have planned for them will handle the disappointment much better than those who haven’t. Remodeled bathrooms are within reach for most people when the project is tackled one “bite” at a time. Homeowners emerge from the new space feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever the day brings. There’s no better feeling than that.