Bathroom Remodeling: A Guide to Costs and Considerations
Bathroom Remodeling: A Guide to Costs and Considerations
Whether you’re aiming for a small refresh or a full-scale renovation, the cost of bathroom remodeling can vary widely. To avoid surprises and make the best choices, it’s important to have a solid understanding of your goals before soliciting quotes. Factors such as how long you plan to stay in your home and which features are most important to you should be considered upfront.
The two most expensive elements of most bathroom remodels are usually the shower and the flooring. Let’s dive into those first.
Flooring
When it comes to bathroom flooring, tile is typically the most expensive option. Installing a new tile floor usually requires a cement backer board as a subfloor. After it sets and dries, you can proceed to lay the tile and grout. While tile floors are more labor-intensive to install, they are highly durable and can last a lifetime. The only downside is grout maintenance—keeping it clean can be a challenge. To minimize grout cleaning, I recommend using 1/16” grout lines.
If your budget doesn’t allow for tile, consider vinyl plank or peel-and-stick options. These can be quick, affordable ways to update your bathroom. While they’re not as durable as tile, many options are waterproof and easy to maintain. To ensure these floors perform well, it's important to start with a flat subfloor. If your subfloor is uneven, I recommend using a grip-strip vinyl flooring, which can contour to the surface.
Showers
Next, let’s talk about the shower. There are several options to consider when updating your shower surround, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end.
1. Tub Surrounds: The most cost-effective option is a tub surround. These units come in different styles. Some are 5-piece systems that can fit almost any space without needing drywall patching or repair, while others require removing the surrounding walls down to the studs and rebuilding the wall.
2. Tile Board: A less labor-intensive option is tile board, which comes in a variety of finishes, from designs that mimic tile to those that resemble granite or marble. Tile board is easy to clean and can be a good middle ground between cost and durability.
3. Tiling the Surround: While tiling a shower surround is the most expensive option, it offers the most versatility. Tiles can be cut to fit any space, and you can customize the design, including adding niches for soap and shampoo storage. Installing tile on the walls is similar to tiling a floor: First, install a backer board on the walls, then apply a waterproof membrane. Once the membrane dries, you’re ready to tile and grout.
Bathtubs and Shower Flooring
Depending on the age of your home, you may have an older cast iron bathtub. While you can remove it, this is often a labor-intensive task. In many cases, it’s more affordable to hire a company to build a form and cover the old tub with a new fiberglass lining.
If your old tub is fiberglass, it can be cut out and replaced with a new fiberglass tub or shower pan.
For shower flooring, tile is also an option, but it’s the most expensive. Building a custom tile floor requires several steps:
- Lay down tar paper and chicken wire on the plywood subfloor.
- Add a layer of dry-pack Portland cement, sloping it toward the drain.
- Install a rubber pan that extends about 12 inches up the walls.
- Lay another layer of dry-pack Portland cement, again sloping it toward the drain.
- Once everything has cured, you can install and grout the tiles.
Vanities and Sinks
Choosing between a vanity or a sink largely depends on your space and storage needs. I personally recommend vanities for better storage options, but for small powder rooms or tight spaces, a wall-mounted or pedestal sink may be more appropriate.
Before purchasing your vanity or sink, always measure your available space and ensure the dimensions of the sink will fit comfortably.
Once your shower/bathtub, sink, and toilet are installed, it’s time to choose your lighting and hardware. A general design tip is to stick with the same metal finish for your towel/TP holders and faucet fixtures for a cohesive look.
Don't Forget the Bathroom Fan
One crucial element that many homeowners overlook is the bathroom fan. Proper ventilation is essential for preventing mold and moisture damage. The hot, moist air from a shower can quickly degrade drywall or plaster. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have an effective bathroom fan.
If you have any questions or are interested in a free quote for remodeling your bathroom, don’t hesitate to email or text me.
K&A Handyman Services
Phone: (412) 532-8403
Also, be sure to check out my eBook on Kindle & iBooks:
A How-To Guide for Inspecting Your Future Home That Will Save You Money and Stress
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