Homeowners update their bathrooms for a variety of different reasons. Some want a larger shower while others want a double vanity to increase storage space. No matter your reason for taking on this type of project, it’s important to carefully consider your budget. This way, you don’t dive into a renovation that’s full of constant surprises and unexpected expenses.
What Is the Average Cost of a Bathroom Renovation?
The total cost of your bathroom renovation depends on several factors, including the extensiveness of the project, the materials you use, and the contractor you hire. Simply replacing the toilet and faucets will, of course, cost much less than updating the shower enclosure, vanity, and flooring. You must also consider whether any of the plumbing is going to need to be upgraded, which adds to the project cost.
Here’s a close look at budget-friendly versus expensive bathroom renovation projects:
Budget-Friendly
- Replace the toilet
- Install a new faucet
- Update cabinet hardware
- Replace the bathroom mirror
- Install a new light fixture
- Paint the walls
- Replace towel bars and accessories
Expensive/Luxury Upgrades
- Install a walk-in shower
- Replace the bathtub with a soaking tub
- Install custom cabinetry and a vanity
- Replace the flooring with premium tile
- Move plumbing fixtures to a new layout
- Add radiant floor heating
- Luxury countertops and finishes
Prioritizing Your Must-Have Upgrades
The easiest way to stick to your budget is to prioritize your must-have upgrades. This way, you don’t start the project with unrealistic expectations and then end up with unexpected costs.
Some of the upgrades that homeowners tend to want most when renovating a bathroom include:
- Heated towel racks
- Built-in shower niches
- Frameless glass shower enclosures
- Smart toilets with bidet features
- Recessed medicine cabinets
- Dimmable vanity lighting
- Improved bathroom ventilation
Choosing Budget-Friendly Materials
Even if you’re only replacing a faucet, your project can quickly become expensive if you install luxury materials. This is completely okay if you have a large budget, but it may not be practical if you have limited funds.
Here’s a quick look at which materials are considered luxury and which ones are budget-friendly:
Budget-Friendly Materials
- Ceramic tile
- Fiberglass shower surrounds
- Laminate countertops
- Stock vanities
- Vinyl flooring
- Chrome fixtures
- Acrylic bathtubs
Luxury Materials
- Natural stone tile
- Quartz countertops
- Marble surfaces
- Custom wood cabinetry
- Porcelain tile
- Brass or brushed gold fixtures
- Cast iron or stone resin bathtubs
There’s a lot more that goes into planning a budget for a bathroom renovation other than choosing a spending limit. You have to take into account the upgrades you’re making, the materials being used, and how much the contractor charges. You’ll also want to think about the cost of fees and permits. If you live in Charleston, SC or a surrounding area and need bathroom renovation services, make your first call to Charleston Bath Experts.
