If you are preparing to remodel your bathroom, you must determine the cost it might incur. If your estimations are inaccurate, the project might cost you more than what you had in mind. The national average cost of bathroom remodeling in the US is $11,271 but can range between $6,619 to $16,681, including the chances of going over the budget.
That’s why homeowners must be careful while budgeting for their bathroom renovation. This guide will give you valuable tips to plan your budget right the first time.
Define the Scope of Work
You need to start budgeting with a clear perspective. Before going ahead, you should be clear about the scope of your renovation project.
Are you going to replace a few fixtures, or are you planning to tear apart your bathroom and start from scratch? Your project’s scope greatly contributes to planning an accurate budget.
Estimate the Labor Cost:
A bathroom remodel contractor manages every aspect of your project, ensures everything goes smoothly, and sometimes hires subcontractors for specific activities, such as electrical work, garage conversion, and plumbing.
Moreover, he will help you create a suitable budget for your bathroom remodel as well as guide you in material and design choices. Therefore, always hire a qualified professional who is an expert in Kitchen remodeling projects. You can easily find the right contractor with the help of a free contractor-matching company, such as Greatbuildz.
When hiring a contractor, you will need to work out payment terms with them, get a total price quote, and ask about any deposits they may require. Here, the goal should not be to go for the cheapest options but to find the most deserving candidate. You won’t agree to save a few bucks now only to spend them on damaged fixtures and leakages in a couple of months.
Also read: What is the best finish for bathroom faucets
Consider DIY
Hiring a remodeling contractor doesn’t mean the DIY aspect of your project is completely eliminated. In fact, you can save some money by doing some labor. If you are not handy for installation work, you can contribute to the tear-out phase of the project. You can do some miscellaneous tasks to save money, such as moving cabinets can avoid unnecessary labor costs. This saved money can be used for other purposes, such as to cover unexpected costs.
Expect the Unexpected
The most common reason homeowners go over the budget is unexpected costs. Your bathroom is a hub of intricate electrical and plumbing work. Moreover, moisture retention can invite molds, resulting in water damage.
Therefore, it is recommended to factor in almost 10-20% of your total budget for sudden expenses that may come later on. This will save you a headache and ensure you are mentally prepared for future problems.
Explore the Cost of the Materials
Some bathroom remodeling material, such as drywall and insulation, needs expert guidance. Therefore, you need to purchase them with the help of your contractor. However, purchase the rest of the material, such as cabinets, mirrors, appliances, etc., by yourself, as contractors charge a small commission if you purchase materials through them.
Break-down the Budget
Budget allocation is an essential part of your remodeling project that needs to be carefully done. The cabinetry cost will be higher than that of lighting, so break down your budget accordingly. Although budget allocation solely depends on your design choices, here is the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s budget breakdown.
- Labor – 20%
- Cabinetry & Hardware – 16%
- Fixtures – 15%
- Faucets & Plumbing – 14%
- Flooring – 9%
- Countertops – 7%
- Lighting & ventilation – 5%
- Walls & Ceilings – 5%
- Doors & Windows – 4%
- Design – 4%
- Other – 1%
Other Considerations:
There are some other considerations while working with a bathroom or kitchen remodeling contractor. Project delays are inconvenient, but their possibility is always there. Therefore, factor in the risks of delays in your project and subsequent costs attached to them. Similarly, get multiple quotes from the contractors and pick one closest to your decided budget.
However, it does not mean you should go for the cheapest options. To reap the benefits of your remodeling project, choose an affordable contractor without compromising on the quality of your renovation. To sum up, a well-thought-out plan is key in accurately budgeting your bathroom remodel.
