How to Budget for a Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling can become expensive if you don’t plan and budget ahead of time. Removing old bathroom fixtures, tiles, and paint can all add up if you have not thought things through. But with forethought and the help of plumbing and building contractors, you can save money and time with your bathroom remodel.

We've put together a few tips for planning and saving money on your project. We have you covered whether you decide to DIY or hire a contractor to remodel your bathroom.

Start with choosing your style.

Before shopping for supplies or contractors, you'll need to decide what bathroom style you want. If you're looking at a complete renovation, you'll probably want to choose a design first.

Suppose you're undertaking a large-scale bathroom remodel and don’t have prior experience. In that case, it might be a good idea to hire a professional bathroom designer or a contractor to assist you.

Some of the most popular designs at the moment include:

• Transitional- Transitional bathrooms walk the line between contemporary and traditional. With enough modernity and old fashion feel to please both camps.

• Farmhouse- Barn lighting, warm colors, and sliding barn doors are incorporated into the farmhouse bathroom.

• Traditional- Traditional bathrooms hold onto the often underused design and homely elements many of us grew up with. Tiled floors, elegant countertops, and hanging features make up your traditional bathroom.

• Rustic- Rustic designs use natural and outdoor colors, with wood and Japanese-style soaking tubs often used.

• Industrial- this design is inspired by factories and is functional, making great use of raw materials.

With many styles to choose from, it's essential to research and work out a budget that will allow you to have the design you want. 

Decide on your bathroom, features, fixtures, and finishes.

Once you've decided on your bathroom's style, you'll need to determine what bathroom features you want. For example, small changes to shower and tap faucets, towel racks, and shelves can greatly impact your bathroom's looks and feels.

Features and fixtures can range widely in price, so it's a good idea to shop around your local home stores and suppliers. This way, you can get great bargains on quality products that add to your bathroom remodeling.

Also, it's essential to consider who will use your new bathroom. For example, do you plan to have kids in the future, and will you be taking care of elderly relatives? While it's not necessary to consider all possibilities, now is a great time to prepare your bathroom for future design changes.

A good quality design will allow for alterations in the future, or you can make them now.

Define your project budget:

Consider how much money you will spend on your remodeling project. It's common for homeowners to underestimate the cost of a renovation project. So make sure you set aside enough funds to cover any unexpected charges.

Having a fixed budget or one with a little wiggle room is essential. Then, you will make prudent choices when taking on a DIY project or working with a contractor.

If you have a budget in mind, your contractor can help you purchase necessary supplies and provide advice on cost-saving measures that you may overlook.

Determine whether or not you should hire a contractor.

If you decide to hire a professional to do the work, you'll need to determine whether or not you should use a general contractor or an interior designer. A general contractor will handle everything from design to construction, while an interior designer will focus more on the aesthetics of the space.

Ask friends for referrals and check online reviews of general contractors and bathroom designers in your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Review their work history, and ensure they have the experience and know-how for the job. Also, ask for project specifics such as the budget, additional costs, and the project timeframe.

You can work with a designer to plan your bathroom's appearance. You can then undertake the project yourself or hire a contractor to work on the project specifics.

DIY, Done-For-You, or something in between?

You might think that hiring a professional would cost too much money, but there are ways to save money by doing the job yourself. For instance, you can find a lot of inspiration online for remodeling bathrooms. There are also plenty of companies that offer services such as bathroom renovations done-for-you.

Conclusion:

Budgeting for a bathroom can be challenging, as many variables exist. However, here are a few steps you can take to create a budget for your bathroom remodel:

Determine your needs and wants: Make a list of the features and amenities you want and need in your bathroom. This will help you prioritize your spending and allocate your budget accordingly.

Research costs: Look into the cost of materials and labor for the items on your list. Consider the quality of the materials and the level of craftsmanship you want. Remember to factor in the cost of any necessary permits or inspections.

Set a budget: Based on your research, determine how much you can afford to spend on your bathroom remodel. Be sure to leave room in your budget for unexpected costs that may come up during the project.

Choose a payment method: Decide how you will pay for your bathroom remodel. Options include paying cash, taking out a loan, or using a credit card. Before deciding, consider the interest rates and terms of any loans or credit cards.

Find a contractor: If you plan to hire a contractor for your bathroom remodel, get quotes from several contractors. Compare prices and ensure you get good value. Don't be afraid to negotiate to get the best deal possible.

Remember, your budget for a bathroom remodel is not set in stone. You may need to adjust as the project progresses, prepare to be flexible, and make changes as required.