Beside the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the rooms in the house or the apartment that the total renovation cost is the highest. However, it is not done too often, so you really shouldn’t save time and effort to make your bathroom look brand new.
It is not just the tiling, more important work is tied to what is behind the walls; changing the piping, sewer ducts, and electric installations. Also, special care ought to be given to the design as it can make or break the overall atmosphere.
The color patterns are important, as well as the quality of work involved. You wouldn’t want to smash open the tiles seven days after their installation because you have noticed a leak or poorly applied caulk. This gives the homeowner a huge headache, so it is better to estimate the cost well and calculate in all the hidden costs.
If you know how much each segment of the renovation costs, you can know when you are paying for excellent quality.
The tiling
Tiles are not just the first that catches your eye, but they are also a major expense when it comes to the final cost. The cost is calculated per square foot, which costs on average 10 to 15 dollars.
This goes for wall surfaces only, as flooring is more expensive, ranging from 35 to 50 dollars. You can find local companies online and ask for a free quote to see how much they would charge you for labor and material.
If you lack the necessary funds, you can change the tiles in phases. In the first phase, the shower cabin can get new tiles, because they are constantly in contact with water there. Also, double check the caulking in this area.
The toilet bowl
A broken toilet seat is nothing out of the ordinary, since they are mostly made out of plastic which is rather fragile. These can be replaced quite easily at a bargain price, but a crack on the toilet bowl is far too serious to be neglected. Since they are porcelain-made, they can break easily, severely injuring the person sitting on it.
That is why changing the bowl altogether is a wise option while renovating the bathroom. They cost anywhere from 100 to 200 dollars, depending on the model and the quality of material. Single-piece units with an integrated water tank are popular nowadays.
The homeowner can install them themselves, but since you already have a house full of handymen, get one of them to do it. In order to save money in the long run, make sure the desired bowl has a relatively high water efficiency rating so as to lower your monthly water bill.
The total cost
So far we have discussed only how much individual segments of a bathroom renovation cost. The total amount is actually really hard to set to paper as it includes numerous factors. You will not have to pay for furniture and repairs only, but for man-hours as well. Then again, prices can differ significantly from country to country.
In the UK, the cost could amount to an astounding figure of 15.000 pounds, while the bathroom renovation cost in Sydney, Australia can be as “little” as 10.000 dollars if on a moderate budget.
Of course, you can always do some of the work in advance or on your own to decrease the final bill. This is why before any work starts, you have to plan your budget and try to calculate the costs as accurately as possible.
Private oasis
We all know that bathroom should be one of the most serene places in our home so it is imperative that its design reflects that.
Now if you are planning a bathroom remodel you should definitely take the time and decide on which design features and trends you want to incorporate to achieve the desired look and feel, and of course to stay on budget at the same time.
Lighting
Changing a light bulb is something that you can do on your own. Stronger light or a different color of the light will definitely change the appearance of the entire bathroom. However, any major changes to the light, like installing brand new fixtures for ambient lighting should be done by professionals.
Most renovation companies employ electricians who know what they are doing and they can attach the new lights to the existing power grid.
This is a bit more expensive than simply buying and screwing on a light bulb of a different color, but you practically get a new bathroom. Or at least you are going to see it in a new light, if you get the pun.
Potential dangers
When we talk money, we talk safety as well. Many people either wish to cut the cost too much or to get the job done as soon as possible, so they completely disregard the safety factor. For instance, they are tempted to leave asbestos panels inside the walls, although they are aware of the health dangers they pose.
They are dissuaded by the fact that this removal costs extra money they are not willing to spend.
Another common mistake is trying to save money on the electrics and piping by either doing sloppy work or buying low quality products to be installed in the bathroom.
This could lead to a fire breaking out or a potential bursting of a pipe, so it not the wisest of money-saving methods.
All in all, planning is the keyword if you wish to have your bathroom renovated. Get a quote from relevant companies and calculate all the costs before making the final decision.
