Can I Afford my Dream Master Bathroom Remodel?
Remodeling a bathroom is a complex and exciting undertaking. With so much of the budget going toward the “unseen” structural and waterproofing aspect of a bathroom remodel, it can be hard to know how to budget. As a kitchen and bathroom designer, I have found it’s easiest to think about budgeting for a bathroom remodel in terms of three levels: Good, Better and Best.
   |
GOOD - Remodeling under $20,000For a “good” bathroom remodel, select a prefabricated vanity and countertop. To stay at this price level, you will need to keep all of the plumbing and electrical in their current locations. Select a 12”x12” tile or similar for the floor and shower walls, perhaps with a small decorative glass insert. Chrome is a trendy and economical option for the faucet and shower components. Consider using a shower curtain or upgrade to a ¼” clear glass by-pass shower door. Use an acrylic tub or shower pan. For some character, select a stylish wall hung mirror, bath bar light and matching towel bar, TP holder, etc. |
|
BETTER - Remodeling between $20,000 and $50,000A “Better” bath entails ordering a vanity from a cabinet company. Vanities generally increase in width in 3” increments and are usually available in 2 or 3 different heights. Most vanity lines will allow you to upgrade to a plywood side construction with hardwood dovetail drawers. Talk to local countertop fabricators about remnant granite or quartz material for your vanity, to avoid paying minimum charges. Better yet, remodel your kitchen and bath at the same time to maximize your countertop savings. Brushed nickel and chrome are currently the most popular finishes for faucets, etc. Consider adding a hand shower for flexibility and easy cleaning. Upgrading to a frameless clear shower enclosure with a pivot door will help your bathroom feel large and expansive. Consider extending the tub deck of your drop-in soaker tub into the shower to create a bench. Reduce time maintaining grout lines by installing larger tiles in the 12”x24” or 18”x18” size for the floor and shower walls. Instead of just adding a decorative stripe, be creative and use a patterned, textured or mosaic tile as an accent. For better light on your face, switch from an overhead bath bar light to wall sconces. |
   |
|
  |
BEST - Remodeling of $50,000+For a luxury bathroom experience, the “best” choice for a vanity is a semi-custom vanity from a cabinet manufacturer. A semi-custom or custom line will create a vanity for you in almost any size, shape, finish or door style. You can get the vanity in an all plywood and hardwood construction with soft close drawers. Consider adding a tall linen storage cabinet or a lift-up cabinet door to hold a hair dryer plugged-in. Wrap your drop-in tub with custom paneling matching your vanity. Door style matching trim is available to create a custom mirror frame. Consider using an exotic granite for your vanity top or even for your tub surround and shower threshold. Upgrade from a pre-fabricated to a custom tile mosaic or pebble shower pan. Use porcelain to create a stunning herringbone pattern or use water-jet marble for a captivating focal point. Select quality solid brass plumbing fixtures, perhaps in a specialty finish like polished nickel. Add a rain showerhead or body sprays in addition to your hand shower. Consider removing that difficult to clean, jetted-tub and replace it with a sleek contemporary soaking freestanding tub. Perhaps hang a chandelier in the center of your bath or over your new freestanding tub. Don’t forget about luxury options, like a heated towel bar and heated flooring. |
|
