There are several reasons why you want to update your bathroom. From updating its style to adding value to your home, bathroom remodeling can help your home feel more comfortable and cohesive.
When clients come to RSI’s design team to begin discussing a bathroom remodeling project, they often want to know the answer to one question: how much is this going to cost? Let’s break down what goes into a bathroom remodel.
The Average Cost of Bathroom Remodeling
According to the 2018 Hanley Wood Cost vs. Value report, a midrange bathroom remodel in St. Louis cost $20,000 and an upscale bathroom remodel in St. Louis cost $63,000. We often see the top range, however, run higher with larger Master Bath renovations.
Like any other home design or renovation project, the cost of bathroom remodeling is going to vary widely based on a number of factors:
Extent of the Project
A quick refresh with a new vanity, improved lighting and coat of paint is very different that completely gutting your bathroom.
Age of the Home
Homes built prior to 1970 often utilize mud-set wall tile, which is very labor-intensive to remove. Older homes may also have older, outdated plumbing and electricity, which would require updates.
Size of the Space
Larger bathrooms will require more tile, larger vanities, larger showers and often a freestanding tub. These all add to the budget.
Quality of Fixtures and Elements Used
Faucets and fixtures can vary in price due to their material composition. A brass body faucet will cost more than a faucet with a plastic body but will last a lifetime.
Your Taste and Preferences
Natural stone tile and decorative tile will be more expensive than ceramic. In addition, specialty finishes, such as matte black and satin brass, will cost more than chrome or stainless, Toto washlet seats are amazing but cost more than a standard toilet.
What Goes Into a Bathroom Remodeling Project?
There are several elements of renovating a bathroom that can contribute to its overall cost. Again, this will all depend on how extensive your project is as well!
Design Services
To ensure the project goes as smoothly as possible, we highly recommend consulting a bathroom designer, like those at RSI Kitchen & Bath. Investing in your designer can actually help save you money in the long run by finding the best solutions for your budget and via their connections with product suppliers and contractors.
Also, consider the fact that mistakes are expensive. There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on something you regret. A good designer can help you create a beautiful and well-functioning space that you’ll enjoy for years.
Tile
From bathroom flooring to shower tile, there are several bathroom tile options to consider. Tile can range from $1.50 to $100 per square foot. A good designer can help you select something beautiful in your budget. The tile pattern also has a big impact on your budget. Decorative patterns are beautiful but often labor-intensive.
One area our designers do recommend splurging is on a heated floor system. There is nothing better than feeling warmth the moment you wake up and step foot in your bathroom — even on the chilliest of winter days. They are far less expensive than you might think.
Fixtures
Sinks, cabinets, toilets and showers and/or bathtubs are large line items in your bathroom remodeling budget. Are you looking for bathroom fixtures that are more functional than fashionable, or do you desire top-of-the-line luxury items?
Freestanding tubs, smart toilets and roomy walk-in showers are popular features that clients love, but they will set you back more in your budget.
Plumbing and Installation
The design and layout of your bathroom could end up contributing a lot to your remodel. If your project involves relocating a toilet, sink, shower or bath, that can incur significant labor costs. If it’s not going to greatly improve functionality, leave fixtures in their original locations
Bathroom remodeling projects in general can require extensive prep and installation work. On average, 60 to 75% of bathroom renovation costs go to labor. Age of plumbing, plaster walls, mud-set tile, updated waterproofing systems, and second-floor construction all add to the cost of the project.
Bathroom Remodeling for A Range of Budgets
Just because you don’t want to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your bathroom remodel doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
At RSI Kitchen & Bath, our St. Louis bathroom designers are exceptionally skilled at listening to what you want out of your project and creating a plan that meets your style and budget.
We meet together — either in-person or virtually — to go over what you like and what you don’t like. Is there a style you aspire to? What about a bathtub or a tile pattern that you can’t get out of your head? Then, we work to come up with a design that meets your vision.
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Are you ready to begin your bathroom remodel project? RSI’s design team is here to help! Contact us to schedule your design consultation or visit one of our bathroom remodeling showrooms today.