In terms of household budgets, remodeling your bathroom may not be the first thing on your list. However, if you’re like most Americans, you have little choice but to renovate your bathroom, considering the fact that homeowners will soon be faced with the daunting task of a new, modern home with a new bathtub, vanity, shower and everything else. Fortunately, there are some great deals on quality bathroom remodeling throughout the country.
nationally, the national average for bathroom remodeling is roughly $14,500. Bathroom remodels tend to range widely, from basic makeovers to elaborate master bathroom revamp projects. The factors that impact your remodel price are the finishes you select (marvelous marble tiles cost 20 times more than standard subway tile), the size of the job, local labor costs and the scope of work done by the general contractor. A bathroom remodel is less expensive than a general contractor, but he will require the same amount of skill and experience with his design ideas, as well as the same amount of time to complete the project.
An experienced general contractor can offer the best deal on your next bathroom remodeling endeavor, since he knows exactly what he is doing and has the benefit of a long track record of satisfied customers. For example, a high-class general contractor may be able to offer you discounts on products you might otherwise have to pay full retail price for, such as marble tile. He also has access to trade-specific products and accessories, which are another way to get a great deal. You could save yourself thousands by choosing a tile design that will work with your shower’s profile and plumbing, for instance, instead of going with a more general shower kit. Some tile can only be used in certain shower models, so if you have a special shower fixture, ask the general contractor about the possibility of including it in the quote.
An average bathroom remodeling cost involves the estimate of materials, labor, design ideas and overhead, as well as the time it will take the homeowner to complete the project. This estimate is usually given for one bathroom remodeling job, usually the master bathroom, although it could be expanded to other bathrooms if the need arose. Many people underestimate the time it will take to completely finish a bathroom remodeling project because they assume they can “get by” with only minor improvements. However, if major work is required, such as changing the shower, replacing the bathtub, installing new flooring and/or wall panels, and installing new plumbing, electrical wiring, and/or plumbing pipes, a master bathroom remodel will typically be considerably longer than anticipated. This also goes for a minor bathroom remodel on a single floor of a multi-level home.
While the size of a small bathroom remodel usually involves only minor cosmetic changes, it still needs to be remodeled to include new countertops, faucets, water heaters, toilet, sink, vanity, cabinet and lighting fixtures. These remodeling tasks can be completed quickly, but only if the contractor and homeowner are working together to coordinate every step. Otherwise, small bathroom remodeling can become a very disruptive project. For example, changing the light fixtures of a small bathroom can require digging up the flower beds in the garden or tearing down a fence. It’s often best to hire a contractor who has past experience with these types of projects and will minimize potential disruption to the property.
Bathroom renovation in an older home usually involves some degree of excavation, and wet-working contractors are especially accustomed to dealing with older homes and structures that may have accumulated a lot of accumulated sump and sewage. A common reason for bathroom remodeling in an older home is to add a new floor or a sub-floor beneath the existing floor. This will create a more seamless, open-floor design that makes the entire space easier to maintain. Similarly, a bathroom remodel in an older house often requires some level of striping or whitewashing to prepare the site for tile installation. However, whether one is planning a complete renovation or just a few bathroom fixtures, a reputable plumbing company is best to deal with.