Costs for remodeling a bathroom

While the National Kitchen & Bath Association states that a new bathroom costs an average of $9,300 the true cost of a bathroom remodeling project will vary greatly depending on the extent of renovations you need to do. A small budget of a few hundred dollars may be sufficient to achieve a satisfying change, if all that you want to do is to repaint, replace existing countertop and cabinets with a new vanity, add new fixtures, or refinish a worn-out bathtub. On the other hand, the sky is the limit for extensive structural changes coupled with high end cabinets, countertops, radiant heating and fixtures.

The chart below presents an average breakdown of costs for remodeling a bathroom. Be aware that structural, plumbing and electrical changes all affect the final figure significantly.

To keep the budget of your bathroom remodeling project under control, start by identifying the extent of your project; is it a simple cosmetic change or a major overhaul? Look at prices for cabinets, countertops, flooring and fittings by different makers and at various quality levels before deciding on a range of options and a comfortable bottom line.

A worthwhile long-term investment to consider is radiant heating. Radiant heating adds comfort and a luxurious spa feeling in any bathroom by heating up normally cold and inhospitable floor tiles. This recently developed, environmentally friendly heating option works by circulating the hot water in your water heater through a series of pipes beneath your flooring. It costs roughly $ 8.00-12.00 per square foot to install radiant heating but you will save about 30% in fuel costs. A further benefit is a reduction in dust mites and allergens by 60% - 90%.

Before starting your bathroom renovation, consider whether you will be hiring professional help. If your bathroom renovation project will require more than 2 or 3 different trades, it is wise to hire a
general contractor. Have sketches and photos on hand to illustrate what you want done. If yours is a larger project, you may want to start by consulting a qualified architect, whose services may prove their weight in gold. Clearly, a substantial portion of your budget can be saved if you provide the labor yourself, but be sure you are up to the task, as fixing mistakes later can be very costly. Most architects, designers and contractors charge either a flat fee or a percentage (usually 10-15%) of the total cost of building materials purchased, while general contractors usually include the fee in their bids . In addition to the cost of hiring a professional, consider the quality and style of their work, reliability, rapport and whether they can adhere to an agreed upon schedule for completion of your project. Don't hesitate to ask for references from recent clients. Call and even visit these clients and ask how happy they were with the process and the results. Also take these opportunities to examine the quality of finished work.