Where Does The Money Go
Remodel projects can be very expensive. Especially for bathroom remodels where the major appliances and fixtures need to be replaced, a lot of money goes into remodeling projects. But where exactly does all the money go?
Here is a list of the most expensive parts of bathroom remodel projects:
Labor
While hiring a general contractor to help you complete the work is a smart move and a wise investment, it can be one of the most expensive parts of the project. Typically, the labor involved in a bathroom remodel project will account for 20-25% of your budget.
It is easy to say that you can do it yourself, but depending on how extensive your remodel plans are and how skilled you are, a contractor is worth the money. This is not something you want to cut corners on. You can get bids from multiple contractors to see who has the best prices, but make sure you are using a professional, licensed and insured contractor that has all their documentation and great referrals.
Cabinets
Depending on the size of your bathroom or what sort of storage you are planning for your bathroom remodel, cabinets often take up a hefty chunk of your budget. Approximately 15-20% of your expenditures will go to your cabinetry. You can cut down on costs here by choosing less expensive cabinets, or think about salvaging cabinets (check out Habitat for Humanity Restore locations near you at ) or refurbish the existing cabinets in your bathroom.
Fixtures
One of the best parts of remodeling your bathroom is getting rid of old fixtures and replacing them with new, and potentially more efficient fixtures. Expect to spend a pretty penny updating your old fixtures, but keep in mind that if you spring for new energy efficient models you can save money overall and possibly even qualify for tax deductions.
Overall, fixtures tend to make up around 15% of the cost of bathroom remodels.
Plumbing
Another expensive, but necessary, update for a lot of bathroom remodel projects is the plumbing. There really is no cutting corners here, you need to make sure that your plumbing is correct and in good condition. Another 15% of your overall expenditures usually go to plumbing.
Floors and Countertops
When completing a bathroom remodel project, the floors and countertops are often the most noticeable expense. Springing for high quality but expensive materials like granite or marble can really drive your costs up, but that may be worth it to you.
Floors and countertops are likely to make up 20-25% of your overall costs, depending on what materials you use and the installation costs.
All of the other odds and ends, paint and lighting and design items can cost you as well, but they tend to make up a lesser percentage than these big costs. Decorative items are also easier to cut corners on because they aren't exactly necessary to the function of your bathroom.
Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive project. Be ready for those big expenses and cut costs where it is safe to do so. If you plan carefully and shop around for the best prices and materials, you can make the most of your budget.
Here is a list of the most expensive parts of bathroom remodel projects:
Labor
While hiring a general contractor to help you complete the work is a smart move and a wise investment, it can be one of the most expensive parts of the project. Typically, the labor involved in a bathroom remodel project will account for 20-25% of your budget.
It is easy to say that you can do it yourself, but depending on how extensive your remodel plans are and how skilled you are, a contractor is worth the money. This is not something you want to cut corners on. You can get bids from multiple contractors to see who has the best prices, but make sure you are using a professional, licensed and insured contractor that has all their documentation and great referrals.
Cabinets
Depending on the size of your bathroom or what sort of storage you are planning for your bathroom remodel, cabinets often take up a hefty chunk of your budget. Approximately 15-20% of your expenditures will go to your cabinetry. You can cut down on costs here by choosing less expensive cabinets, or think about salvaging cabinets (check out Habitat for Humanity Restore locations near you at ) or refurbish the existing cabinets in your bathroom.
Fixtures
One of the best parts of remodeling your bathroom is getting rid of old fixtures and replacing them with new, and potentially more efficient fixtures. Expect to spend a pretty penny updating your old fixtures, but keep in mind that if you spring for new energy efficient models you can save money overall and possibly even qualify for tax deductions.
Overall, fixtures tend to make up around 15% of the cost of bathroom remodels.
Plumbing
Another expensive, but necessary, update for a lot of bathroom remodel projects is the plumbing. There really is no cutting corners here, you need to make sure that your plumbing is correct and in good condition. Another 15% of your overall expenditures usually go to plumbing.
Floors and Countertops
When completing a bathroom remodel project, the floors and countertops are often the most noticeable expense. Springing for high quality but expensive materials like granite or marble can really drive your costs up, but that may be worth it to you.
Floors and countertops are likely to make up 20-25% of your overall costs, depending on what materials you use and the installation costs.
All of the other odds and ends, paint and lighting and design items can cost you as well, but they tend to make up a lesser percentage than these big costs. Decorative items are also easier to cut corners on because they aren't exactly necessary to the function of your bathroom.
Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive project. Be ready for those big expenses and cut costs where it is safe to do so. If you plan carefully and shop around for the best prices and materials, you can make the most of your budget.