Starting any remodeling project can seem like a massive undertaking, especially when it comes to the potential costs involved. It’s safe to say that cost will be the number one barrier to most remodeling projects getting underway – and with good reason! Without careful planning and budgeting, you can find yourself in a situation that becomes a major money pit.
If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom or simply give it a much-needed update, you’re probably curious about how much money you’ll need to allocate to the project.
According to averages from multiple design sources, it will cost around $10,978 to fully remodel a standard bathroom, but it can range anywhere from $2,500 to $80,000 in total. Remodeling magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report cited the average remodeling cost per square foot in a bathroom to be between $600 and $800, with larger bathrooms often requiring higher costs of labor.
Fortunately, there are ways to add value to your bathroom remodel no matter what you’re able to spend. We’ve identified the top bathroom renovation ideas based on thrifty, mid-range, and luxury budgets to help you get started!
For the thrifty budget
If you’re looking to stretch a thrifty budget and still give your bathroom a fresh and modern update, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to spruce things up. For smaller bathrooms, HomeAdvisor notes the national average remodeling cost is around $6,500, but you can get away with even less if you focus your efforts in the right places.
Keep the same footprint
The biggest secret to keeping costs low is to keep the same footprint; don’t move the electrical and plumbing from their original locations, if possible. With the bones all in place, you can focus on other updates.
Liven the space up with a new paint color
One of the most cost-effective ways to transform your bathroom is to roll out a fresh coat of paint in your favorite contemporary color. Depending on what color you choose, the new paint will give your bathroom an entirely new mood and ambient feel.
DIY as much of the work as possible
There are plenty of sanity-saving DIY projects for the bathroom that are both clever and affordable. Doing things yourself means you won’t have to worry about the costs of a contractor or professional installer. DIY projects like retiling the shower, adding a towel warmer, and painting the vanity can transform your bathroom – and be done in a weekend!
Upgrade outdated fixtures
Swapping out your existing fixtures, which may be a little outdated and well-worn, is a great way to give your bathroom a spruced-up look without breaking the bank. Focus on fixtures that are easy to change yourself, like the showerhead, towel bars or racks, robe hooks, and the toilet paper holder. You can even swap out the door knobs or drawer pulls to match whatever style you’re going for.
Add sleek and functional storage
Installing shelves or cabinets can offer helpful storage solutions so your bathroom will be more clean and organized. This will enhance the overall look of the room and free up coveted counter space.
For the mid-range budget
With a little more money to spend, homeowners with a medium-level budget will enjoy more freedom in choices like top-notch materials and better-quality furnishings. In the world of bathroom remodeling, expert designers say $25,000 or less is considered a mid-range budget. Here are some ideas to incorporate in your mid-range remodel.
Refocus the lighting
Lighting can have a huge impact on the vibe of your bathroom. Adding new light fixtures or giving your existing ones a facelift will dramatically change how you experience the space. Consider adding dimmer switches or installing fixtures that provide both task and ambient lighting.
Replace your vanity
Vanities are often the focal point of the bathroom, so you’ll want to make sure your vanity aligns with your ideal style. Replacing your current vanity with a more contemporary option will breathe new life and personality into your bathroom. Plus, it will give you additional storage space, which is always appreciated!
Spend a little extra on good quality materials
Since you have a bit of wiggle room with your budget, there’s no reason not to integrate quality materials that have solid nuts and bolts. Now is the time to swap out those linoleum counters for granite! Or put money toward that one trendy feature you’ve been dying to add – such as this spa-like shower panel or a heated towel rack.
Install brand new flooring
New flooring can give your bathroom a fresh look, especially if the existing flooring has been privy to a lot of foot traffic over the years. From standard vinyl options to more involved mosaic tiles, you can align your new flooring with virtually any style on a mid-range budget. There are even sustainable options, like cork tiles, that are becoming more popular.
For the luxury budget
In a luxury home, a large master bathroom remodel can cost over $50,000. If you’re lucky enough to have a luxury budget, you may want to consider these high-end remodeling ideas:
Go for the gut job
If you have an older home, or if you simply want to do things right from the ground up, you may want to completely gut your bathroom prior to remodeling. It could surprise you how many problems are uncovered! Potential issues like termite damage, water damage, rotten subflooring, air leaks, and other plumbing surprises will all be exposed during a gut job. This will give you complete peace of mind that all of these problems are resolved as your new bathroom is brought to life.
Add heated floors
Installing heated flooring is a no-brainer with no budget constraints. Heated floors are an immediate sign of luxury, keeping your toes warm in the colder months and boosting the resale value of your home. Most radiant heating systems can be installed beneath tile or wood flooring by a professional.
Upgrade your standard shower to steam
Steam showers will provide a spa-like experience in your home that you’re sure to love. They can also offer health benefits like relaxation, improved circulation, and skin cleansing. Plus, bathing will be more efficient, as the shower will be able to produce soothing steam without constantly running the hot water.
Call on an interior designer for expert advice
Specialized professionals like interior designers and even architects have creativity and technical knowledge that can make your new bathroom more beautiful, functional, and safe. Based on your vision, they’ll create a design concept, plan of action, and select the products, finishes, and materials for you. Plus, most interior designers will make sure your project is properly installed, so you can just sit back and watch your dream come to life!
Install custom cabinetry
Custom cabinetry can provide a unique and personalized touch to your high-end bathroom. Consider adding built-in storage solutions made from high-quality materials like exotic woods or hardwoods. Installing custom cabinets can be a game changer, as you can choose the exact layout you want and even create different sections in the space (like his and hers areas).
Leaning toward a cost-efficient renovation? Check out these 9 cheap ways to remodel your bathroom.
