What is The Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Remodel?

Are you planning on having your bathroom renovated, but worried about how expensive it is? Don’t worry, we go through all the costs you have to consider during a bathroom remodel. The average bathroom renovation project can cost between $6,000 – $25,000 depending on how extensive the remodeling is.

Before you buy materials, hire a contractor, and begin the renovation project, it is important to research what costs will be involved so that you can prepare a realistic budget. In the past year, Americans have spent an average of $15,000 on bathroom renovations. This gives you a good indication of how expensive renovations are. So, let’s explore what costs you need to consider, and perhaps you can cut down on certain parts.

Breakdown of bathroom remodel

It may come as a surprise, but labor costs are actually the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel. Most people assume it would be the interior furniture, such as a bathtub for example. However, labor accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the total budget. The labor prices will certainly vary according to the state and town you live in as the costs of living varies. For example, San Francisco and Los Angeles have some of the highest rates for contractor jobs, which is why the overall spending for renovation over there is significantly higher.

With that said, there is still a way for you to mitigate these costs, and that is by finding the most qualified contractor with reasonable labor hourly rates. It also helps if you find a company that is equipped to handle all the aspects of the renovation, such as the plumbing, tiling, and electrical wiring. Instead of having to hire multiple licensed professionals from different companies, it would save you both time and money to find a contractor that houses all the services. So make sure to get multiple bids with an itemized breakdown from different contractors in order to properly compare and make an informed decision.

While plumbing is part of labor costs, it is worth noting that you should have them inspect your plumbing first because this could also be one of the most expensive parts of your renovation. Expect the labor costs to be high if the pipes are in bad shape and new ones have to be reinstalled. Don’t save up on plumbing because it will be more costly in the long run if you try to look for shortcuts or cost-cutting methods. Hiring an experienced and licensed plumber is definitely a worthy investment you won’t regret.

Now that you have covered the fundamentals, you can now think of some of the materials and cabinetry. Think of the type of tiles, faucets, or knobs you would like to have in your bathroom. It’s always a good idea to splurge on little details to add a new dimension to your bathroom and make your bathroom remodel look more expensive than it really was.