April 15, 2024
Inexpensive Doesn’t Mean Cheap-looking in Bathroom Remodeling
December 12, 2014
Every year the national Cost vs. Value Report compiles pricing and potential return on investment numbers for all major home renovations. In 2014, the cost of bathroom remodeling ranged from 16K for a mid-range project to 51K for an upscale remodel. No matter at which end of this spectrum you are, bathroom remodeling is far from cheap.
However, don’t think that if you don’t have a disposable 16K in your bank account that you are stuck with your old, ugly bathroom. When planned carefully and budgeted properly, bathroom remodeling is within your financial reach. And just because you will be paying less than the national average, doesn’t mean you’ll be getting a substandard bathroom.
Why is bathroom remodeling so expensive?
There are three major high-ticket items when it comes to bathroom remodeling:
- Labor – the hours spent tiling, wiring, installing plumbing, etc.
- Materials – granite countertops and travertine tile aren’t cheap
- Replacement – everything you need to replace, like the tub, faucets or toilet
How do you bring down the price without losing quality?
DIY Small Things
There is no doubt, home improvement is not for everyone and nine times out of ten you are better off leaving bathroom remodeling to a pro. However, if you need to bring the price down and you’ve done some remodeling before, you could take over things like painting or tiling. Only do this if you know you can deliver a quality end-result with no paint smudges on the ceiling or uneven flooring.
Go With Cheaper Materials
When it comes to bathroom finishes, cheaper doesn’t always mean poor quality. For example, both porcelain and natural stone tiles are durable and water-resistant, but the difference in price is dramatic. When it comes to bathroom finishes and materials, you are typically paying more for the looks, not the quality. It’s like how brightly-colored cars or appliances are usually more expensive. To save money, go with plain white or gray tile and get a few more expensive accent tiles to add a stylish touch.
If it isn’t Broken…
Many times, bathroom fixtures get replaced despite being perfectly fine, just to match the rest of the décor. But did you know that with the help of spray paint and lacquer you can refinish your faucet to look like a different metal? This also works if your fixtures are a bit scratched up. And when it comes to the bathtub, replacement is also not your only option. Durable and affordable bathtub liners can be installed on top of your existing old tub to provide a fresh, spotless surface.
Find a Good Remodeling Company
Partnering up with the right Maryland bathroom remodeling company is also crucial for the success of your budget renovation. Choose a company that is on the same page as you are, i.e. saving money without sacrificing quality. At Bath Doctor, we specialize in budget-friendly bathroom renovations that help our clients get the new look without breaking the bank. The tub and shower surround systems we use allow for fast installation, which means less labor and less cost to you.
Contact us today if you need help remodeling your Maryland bathroom: 410-444-4133.
