Cost

cost to replace a toilet
Cost

How Much Does It Really Cost to Replace a Toilet?

by Block

An old toilet can be a water hog, accounting for as much as 30% of the water consumption in your home. It’s the sort of thing you may not spend too much time thinking about but can really add up over time. Even if you’re not planning a full bathroom remodel, replacing your toilet might be a good idea, especially if you have an older model.

The cost to replace a toilet varies based on location. In New York City, the average price ranges from about $600 to over $1,000, according to Homewyse. In a smaller city, the cost is somewhat lower, closer to the $450 to $850 range. Those figures are just averages, however, and assume that you’re purchasing a midrange toilet with features like a soft close seat.

What goes into that price? There are two main factors in the cost to replace a toilet: the fixture and the cost of labor. Not surprisingly, higher labor charges are why the average price is higher in a big city.

The average cost of a new toilet

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can spend less than $100 to well over $1,000 on the toilet alone. We suggest buying a quality product and not settling for the cheapest you can find. A higher-quality toilet is made with more durable parts that will last longer and provide a better flush. Advanced bells and whistles like a bidet, heated seat, and remote-control flush will increase the price.

If one of your goals in replacing your toilet is saving water, look for one with a WaterSense label. These models meet EPA performance and efficiency standards and use only 1.28 gallons of water per flush—20% less than a standard modern toilet, which uses 1.6 gallons, and way less than older models, which use up to 6 gallons.

The labor cost of replacing a toilet

The typical labor charge for a basic toilet replacement includes removing the old toilet, prepping the area, and fitting the new toilet with a new water connection and wax ring. The average timeline is 2.6 hours of labor at the plumber’s standard rate. If any complications arise, the installation can take more time and cost more. Plumbers generally charge between $70 and $120 per hour, plus trip fees and materials, according to Home Advisor.

Other costs you may encounter include the purchase of supplies needed for the job (such as connectors, fittings, and other hardware) and disposal costs for the old toilet. Together, those can add $30 or $40 to the budget.

Do you want to DIY?

If the plumbing is already in place, it’s not impossible to do the installation yourself if you want to lower the cost to replace a toilet. However, a DIY toilet installation isn’t foolproof—and a lot can go wrong.

A toilet is a heavy and awkward fixture to move around—it can weigh up to 90 pounds. You also have to make sure the new toilet will fit in the footprint of the old one, and the bolts that connect it are in the same place. Measure twice before heading out to select a toilet—then measure again.

Be prepared for surprises when you remove the old toilet. You may find problems with the plumbing, such as a broken flange or seal. Or your flooring might have been damaged by an unseen leak. If problems arise, you may have to call in a professional anyway.

It’s also important not to overtighten nuts and bolts while you’re installing your toilet, because that could cause the bowl or tank to crack.

Plan on spending at least a good part of the day on the project—if it takes a professional nearly three hours, assume it will take you longer. And remember, you’ll also have to figure out how to dispose of the old toilet or pay someone to haul it away.

If spending hours doing a DIY toilet installation doesn’t appeal to you, leaving it to the pros will ensure the project goes smoothly.

FacebookTwitterPinterest
cost of bathroom remodel 2020
Cost

A Comprehensive Guide to Bathroom Remodel Costs in 2020

by Block

Second only to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel is the most effective way to add value to your home. But with plumbing, electrical, moisture barriers, flooring, lighting, and fixtures, it can also become one of the most costly makeover projects in your entire house.

That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to bathroom remodel costs in 2020. We’ll clearly outline high-end and low-end options, when you can afford to cut corners, and where costs could quickly mount.

The average bathroom remodel costs about $18,000. On the low end, you could spend around $6,000 while on the high end you could easily shell out $60,000 or more.

How is such a price difference even possible? So many factors and considerations can affect the total cost. How big is the space? Does it need a few cosmetic touches or a complete overhaul? Are you knocking down or rebuilding walls (if so, you may need permits and professional contractors). Are you simply adding a coat of paint and some new floor tiles? If the scope of the work is small, you might be able to do it yourself and save money, but not always.

So let’s break down the many variables that go into renovating a bathroom.

Bathroom Renovation: Planning

Possibly the most important step when remodeling your bathroom is the planning phase. Whether you’re hiring professionals to do the work or you’re tackling it all on your own, you want to strategically map it all out in advance.

One cost that might crop up during the planning phase is interior design. Designers can help you make the most of your space and can run you on average around $4,000 for a bathroom, though high-end designers can be much more expensive.

Bathroom Remodel: Demolition

Bathroom demo costs are typically between $350 and $1,00, depending on how much restructuring is involved. For instance, if you’re tearing down walls, the demo price will be higher. If you’re keeping the existing fixtures, it can be on the lower end.

For those with the right experience, demolition can be a great way to save some money. After all, you see everyday people on TV all the time wielding sledgehammers and taking out their worldly frustrations on an innocent vanity.

It looks fun, sure, but beware—demo can get really expensive really fast if you don’t know what you’re doing. You don’t want to damage pipes and electrical wiring in the process. If in doubt, best to leave it to the pros.

Bathroom Remodel: Cost of Materials

There are lots of factors that contribute to the cost of a bathroom remodel. Here are a few of the most common upgrades you’ll make.

Item Low End (% of budget) High End (% of budget)
Fixtures (toilet, sink, tub) $300 $2,800
Shower stall $1,200 $3,600
Countertops $4/sf (ceramic tile) $200/sf (limestone)
Flooring $2/sf $14/sf
Plumbing $300 $1500

Source: Improvenet

Bathroom Fixtures: Custom vs Economy

Custom-built fixtures and high-end fixtures are where things really start to get pricey. During the planning phase of your project, decide how much of your budget you are willing to spend on fixtures, then figure out if you should buy the local big box store or consider some custom fixtures.

Fixture Off the Shelf (Economy) High-end
Toilet $100 – $600 $1000 – $6000
Tub $200 – $900 $1000 – $6000
Sink $100 – $450 $700 – $4000
Vanity Cabinet $200 – $800 $1000 – $6000

Source: HomeAdvisor

Bathroom Remodel: Labor Costs

Be prepared to spend roughly half your reno budget on labor. Even experienced DIYers will need to work with professionals when it comes to things like plumbing and electrical work.

Contractor Cost per Day Cost per Project Cost per Hour
General Contractor $300 – $400
Plumber $1000 – $2000
Electrician $50 – $100
Drywaller $30 – $50
Painter $20 – $75
Tiler $4 – $25/sf
Source: HomeAdvisor

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost by State

It may not seem fair, but your location will have an impact on your remodeling prices. Costs in larger cities like New York are often larger than in smaller towns or rural areas.

Massachusetts $5,600 – $12,600
Illinois $4,00 – $15,000
Florida $5,000 – $12,000
New Jersey $8000 – $18,700
New York $6000 – $26,000
Texas

$6,000 – $15,000
California $11,000 – $25,500

Source: HomeAdvisor

Other Considerations

The numbers we’ve pulled together are to give you a high-level overview of how much—or how little—a bathroom remodel might cost. But there are some other factors that can affect your bottom line. Things like:

  • What is the square footage of the space?
  • Will you require any building permits?
  • How much of the project can be done on your own and how much you need to contract out to professionals?
  • Will you need a general contractor?
  • Are you moving plumbing fixtures (like a toilet, tub, or shower)?

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when planning to remodel your bathroom and other factors can affect your bottom line.
Need some help? We’re here for you. Get a no-cost, no-obligation estimate today!

FacebookTwitterPinterest
walk-in shower cost
Cost

How Much Does a Walk-in Shower Cost?

by Block

Adding or replacing a walk-in shower can make a dramatic difference in your bathroom. The expanse of tile on the shower surround and the glass doors add a spacious feel to even a tiny bathroom. A walk-in shower is also more enjoyable than a tub-shower combo and safer to enter and exit.

There’s no easy answer to how much a walk-in shower costs because so many variables are involved.

Replacing a Walk-in Shower

If you’re just replacing an old shower stall with a new one, the price could be relatively modest. Prefab showers are available in many styles and sizes starting at about $600 and going up to around $2,500. The cost of installation will be in that same price range, so that’s another $600 to $2,500.

Replacing the faucet on your new pre-made shower could add another $50 to $900. The price depends on whether you settle for a basic showerhead or select something with more features and an upgraded finish.

Custom Walk-in Shower Costs

If you’re planning a customized walk-in shower, the costs will be higher, and a lot more variables affect the price. Designing a custom shower may allow you to use awkward space—such as a corner with a sloping ceiling—and make your bathroom more functional. If that’s the case, the project is likely well worth the expense.

What variables can affect the price of a walk-in show?

  • The grade of materials you use, especially the cost of the tile
  • The need to add or reroute plumbing lines
  • Extra features you want in the shower, such as a built-in bench, nooks inset in the wall for toiletries, zero-threshold design, and safety features such as grab bars
  • The shower doors
  • The shower pan, which might have to be hand-formed for a custom shower
  • The showerhead, especially if you choose a full-body system with multiple showerheads
  • The exhaust fan or fan/lighting fixture

Breaking Down the Costs

Labor and materials for tiling a walk-in shower will probably be the most significant line items in your walk-in shower budget. Tile prices vary widely, from about $1 per square foot for standard ceramic tiles to $50 or more for high-end designer tiles. Those fancy tiles may come with a higher installation price as well. In New York City, expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,200 for the tiling work on a walk-in shower that’s about the size of standard tub/shower surround if you’re working with a designer.

A shower door can cost well over $1,000 if you go for a high-quality frameless glass door in a custom size.

When you select your showerhead, remember that a full-body shower system starts around $500, and some models go to $1,500 or more. Multiple showerheads may require more plumbing work, with each fixture adding at least $600 in plumber’s fees to the overall cost.
The average cost of a walk-in shower ranges up to $12,000 in New York.

That’s a significant investment, but you’ll be glad you spent it every morning as you enjoy your luxurious custom shower.

FacebookTwitterPinterest
cost to tile a shower
Cost

The Cost to Tile a Shower Depends on the Materials You Choose

by Block

If you’re renovating your bathroom, tile is an excellent choice for a shower surround because it resists moisture and the mold and mildew that can grow in a moist environment. Tile also comes in a fantastic array of sizes, shapes, and materials that allow you to create a customized look.
Tile is also easy to maintain and can last for decades. That makes it a cost-effective choice, even if it’s not the least expensive option.

The cost of the tile has a significant effect on your remodeling budget. While you can find basic ceramic tiles starting at about $1 a square foot, tiles of other materials have a more significant price tag. Some designer tiles may cost up to $50 a square foot.

Different Materials, Different Costs

Popular choices for tiles include:

  1. Ceramic is hard-working and durable. It’s available in a variety of styles and sizes, with prices starting as low as $1 a square foot.
  2. Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic tile, but it’s harder and more durable than ceramic tile because it’s denser. That makes it more scratch-resistant. Porcelain tile starts at about $3 per square foot.
  3. Natural stone tiles are cut from marble, granite, travertine, or slate. Depending on the stone, you may find tiles as low as $5 per square foot, but some natural stone is quite pricey.
  4. Cement tiles are growing in popularity because of the many colors and patterns available. Expect to pay $15 or more per square foot.
  5. Glass tiles can cover the entire surround, or you can use the as an accent. Prices start around $12 per square foot.
  6. Mosaic tiles are made up of small tiles in a pattern or design. The small tiles are typically mounted on a mesh backing in a standard size, such as a 12-inch square. Mosaics might be made of glass, natural stone, river rock, or a combination of kinds of tiles. Standard ceramic tile mosaics start around $4 per square foot, but those with more exotic materials and designs may go to $50 or higher a square foot.

Cost Calculator

The price per square foot doesn’t mean much until you know how many square feet you want to tile. Multiply the width by the height for each wall of the shower surround to figure out square footage for the shower walls. Multiply the width by the depth of the shower floor, and add the wall and floor square footages together for your total.

Use a tile calculator to figure out exactly how many tiles you’ll need and the total costs. Because there’s always some waste due to cuts for corners and edges, plan on buying at least 10% more tile than the square footage you measured out.

Design Affects Installation Costs

Your choice of tile can affect how much you’ll spend on installation. You’ll generally pay less to have basic ceramic tiles installed, for example. If you go with porcelain, the installer may charge more because porcelain is harder to cut than ceramic tiles.

You may also pay a premium for installation if you select an intricately shaped tile rather than a square or rectangle. Mosaics may also cost more because the installer has to work with tiny pieces.

Expect to pay more if you’re asking the tile installer to create an intricate pattern with tile, or to install decorative pieces that require lots of cuts on the field tiles. These projects simply take more time and skill, and you’re paying for both.

Decorative accents such as mosaic borders or bullnose pieces along the top of the shower add a polished look. But they create more work for the installer, so they will increase the cost of your project.

With the array of options available, you can create an attractive tile shower and still keep within your budget.

FacebookTwitterPinterest
how to install a bathroom vanity
Cost

How to Install a Bathroom Vanity

by Block

Replacing the vanity in your bathroom can be a cost-effective way to enhance the space. Whether the cabinetry and countertops are showing wear or they simply don’t reflect your style, you can install a bathroom vanity as a DIY project.

You’ll find bathroom vanities at a big box retailer or specialty store. Measure carefully before shopping to ensure that the vanity and countertop will fit the space the existing unit occupies. Remember that the countertop will be wider than the base. For ease of installation, you might want to purchase a set that includes cabinetry and a countertop with a built-in sink.

It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you install a bathroom vanity, but here’s the general process.

Remove the Old Vanity

You’ve seen those home improvement shows where people start a project by smashing everything with a sledgehammer? That’s not the way to approach this project. Begin by shutting off the water (YouTube has lots of videos) and removing the old vanity.

  1. Find the water shut-off valve (usually under the sink), and turn the water off.
  2. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the mounting nut on the P-trap (the curved pipe in the center).
  3. Disconnect the water supply lines – use a wrench and place a bucket under them to catch drips.
  4. Once that’s done, cut the caulk or sealant holding the vanity top to the wall with a drywall or utility knife. If the top is sealed to the vanity base, use the knife to separate them, then carefully pull the counter away from the wall.
  5. Remove the screws holding the vanity to the wall and pull it away from the wall.

Installing the New Vanity Base

If the new vanity is heavy, consider removing the cabinet doors or drawers before installing it to lessen the weight.

  1. Position the vanity and lightly outline it on the wall with a pencil.
  2. Use a level to make sure the cabinet is set correctly. Place shims under the cabinet as needed to level it.
  3. If there’s a panel on the back with no holes for the plumbing, mark where you need holes. Use a hole-saw attachment or spade bit to drill them. Make the holes larger than the pipes that’ll go through them—that way, you’ve got room to adjust the cabinetry level.
  4. Locate the wall studs and mark them.
  5. Attach the cabinet to the walls using 3-inch drywall screws through the studs and wall anchors in other spots.

Add the Top and Faucet

Install the faucet and drain on the countertop sink before you attach the top to the base. This step saves you from crawling into the vanity to perform these steps after the countertop is set.

  1. Place the countertop on the base and check the fit before gluing. Recheck your level.
  2. Run silicone around the top of the cabinet. Place the countertop on the base and press it into the silicone to get good adherence.
  3. Reconnect the water lines and P-trap. Check for leaks by turning on the water.

Installing Floating Vanities

Wall-mounted, or floating, vanities provide a touch of contemporary style and a feeling of spaciousness to a bathroom. You can install them at your preferred height, and you don’t have to worry about shimming for uneven flooring.

While the steps are similar to installing a bathroom vanity that rests on the floor, there are differences.

Because the floating vanity doesn’t sit on the floor, find something to hold it at the height it needs to be during installation. If you have basic carpentry tools, you can build a box stand the exact size you need. Otherwise, a couple five-gallon buckets or milk crates might work.

Since all the weight of the floating vanity hangs from the wall, it must be screwed into wall studs. If the studs aren’t in the right position, you’ll need to add a brace to the wall. That entails cutting out some drywall, attaching a board between the studs, and repairing the drywall.

Some manufacturers have additional support systems, such as a mounting strip or L brackets that go under the bottom of the vanity to help support the weight. However, these systems still need to be attached to studs.

Or … Hire a Pro

If cutting into drywall or loosening drainpipes is more than you want to take on, hire someone to install your bathroom vanity. The cost for a simple vanity installation should be a few hundred dollars, although the price is higher if the contractor has to remove and repair drywall.
As long as the plumbing doesn’t need to be rerouted, you shouldn’t need a certified plumber to replace your vanity.

FacebookTwitterPinterest
shower installation cost
Cost

Shower Installation Costs Are as Varied as Your Design Options

by Block

Are you thinking about replacing your old tub/shower combo with a new bathtub? Deciding if you should tear out the tub and replace it with a spacious walk-in shower? Those are significant changes, and they come with sizeable budgets.

The ultimate cost for a new shower installation depends on many variables, including the quality of the materials you want and the cost of labor. (And it’s New York City, so labor costs are above average.)

Let’s look at the options.

Tub/Shower Combinations

If you currently have a tub with a shower, replacing it with a similar unit is cheaper than putting in a new tiled walk-in shower.

Tubs with shower surrounds come in a variety of styles and grades, which will affect the price.
The cheapest, with a standard sized tub and acrylic shower surround, are sold in kits with prices ranging from about $350 up to around $2,000. The kit includes the tub and the wall system, with panels that fit together.

One-piece sold fiberglass tub/showers are are another option. However, they are large and difficult to maneuver into your home and bathroom. Prices for these begin around $700 and go up to close to $3,000.

The installation price for a shower/tub combo starts around $1,000, not including removing the old unit.

Another option is to replace the bathtub with a regular tub and add tile walls on three sides. [Link to the new article on the cost to tile a shower here]. You’ll get a more custom look this way. You can add a glass shower door or use a shower curtain to cut costs.

Shower Options

When you have a small bathroom, removing the tub and adding a walk-in shower can be a smart move. You can gain extra space for storage or a double vanity if you make the shower smaller than the tub. Or you can design a shower that fills the entire footprint of the tub. A large shower creates an open and airy look the makes the room feel more spacious.

As with tub/shower combos, you can find a pre-made shower stall kit that includes a shower pan, wall panels, and a shower door. Using a prefab shower reduces the cost of installing a walk-in shower. However, the aesthetics of acrylic aren’t to everyone’s taste.

A custom-built tiled shower provides the most options for creating the shower space you want. Tile also lasts for decades, reducing the chances you’ll need to remodel again.

Of all the possibilities, the customized walk-in shower has the most unpredictable price. Standard subway tiles will give you a classic but budget-friendly shower, for example. For a true custom look, you can find expensive designer tiles that cost 40 or 50 times [Link here to Cost to Tile a Shower article] what subway tiles cost and create a unique and pricy shower. It’s up to you.

Many homeowners wait to replace a shower or bathtub until undertaking a major bathroom renovation. One reason is that removing a tub or shower can set off a chain reaction of other work that needs to be done.

For instance, when you remove the old tub or shower, you may find water damage, rotting wood, or mold that needs repair. Additionally, removing the tub can cause damage to the tile floor, so you may have to replace your flooring, too.

And with your shiny new shower, you’ll likely want to update the sink, toilet, and the vanity.
In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association says that projects with a budget of over $4,500 are 20% more likely to include new fixtures (The survey didn’t specify which fixtures, but it’s unlikely cheaper renovations included new tiled showers.)

More expensive remodeling projects are also 70% more likely to include tile than low-budget renovations. (The study included DIY projects, which is why the price range is so much lower than the cost of a professional remodel.)

Installing a new shower can bring new life to your bathroom, but it makes the most sense to do the installation as part of a planned renovation of the entire room. That way, you can fix all the problems at one time and completely overhaul the space.

FacebookTwitterPinterest
  • 1
  • 2