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bathroom remodel budget

Everything you need to budget for before embarking on your bathroom remodel

You’ve just installed the crown jewel of your bathroom, the bathtub. But it cost you a little bit more than anticipated, so you cut back on the floor with tiling you feel “meh” about. But, you don’t love the flooring and hate it just a little bit more every day after it’s installed. How do you avoid this nightmare? With the proper amount of budgeting and planning.

Let’s take a look at how to budget for a bathroom renovation with no compromises.

How Much Should I Budget For?

In 2018 the average bathroom remodeling costs $25,922 in New York and $22,267 in New Jersey, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Versus Value Report.

The problem with that number is it doesn’t tell you how many people expected to pay $22,000, but went over budget by more than $3,000.00.

The main issue with the traditional bathroom renovation project is that it’s actually several little projects combining to create one deceptively big project. Every element, from the floor to the light fixtures, has the potential to come with hidden or “surprise” costs from each individual vendor or contractor.

What Factors into My Budget?

Here is a breakdown of those many smaller costs that can really add up in a hurry.

Bathtub: You should budget $2,500 – $4,000

This is a big one. As we’ve mentioned, this will likely be the centerpiece for the entire room. It may also be the happy place you think about when you’re stuck at work or on the subway.

Shower: You should budget $3,000 – $5,000

Like your bathtub, this will also double as your own private spa. You’ll spend a lot of time here, so make sure you love it.

Vanity: You should budget $2,000 – $7,000

Your vanity is one of the more visible parts of your remodel, but also potentially one of the complicated elements to install. A custom vanity could require custom plumbing to adjust for the sink placement which often changes installation costs. Out-of-the-box solutions may be easier to install, but rarely hold a candle to designer options.

Sink: You should budget $1,500 – $2,500

Your sink has to tie the look of the entire countertop space together, yet still be functional enough to be used when you feel your most rushed and least patient: every single morning.

Flooring: You should budget $2,500 – $3,500

Your floor anchors the entire room’s aesthetic appeal because it will cover the most area of the bathroom. Choose something that you love today and will continue to love for years to come.

Lighting fixture: You should budget $1,000 – $2,000

This is another cost that may surprise first-time renovators. Your lighting fixtures are crucial and you should budget a couple thousand dollars for them.

Toilet: You should budget $350 – $500

This isn’t the most glamorous part of your bathroom, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be super cool. You can choose something that looks very high-end for under $500.

Before you begin any project, think about budgeting from both ends. Think about how much you’d like to spend in total and how much you think the bathroom you really want might cost if you added up all of the costs above. Focus on elements that really matter to you, and talk to your contractor about where the costs really add up.