How to Pay Less than the Average Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel
Given the immense popularity of HGTV, DIY Network, and other home improvement television channels, it is no surprise that many individuals now want to take a crack at remodeling their own homes. One of the easiest places to make an excellent return on your investment is the bathroom.
However, the perceived cost of a bathroom overhaul can halt many would-be renovators before they even begin. Before writing off this renovation, check out the average cost of a small bathroom remodel and ways you can save.
Typical Costs of a Bathroom Remodel
There are a lot of factors that go into the typical cost of a bathroom remodel. Some of these include:
- The shape of the bathroom
- The square footage of the bathroom
- If walls or plumbing need to be moved
- The quality of materials used
Remodeling Magazine held their annual reconstruction cost survey and found that a midsize remodel of a 5×7-foot bathroom averages $14,109-$18,864. Upscale bathroom remodels carry higher costs, coming in around $46,865-$59,456. The actual cost of a bathroom remodel can vary widely, as these averages do not take into account location. Depending upon where you live, your final tally could be higher or lower.
Ways to Save Money during a Bathroom Renovation
If that final bill is not to your liking, there are a number of ways to reduce the average cost of a bathroom remodel and make it more budget friendly.
The first place to start is to consider the materials you will be using. While everyone likes the aesthetic of granite countertops and porcelain tiles, they are not the most affordable options.
Consider finding a ceramic look-a-like for your walls and floors. This is an ideal upgrade for individuals that do not want to spend a lot of money but want a new look for their bathroom.
If ceramic tile is not your thing, a fresh coat of paint in a modern color can immediately add character to a room without breaking the bank. Plus, paint color is much easier to swap out than tile if you change your mind in the future.
You can also save quite a bit on your counter tops as well, even if you are dying for real granite. Granite shops usually have left over pieces of granite from previous jobs, and are willing to sell you a small section for your bathroom. Because these pieces are from previous projects, you can often find a quality piece of granite at a major discount as well as negotiate for a better price.
Another easy way to save money is by doing some or all of the labor yourself. This will depend on how handy you are with tools as well as how extensive your remodel is. However, the DIY approach is not for everyone.
How to Shop for an Experienced Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Many individuals shy away from the idea of remodeling their own bathroom, and may want to call in a professional instead. That being said, even hiring a contractor can seem daunting. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start your search online and see what others had to say. Online reviews can help you narrow down your choices.
- Set up interviews with your potential contractors and ask for references. Be sure to follow up on them, as previous clients can provide invaluable insights.
- Get multiple bids, but don’t necessarily gun for the lowest. Cheaper does not always equal better.
You can also consider putting together a small portfolio of bathroom styles to show the contractors so they will know exactly what you are looking for in your remodel. If you need more guidance, download this free resource How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor for more great tips.
