Labor costs alone can make up more than 40% of your total budget when it comes to full bathroom remodeling. This is because bathroom surfaces are subjected to daily use and multiple climate changes. Using sub-par materials could end up costing you more in the long run. If your bathroom walls have a lot of mildew or mold, you may want to consider painting them. Alternatively, you can replace your bathroom fixtures, including the shower and sink.
Wet area remodeling is cheaper than full bathroom remodeling
If you’re looking to update the look of your home, you can do it yourself at a much lower cost by remodeling only the wet areas. These areas are high-traffic areas, so they tend to deteriorate faster than other rooms in your home. While full bathroom remodels might be more expensive, they can also bring in a greater return on investment. In addition, wet area remodels are often easier to carry out and can save you money in the long run.
One of the major benefits of wet area remodeling is its ability to fix specific problems. A bathtub is the centerpiece of any bathroom and will be the first thing visitors notice when entering. It’s also the easiest to update. A shower replacement is a good option if your shower is outdated or stained. A new shower will also add functionality and convenience to your bathroom. As a bonus, wet area remodeling is much cheaper than a full bathroom remodel, so you can focus on a single element while saving on labor costs.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll save money on a full bathroom remodel by focusing on one wet area. With the right materials, you can get a bathroom done for less than half the price of hiring a contractor. Soto recommends using SPC flooring in wet areas, which is easier to install than tile. Another smart way to reduce the cost is to purchase prefabricated shower walls. Make sure to design the space the same way as the rest of your bathroom.
Labor costs can account for up to 40% of the total budget
When it comes to labor costs, the most significant part of a full bathroom remodel is changing the layout. For example, if you’re moving the waste line or replacing the vanity, it will cost an average of $200 to $500 to move the waste line, and it will also require the help of a plumber. These costs can be substantial, with plumbers charging anywhere from $70 to $120 per hour.
While labor costs are unavoidable, there are ways to save money. Consider keeping the layout of the bathroom the same and not moving any plumbing lines or fixtures. Choose products that don’t require a lot of installation labor to save money on your bathroom remodel. You can also save hundreds of dollars by painting rather than replacing it. And finally, removing the old fixtures will save you hundreds of dollars in disposal fees and labor costs.
If you decide to hire a professional, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t complete the project. For instance, if you’re changing the layout of a bathroom or adding a new shower, you’ll have to move plumbing and relocate sockets. Because a plumber will have to move electrical wires, the whole renovation will cost more than you thought it would.
DIY options
If you have a basic carpentry background, you can do some of the work yourself. For example, you can install cabinets and insulate your bathroom. But it is important to be precise and careful when tackling such projects. For example, framing is crucial for bathroom layout. Before starting, discuss the details of the framing with a contractor. If you don’t understand this step, you could give him an excuse for not finishing the job on time.
Investing in a new mirror will update your bathroom’s lighting. Choose one with an LED overhead light to improve the ambiance. Make sure it is the correct size and comes with a hanger bracket. Replace your outdated faucet with a new, sleeker one. Make sure you consider replacing any other fixtures you currently have. Even a few of these can be easily done yourself if you plan to update your bathroom.
Another DIY option for full bathroom remodeling is changing the light fixtures. Try installing a colorful hanging fixture above your shower. The light will reflect throughout the entire room. However, you’ll need to work with the wiring. Alternatively, you can replace the outdated baseboards with new ones. It’s not hard to install new baseboards, but make sure you measure carefully and take accurate measurements. Then, take your measurements to your local hardware store or lumber supply yard. They will cut the necessary molding for you.