Home improvement dollars are well spent in your kitchen or bathroom, and there are bathroom remodeling projects to match any budget. So, if you are dreaming of remodeling a bathroom, develop a plan that incorporates function, style and cost.
Begin your bathroom remodeling project by considering how you and your family will utilize the new bathroom. Some bathroom remodeling projects put style before function. For instance, if you don’t take long, soaking baths then a jetted tub may not be the best option for a functional bathroom. Additionally, make a list of those items or products that would be most used to maximize your newly remodeled bathroom. Do you want a seat, grab bars, handheld shower, rain shower, or a specialized tile design? All of these are great options but consider if you or your family members utilize them on a regular basis. If the budget allows new shower and vanity faucets only purchase those name brands that offer a lifetime guaranty. Moen and Delta are two of the most common brands and for good reason – they perform consistently well and offer a lifetime guaranty.
Next on your project list should be identifying not only your style but your home’s style. You can introduce a slightly different style in your bathroom from the overall style of your home or you can remain consistent with the general style of your home. When you are thinking about tile, vanity and fixture options, keep your budget in mind. Choose those items that compliment the entire style of the house but still allow you to express your individual style too. Also, the cost per square foot for ceramic or porcelain tile can vary greatly but understand that one tile is no better than the other. The big differences between ceramic and porcelain tile is in color and surface texture. The ultimate beauty in ceramic or porcelain tile will be in the installation. Proper installation will showcase your bathroom’s beauty and highlight style as well as functionality. However, if the tile is not installed correctly and has uneven corners and inconsistent grout lines, you will be dissatisfied regardless of cost. Other tile types include mosaic tiles. These tiles come in many colors and finishes from glass to metal to natural stone. When working with tile, you can incorporate different size tiles into the overall design of your shower, tub and floor. Make sure that the tiles you use share complimentary colors and textures. As a general recommendation, with an overall bathroom floor area of less than 60 square feet, use 12-inch or smaller floor tiles. Always maintain a consistent pattern when laying out tile, and follow the same pattern and design throughout the room.
According to a recent article published by Bankrate.com the average cost for a bathroom remodeling project is between $5,000 and $30,000. There are four separate price points to consider in a bathroom renovation project: tile selection, faucet selection, vanity and accessories and labor costs. Tile costs can range from $1 to $30 per square foot. Remember that the cost per square foot does not equate to better quality. Faucet selection is important because you only want to purchase these items once. You want to purchase faucets that will provide years of use and give you peace of mind for the future. On the other hand, choosing less expensive faucets may lead to frequent replacement and issues with their use. As previously mentioned Moen and Delta are two product lines that have the widest selection of style and function available in a wide range of prices. The cost of a new vanity will depend upon the style, size and counter top. Vanity pricing can range from $300 to $5,000 or higher. Labor costs can be a sizeable portion of your renovation budget, so choose the best contractor possible for the job. For instance, hire a contractor that specializes in bathrooms and can provide detailed information and design experience.
Proper installation will bring out the beauty of your style and material selections, and it can be very expensive to correct improper installation of tile and faucets. The average labor cost of a bathroom renovation will range between 30-50% of the total project cost depending upon the complexity of the tile pattern desired and other accessories chosen. Make sure that all installation details are clearly outlined and detailed in the contractor’s proposal or contract. Remember that the ultimate goal is a finished product that results in your dream bathroom. 
By Patrick Dorsch, Owner
Total Bathroom Solutions
