Page Bathrooms

What Bathroom Renovations Really Costs

Renovating your bathroom may sound like a simple do-it-yourself project, but can easily come with some unforeseen costs. Bathroom renovations can be one of the best investments you can make in your home, but before you get started, you’ll need a well-informed budget of the cost of each bathroom component. Here’s what you should plan for.

Construction

 

  • Plumbing and Electrical – You may be able to get away with a simple renovation if you’ve got some handyman know-how, but some aspects of your project will require the licensure and expertise of a certified tradesman. Our research shows that most licensed trade work costs approximately $70-$120 per hour, with more complex installations like pot lights costing an additional $250 per light. Expect to spend about $4,000 on all plumbing and electrical work.
  • General Labor – The cost of basic labor can vary greatly from contractor to contractor, so be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price possible – without sacrificing quality, of course. In general, labor and painting costs are calculated by the square foot, so it’s a good idea to take measurements of your bathroom before beginning. On average, $1,000-$2,000 is a reasonable estimate for a midsized bathroom.
  • Demolition and Disposal – Before you begin tearing down any walls, you’ll want to make sure you’re not destroying any load-bearing structures, and that the material inside the wall isn’t hazardous. If you encounter any asbestos whatsoever, be sure to contact a professional with the proper skill set to dispose of it safely. Between the cost of demolition labor and removal, plan to set aside roughly $1,500 safely.

Aesthetics

 

  • Vanity – The vanity houses the sink, faucet, and any items you plan to store, and sets the tone for the look of the rest of your bathroom. Custom vanities can cost $2,000 or more excluding installation (which costs $300-$600), while standard vanities typically range from $500-$1,500.
  • Countertops – The material of choice for most countertops is stone, and the price varies based on the quality, cut, and thickness of the material. We’ve found that most engineered stone, quartz and granite countertops cost $75-$80/sq.ft including installation, while higher-end materials like marble can range from $100-$200/sq.ft. Although a less common option, some customers have chosen wood as a countertop material with beautiful results. Wood can also be a more economical material, with prices ranging from $30-$150/sq.ft after installation. Wood can hold moisture, though, so make sure your countertops are properly sealed before going this route.
  • Tiling – Porcelain, ceramic, and marble are the primary tile materials most customers choose, with ceramic being the least expensive. Porcelain tiles are more durable and are easier to clean, so although they cost an average of $5-$10/sq.ft, they can be a better investment long-term. Our experts have found that perfectly good porcelain tiles can sometimes be found on sale for $1/sq.ft, so be sure to check the clearance section for the best possible value. Marble mosaic designs are available as a luxurious alternative, but the cost depends largely on the intricacy of the pattern design and can range anywhere from $10-$100/sq.ft.

All totaled, we’ve found that the average cost of bathroom renovations are approximately $13,393 for a midsized bathroom. Of course, the price tag of bathroom renovations could vary significantly based on location and bathroom size, so check out our cost estimation table for a more precise estimate. Of course, the biggest factor for your renovation is just how extravagant you’d like your bathroom makeover to be, so whether you have a vision for your new bathroom or would like to develop one, browse our website for idea on bathroom renovations and let us help you turn your dream bathroom into a reality!  To get in touch, give us a call today at (613) 727-9427.

How to Save Money on a Bathroom Renovation

Is your bathroom in need of an overhaul? Before you jump into a reno and pour money down the drain, read below to learn how you can save money on a bathroom renovation by being strategic with some cost-saving measures.

 

Refinish Rather than Replace


If your tub, vanity, plumbing fixtures or shower are looking a little rough, consider whether they can be refinished rather than replacing them entirely. If they’re simply looking rough but still operate just fine, restoring and reviving them will save a lot more money than swapping them out for something new. You can find many handy products today that make this process much easier. For example, if the bathtub is in need of attention, there’s a special coating that will spruce it back up in no time. This will also help make your reno more environmentally friendly as you’ll avoid placing old fixtures into a landfill.

 

Don’t Alter the Layout


Bathroom renos can quickly stretch your budget if you’re not careful. One way to trim added expenses is by keeping the layout the same. If you want more bathroom space, consider the cost-benefit and whether it’s really worth it. Moving the pipes and the toilet or resizing the room will hike up the cost dramatically. Always weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

 

Don’t Touch Load Bearing Walls


Load-bearing walls are what keep the floors secure and safe above. That’s why moving them is a massive job that comes with a hefty price. Talk to your contractor about moving non-load bearing walls if needed to moderate the cost instead.

 

Opt for a Prefab Shower


One of the most costly projects for bathroom renovations is tearing out the shower and installing a custom tiled design. Instead of going this route, you could opt for a
prefab one-piece shower stall. These can be installed in hours, making the labour less intense and less expensive. They also look great!

 

Don’t Go Crazy with a New Toilet


If your current toilet is an old water waster, it makes sense to upgrade to a modern water-saving one. But toilets can also become quite costly if you get swept up in the myriad of fancy features. They don’t need to be fancy to do what they’re designed to do. So look for a quality toilet that’s well made and offers low-flush options, but avoid the excessive features if you’re looking to save.

Renosgroup.ca has you covered for all of your home renovation needs. When it’s time to renovate the bathroom, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes

Bathrooms seem like they should be a pretty easy renovation project. How hard can it be to update a 6”x6” room? The project seems so simple, it’s tempting to hire the cheapest guy in the phone book or even try your hand at a weekend DIY project.  These assumptions are all wrong. When you factor in important components like plumbing and lighting, not to mention the intricate work of laying tiles, even a small powder room can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, with a plan in place and the help of the pros at RenosGroup.ca, you will be avoiding major bathroom remodelling mistakes

Mistake: Not having a clear plan in place

You can’t make up a renovation as you go along! Demolish the old room one day, maybe pick up some fixtures once you’ve saved up enough funds, install the shower surround when you have the time…that’s no way to go about a bathroom renovation. You also can’t buy a supply of ceramic floor tiles only to decide partway through that you prefer the look of slate.

Solution: Make a detailed plan in advance – and stick to it

You can dream about your ideal bathroom design and materials for years, and sketch out as many layouts as you wish. But once you settle on it, stick with it. A detailed plan that includes everything from the tools and materials you need (and their cost) to a projected timeline will ensure that your bathroom remodel process goes smoothly.

Mistake: Failing to Budget

Close your eyes and picture your dream bathroom. Stunning marble flooring, a luxurious soaker tub, an eye-catching natural wood accent wall, maybe even a high-tech automated shower system. Now calculate how much this costs? If your budget calls for a “beer” bathroom and you’ve got “champagne” tastes, you need to re-evaluate.

Solution: Budget Honestly

Calculate the estimated cost of your budget, including materials, tools, and labour. When in down, overshoot on costs. Don’t forget to add wiggle room for things like broken tiles or the supplier delivering the wrong sized counter top. You’ll enjoy relief when you come in under budget, whereas coming over budget can range from minor stress to major financial disaster.

Mistake: Going it Alone

It doesn’t matter how many hours of HGTV you watch – you are not a professional bathroom renovator. If you’re lucky, maybe you just do a sloppy job with the paint and reverse the hot/cold taps by accident. If you’re unlucky, maybe you burst a pipe or heaven forbid electrocute yourself. It’s not worth it.

Solution: Choose RenosGroup.ca

Don’t cut corners with your bathroom remodel project. From the earliest stages of imagining the layout to estimating costs through to completion, RenosGroup.ca will handle the project with professionalism and care.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth Following a Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms are a common place for mold and mildew to thrive in. With all of the constant moisture and hot steam being produced from the shower, it can begin to grow along the ceiling, walls or shower area, causing potential harm to the structure of the bathroom and to your health.  That’s why it’s necessary to take some preventative measures after you’ve renovated to avoid dealing with any harmful spores. Follow these tips on how to prevent mold and mildew growth, following a bathroom renovation.

Good Ventilation is a Must

Since the bathroom is the dampest room in your home, it’s where mold and mildew are most likely to develop, which can end up damaging your grout, wood and other items. It can also lead to allergies and respiratory problems. So one of the most important things to include in your bathroom renovation is a good ventilation system that can remove the moisture and steam fast. You should also encourage your family members to crack open a window after each shower.

How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth Following a Bathroom Renovation

Avoid Using Textiles

Although most bathroom designs don’t include textiles like carpeting, you may want to avoid using them also for the shower curtain, wallpaper and anything similar that mold spores can latch onto and grow on. With the moisture and heat, certain fabrics and materials are not suitable to include in the décor, so make sure you’re careful about what you place in there.

Don’t Cheap Out of the Fixtures

When it comes to the fixtures and plumbing, it can be easy to go with the cheapest options. But keep in mind that sometimes spending a little more now can save you from spending a lot more later. Upgrading your plumbing and fixtures can help you steer clear of dealing with cracks and leaks, which will add more moisture and potential mold growth into your bathroom.

Use Mold & Mildew-Resistant Materials

Being preventative is always a smart move to avoid costly and hazardous situations in the future. You can use materials that are resistant to mold and mildew, such as paint, flooring and other specific treatments that can be applied to surfaces.

If you’ve just realized how susceptible your bathroom is to these spores, you can prevent mold and mildew growth after a bathroom renovation by implementing some of these important steps. Or you can contact us, or call at (613)727-9427 to take care of your reno for you so that you don’t have to worry!

Scroll to top