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Budgeting and Planning for a Bathroom Renovation: We Show You the Money

Bathroom Renovation Costs

bathroom renovation: budget and planningIn terms of valuation, a bathroom renovation is essential given that the bathroom is the second most influential room in your house. That means upgrading or re-modelling it to maintain a contemporary look can really pay-off– not just when it comes to selling your home but also for the day-to-day pleasures of using it. Whether renovating a bathroom yourself or having a professional do it for you, planning and budgeting are of absolutely fundamental importance. Here’s a by-the-numbers guide to get you started (price-ranges are dependent on materials, your location, cost of labor and the scope of your project):

What to expect for your bathroom renovation budget.

Figuring out how much you spend is the obvious first step and here’s what you can expect for your money.

The basic: $3000 (DIY) to $12,000: You probably won’t be able to move any plumbing or fixtures but you should be able to replace lighting and fixtures with big-box, off-the-shelf products, which–due to their lesser quality–may need repair or replacement in 5-7 years. You’ll want low-end granite countertops that can be offset with creative backsplashes to look more high-end. You won’t be able to tile the entire bathroom, but you could use ceramic tile in the shower/bathtub area. Except for backsplashes, the walls would probably be painted and cabinets could be replaced with off-the-shelf renditions or old ones could be replenished with paint. You can splurge on accessories to draw eyes away from run-of-the-mill cabinets or tile.

The mid range: $10,000 to $35, 000: At this range, you’ll be able to move some plumbing (but not the toilet) and get modern, efficient, low-flow fixtures with good quality internal parts. You might even be able to change the bathtub size (space allowing). Ceramic tiles are a good bet for walls, floors, shower and tub areas: they’ve come a long way in the last few years and–depending on the type you choose–they’re all but indistinguishable from natural stone, at least to the casual eye. Countertops can be a custom or remnant marble, granite or quartz with borders and accent tiles. You’ll be able to install better quality fixtures that have brass or bronze cores which last much longer than coated plastic. A frameless glass jetted shower enclosure is possible but  remember that you can easily blow $10,000 on just this part of the bathroom!

Movin’ on Up: $30,000 – $100,000: At this level, you’ll be doing a full gut, so you can put everything exactly where you want it, knocking out walls into an adjacent room to make the bathroom bigger or maybe even adding a sauna if there’s space. Custom cabinets can be solid wood with exquisite finishes, detailed trim and moulding. Lighting and beautiful accent pieces can be added. Plumbing fixtures will be high-end and options like heated flooring and steam showers abound. Walls, showers and floors can be natural marble, granite or limestone—which are more difficult to cut and require more maintenance, but have a singularly unique character and look.

Where to put your bathroom renovation money

No matter what you budget, according to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association you’ll want to divide up your cost along these lines:

  • Design costs: 4%
  • Walls and ceilings: 5%
  • Lighting and ventilation: 5%
  • Fixtures: 15%
  • Cabinetry and hardware: 16%
  • Countertops: 7%
  • Flooring: 9%
  • Installation expenses: 20%
  • Doors and windows: 4%
  • Faucets and plumbing: 14%
  • Other: 1%

You should also remember to allow an additional 10-20% for unseen costs (like water damage etc.) that might arise along the way.

When to do your bathroom renovation

It’s possible to do your bathroom renovation anytime, but a common time to start is during winter or spring. Remember, you’ll need a back-up place to do your business and perform ablutions.

How long a bathroom renovation will take

Planning, researching, figuring out your budget and picking out materials often takes at least a couple of months and its not uncommon to go on for up to 6 months. Construction usually takes three to eight weeks, depending on the scope of your project.

Where to go from here with your bathroom renovation

You should begin by determining which of the three levels of renovation your remodels falls into. Then, begin looking at what other people have done by looking at pictures. That way, you’ll be able to firm-up what style, materials, features and amenities you’d like. Don’t take the planning too far, though: get together with a professional designer after you’ve decided on the basics because they can quickly assess your budget and goals and use their experience and expertise to guide you toward what’s best for you.

For your free bathroom quotation, email info@bellconinteriors.ca or call us at 416.420.6648.

Budgeting and Planning for a Kitchen Renovation: We Show You the Money

Kitchen Renovation Costs

kitchen renovationThe kitchen is probably the most important room in your house—from both a functional and financial point of view. A kitchen renovation typically returns 50-80% of your investment in the form of increased home value and can add years of enjoyment for anyone that likes to cook, eat or just hang out and admire the countertops. After you’ve decided what you want out of your kitchen—how it looks and functions–its time to consider budgeting. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for your money:

What to expect for your kitchen renovation budget.

Small/Condo Kitchens- $10,000-$20,000: You probably won’t be able to do many structural changes to the kitchen and you may need to do a lot of the work yourself. You’ll be able to update to LED lighting (perhaps under-counter) or pot lights and replace faucets with low-flow models. Instead of replacing cabinets, you can increase kitchen storage efficiency by installing roll-out trays, lazy susans, pull-out shelving and other tiered racking systems. Instead of replacing counter-tops, contractors could install counter extensions that pull out or flip down when you need that extra space for food prep. You could probably replace one or two appliances with more efficient models, just don’t expect that they’ll be super-snazzy top of line stainless steel.

Small/Medium Kitchens- $20,000-$30,000: In this range you’ll still have to do a little of the work yourself and call in the contractors for the bigger stuff. You should be able to upgrade your kitchen sink and faucet, add a tile backsplash and replace your countertops with vinyl, laminate or tile. You could re-face or refinish your cabinets or replace them with big-box stock units and you can paint your walls and ceilings. Appliances can be upgraded and new energy efficient lighting could be installed under-cabinet or in the ceiling.

Medium + Kitchens- $30,000 to $50,000: You’ll be able to leave more work to the professionals. You should be able to re-face or re-finish existing cabinets or install some new semi-custom cabinets. If your willing to compromise in other areas, you might be able to replace countertops with higher-quality materials such as wood, Corian, Formica, metal or stone. Again, if you’re willing to compromise somewhere else, a new kitchen island could be installed. New recessed lighting may be installed and some new electrical work could be done. Walls and ceilings could be painted, flooring may be replaced and appliances could be updated to lower-high-end models.

Larger Kitchens and Complete Re-models- $50,000-$120,000: When you spend upwards of $50,000 on a kitchen, you really should consult with a kitchen designer but you’ll be able to do pretty much anything you want, within reason. You’ll be able knock out walls, re-arrange plumbing and electrical and install the highest-end EnergyStar appliances and faucets. Natural stone countertops and high end hardwood flooring can complement custom cabinetry with exotic finishes. Modern overhead and under-cabinet lighting are also good options, along with pot-fillers, second stoves, wet bars, super-sleek exhaust fans and marble-topped kitchen islands with stools.

Where to put your kitchen renovation money

No matter what you budget, according to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association you’ll want to divide up your cost along these lines:

  • Design fees: 4%
  • Walls & Ceilings: 5%
  • Doors & Windows: 4%
  • Lighting: 5%
  • Appliances & Ventilation: 14%
  • Countertops: 10%
  • Cabinetry & Hardware: 29%
  • Faucets & Plumbing: 4%
  • Flooring: 7%
  • Installation: 17%
  • Other: 1%

Where to Go from Here with your kitchen renovation

Spend a few months thinking about what you want from a kitchen and look at plenty of pictures of what others have done. Decide on a budget level that’s right for you that includes an assessment of your ability to perform some of the work yourself. For all but the smallest renovations, be sure to consult a kitchen design expert. Professional designers have the connections, experience and examples and can make time-and-money saving suggestions that fit in with your plan so you don’t spend needlessly, while still delivering a gorgeous kitchen you’ll be thrilled with.