Bathroom Remodeling Guide

The budget of the bathroom renovation helps determine the scope of the project.

The bathroom offers an ideal opportunity to add luxury and relaxation while increasing the value of the home. A full renovation allows you to start from scratch with your own design, but changing even a few design elements improves the bathroom. A plan for the bathroom renovation helps you stay on budget and create a cohesive look in the room.

Create Your Budget

The bathroom renovation budget affects what you can do with the space and the materials you use in the project. With a limited budget, you may need to make fewer changes or choose more affordable materials. If you plan to pay for the renovation in cash, determine how much you have available. For those who are borrowing the money, determine the source of the money and how much you qualify for.

Define the Scope

Once you have a budget calculated, you need to determine what you're going to do in the bathroom. Make a list of the fixtures and surfaces you want to change. Decide on the materials you want to use for areas such as the floor, walls and countertop. Allocate portions of the budget to each project on your list. A trip to a home improvement store or specialty bath store gives you an idea of what you will spend on each part of the renovation. Those who plan to hire contractors to complete the work need to include labor costs in the budget. If you are changing the layout of the space, figure in the cost of professionals to rework the bathroom plumbing and electrical.

Consider Long-Term

Your current bathroom plans should also take into consideration possible changes in the future. A bathroom is a major room in the home that buyers look at when considering a home. If you plan to move anytime soon, choose details and materials that are appealing to a wide range of buyers. Choosing a highly specific material may make it more difficult to sell your home. Your family's changing needs are also a consideration. Couples who may have children in a few years might prefer a tub in the bathroom for easier bathing of children. An aging couple may need a shower seat, safety bars and enough space to accommodate a wheelchair in case health declines in the near future.

Include Splurges

The budget may not allow a glass-tiled shower, separate tub, marble floors, high-end fixtures and granite countertops, but some splurges allow you to create luxury on a budget. Choose a few items off your dream list to incorporate. For example, you might choose to tile the shower area with ceramic tile but include a band of glass tiles around the middle. You get a splash of your glass times while saving money on the ceramic portion.

References

• ConsumerReports.org; Bathroom Makeovers: Relaxing Retreats for Less; January 2008
• The Family Handyman; How to Remodel a Small Bathroom; February 2001