Styles come and go, but if your bathroom looks like a blast from the past, it might be time for a change.

A bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but don’t let that fool you. Upgrading can be costly. The average cost is around $10,000, depending on the size of the room, fixtures, materials, and how much of a change you plan on making .

Knowing what you want ahead of time and using good, clear communication with your contractor will save your sanity—and your budget. Luckily, “the return on investment for remodeling a bathroom is quite high—up to 80 percent—making it a great way to improve your home and its value”, according to Fidelity.com. (2018)

How much of a remodel are you aiming for?

Remodeling a bathroom can mean many things. Talk it out. You may be thinking of painting the walls and replacing a few fixtures and countertops, but your spouse may want to redo everything from the tub to the tile. It’s important to be be on the same page from the start. What you plan to replace will bear heavily on the overall cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay for some low – midrange bathroom fixtures:

  • Toilet: $150-300
  • Sink: $40-200
  • Bathtub: $250-800
  • Vanity: $129-800

If you’re trying to keep costs down, remember that you don’t have to do a complete remodel at once. You can make some changes now and others in the future. But be sure to discuss these plans with your contractor. They can tell you which changes should be made simultaneously, saving you money. For example, large changes such as replacing tile and a bathtub usually make sense to do at the same time. You don’t want to have to demo something that you just installed 9 months ago. There’s no savings in that!

Determining costs

Once you’ve decided which fixtures to replace, you’ll need to select new ones. With any fixture, you’ll have a wealth of options, from basic to high end. The difference in cost can be dramatic. For example, a basic toilet averages $130, while some high end toilets go for up to $780. Likewise, a shower can cost anywhere from $450 to $10,000 or more.

The difference in cost is determined by style and material and whether a fixture will need to be built custom for your bathroom. Make sure your contractor knows the price range you’re comfortable with ahead of time. And whatever your budget, be sure to choose fixtures that will work well together—or with what’s already there.

Layout

Many homeowners want to remodel a bathroom to make it larger and more functional. You may even want to convert a half-bath to a full bath. If you plan to expand or rearrange your bathroom, your contractor may need to change the plumbing and the electrical wiring, which will increase costs, and may require permits. This can be both costly and time consuming. Whenever possible, aim to keep fixtures in the same location.

Labor

If you’re planning a full remodel, you’ll likely need to hire a residential contractor, like Nexgen Contractors. No matter who you choose, be sure to ask exactly what their fees cover. Ask if they are insured for workers compensation and general liability and licensed in your state and county or city. Ask for references and follow up. Check out their BBB rating. Completely remodeling a bathroom can be costly, so make sure your investment pays off.