The Cost of Designing a Bathroom
- The average cost for designing and remodeling a bathroom is going to vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Among these factors, and perhaps the most indicative of cost, is the size of the space and the amount of materials and work necessary to complete the remodel. A cosmetic touchup is going to cost significantly less than a job that requires a floor-to-ceiling overhaul. Paint and cabinet hardware are fairly inexpensive pieces, but must-haves like cabinets, flooring and countertops will consume a significant portion of the budget.
- Bathrooms present some problems when it comes to flooring. Some products which work well in other parts of the home will warp, crack or become damaged in the bathroom due to excessive moisture and water exposure. Manufactured hardwoods and ceramic tile are ideal choices, and will withstand these sometimes difficult conditions without problems. Manufactured hardwoods, which come in a wide range of colors, start at approximately $4 per square foot and go as high as $8 per square foot. Ceramic tile runs between $6 and $12 per tile. Concrete, which requires annual resealing to do well in a bathroom, will run between $15 and $18 per square foot, a price which includes a decorative finish.
- Cabinetry in a bathroom can easily consume a good portion of the budget. The most budget-friendly option is to simply re-finish the cabinets that are already in place. This includes painting, staining or pickling the color, and applying a new set of hardware. Standard cabinets, which are significantly less money than custom options, are widely available from home improvement and hardware stores. On average, according to DIY expert Julia Ritzenthaler, a consumer should plan to spend between $75 and $250 per linear foot, and an additional $100 per foot for finishing.
- As with cabinetry, countertop replacement is often a costly prospect. The most inexpensive option during a remodel is to rehab the existing piece; laminates are paintable, and new grout will make a big difference, for example. If these processes are enough, there are a few materials that are more budget friendly than others. Laminate products, including Formica, and ceramic tile, are generally the cheapest options. These products range in price between $10 and $30 per square foot including installation. Concrete and stone, both of which are higher maintenance than laminate or tile, and are more costly to install. Concrete that can be painted, stained or stamped to fit in with the bathroom decor runs around $100 per square foot, while natural stone tiles average about $70 per square foot.