Total Bathroom Renovations

The right bathroom upgrades can bring style and function to the most important room in your home. Professional services offer peace of mind, a faster renovation timeline and quality results.

Cosmetic renovations generally do not require permits, but more extensive changes like moving a toilet or rerouting plumbing will. This phase includes architectural development, total design planning and civil and estimating work.

Tilework

Tilework takes a bathroom’s aesthetic to the next level. It offers durability, easy cleaning and a high quality/price ratio. It’s no wonder so many homeowners choose to invest in tiling during a full bathroom remodel.

The cost of tiles depends on the size of the space and varies between budget and luxury finishes. Budget materials, like vinyl or porcelain tiles, can run up to $1 per square foot. Luxury finishes, like marble or granite tiles, are typically more expensive.

Contractors also charge labor costs for installation. It’s important to factor these into your budget, and you should also consider the price of local construction permits — the exact amount will depend on your city or state’s laws. If you’re doing a total bathroom renovation, it’s best to work with a licensed professional that can handle the process from start to finish. They can help you land a building permit and source the right materials for your project.

Plumbing

A bathroom renovation is an ideal time to install new plumbing. This will avoid the inconvenience and costs of a plumbing issue popping up at a later date.

During a bathroom remodel, plumbers will assess the existing plumbing and determine what can be reused and what needs to be replaced. This includes the pipes that carry hot and cold water to fixtures, drains, vents and toilets. Plumbers will also add drain traps and ensure that the slope of waste drain lines is adequate.

Some home improvement experts recommend insulating these pipes as part of a bathroom remodel to help reduce energy bills. This will not only save on utility bills, but it may reduce the risk of costly future repairs and clogs.

Lighting

Lighting in a bathroom is not something that is often given as much attention as it deserves, but having the right amount of lighting can make or break the look and function of a bath. This can include decorative lighting to set the mood and sconces, as well as general light in the form of ceiling fixtures or even a pendant lamp.

Natural lighting is also important in a bathroom, so adding windows is a great idea. Frosted window films can provide a happy medium for privacy and light.

A good bathroom remodel requires planning and coordinating the work of multiple contractors. For a bigger project, it can take up to three months or more to complete. Keep in mind that permits and inspections may be required, especially if you are renovating during a busy time. This can lead to delays as materials are backordered and workers are scheduled. This is why a well-planned schedule and a backup bathroom are important.

Furnishings

Bathroom remodels often involve a lot of small fixtures, including the toilet. It can be tempting to DIY this low-risk project yourself, but you’re better off hiring a professional to handle rerouting plumbing and electrical wiring or installing a new toilet, which requires detailed knowledge of sizing and installation.

Local labor costs play a huge role in total bathroom renovations, and where you live can make a big difference in material prices. Additionally, construction permits typically cost between $100 and $1,000 depending on your location.

Some remodels require permitting, inspections and demolition, which can add a few months to your timeline. Building during periods of high demand for materials can also mean crucial fixtures get backordered, causing delays and additional expenses. Plan your timeline carefully and consider scheduling projects in stages if possible, as well as purchasing materials during sales to reduce costs. And always have an alternate bathroom available to use during the build.