Bathroom remodel costs and financing options

Bathroom remodel product ideas

Bathroom remodeling products range from simple items that will make your bathroom more convenient or attractive, to more expensive amenities.

• Fan: You’ll want to protect and preserve any of the upgrades you make. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a powerful fan with minimal noise that can draw humidity and moisture out of the room before it seeps into walls and cabinets.
• Paint: Fresh paint can cover problems such as stains and dated colors. Look for washable paint specially formulated for bathroom use. Moisture can bead up on painted bathroom walls and leach out paint components, leaving yellowing drips and streaks.
• Plumbing: Unless an inspection identifies problems, your basic water supply and waste lines should be adequate for new replacement products. However, you may need to make modifications for tankless water heaters, shower steam installations or heated floors. If your water heater is due for replacement, consider doing it as part of the remodel project to avoid further disruption with a later install. You may save site prep and service call costs too.
• Vanity, countertop, and basin: The vanity is a major focal point as you enter the bathroom. Make it functional and attractive with plenty of workspace and an eye-catching countertop. Granite has become popular because it delivers a luxurious look at a reasonably low price if you purchase a low-grade product. Replace the basin if it has any stains or chips, or doesn’t match the desired room decor.
• Fixtures and hardware: Shiny chrome fixtures for faucets, lights, drawer pulls, towel racks and other items catch the eye, but make a bathroom look dated. Oil rubbed bronze and brass are popular modern options. You should also coordinate all the fixtures to match.
• Shower or bathtub: While choosing between a shower and bathtub is a personal preference, think about the long-term impact of your decision. Home buyers may expect every bathroom to have a tub with a shower head, not just a standalone shower. The exception is a luxury master walk-in shower if a bathtub is available in another room. If you have a bathtub, consider installing attractive tiles around the existing tub. You can also install a single unit shower and tub surround at a low cost. Shower rods and curtains over sliding glass doors attached to the tub are a good idea, especially in bathrooms for bathing children. Finally, think carefully about how high to install the shower head. A below-standard-height installation may work for you, but it may become an issue if you sell your home in the future.
• Toilet: Even if you don’t need a new toilet, consider replacing what you have with an eco-friendly, low-flow model to match your decor. Reduced water usage could save you money.
• Bidet: Some consider a bidet a luxury item worth installing, while others see it as a mysterious bit of bathroom furniture, or even an eyesore. If you expect to use a bidet daily, install it. If not, save the money and space for something else. If you install a bidet, you may incur additional costs for removal if you sell your home.
• Accessibility items: Many modern bathrooms have items to enhance accessibility, such as hand-held shower heads, a shower seat, curbless shower entry and non-slip tub or shower surfaces. These features are helpful for older people and those with mobility issues, but they can also be valuable for any family member. Plan a bathroom that can accommodate for mobility and accessibility restraints as you grow older. For example, you may not need bars for your shower or tub now, but you should select a design that will allow you to add them later.
• Flooring: Nonslip flooring is an important feature for a bathroom where water can create a slippery surface. Consider replacing old linoleum or other surfaces with tiles. If this is a do-it-yourself project, account for the extra height tiles will provide. If you don’t, and you reinstall the toilet, you may end up with a major leak. For cost savings, use basic tiles and choose a few tiles with a more expensive pattern to use as an accent.
• Lights and electrical items: You probably have an electrical outlet near the sink for a razor and hairdryer. Add a few more outlets for devices such as phones, laptops, notebook computers, and speakers. Install adjustable light fixtures that allow bright lighting for makeup application and dimmed lighting for a relaxing bath. Also, consider a Wi-Fi enabled sound system, intercom or even a TV.
• Steam, spa or sauna: What could be better at the end of a long workday than a relaxing steam or spa shower in your private luxury bathroom?
• Finishing touches: Include enough money in your budget to make your finished bathroom pop. While the remodeling work is underway, do some shopping. Get rid of fraying bath towels and soap slivers and invest in new coordinated bath linens, with backup sets for laundry day. Candles, soaps, flowers or plants, floor mats, trash cans, laundry hampers, wall hangings and decorative pottery will complete the look. Find these items at discount department and home goods stores, through mail order, or at luxury bath stores.

Once you’ve got an idea of what features you’d like to include in your bathroom remodel, search for products and services on the internet to get a sense of pricing.

There is no one-size-fits-all price tag for completing a bathroom remodel – your total project cost will depend on the design and functionality choices you make. Find competitive pricing by comparing what different sellers offer.

When you put together an estimate for your project, you can budget and explore financing options with a better understanding of what you may have to spend.

Financing options for bathroom remodels

When funding your bathroom remodel, you may have several financing options available to you. Here are a few popular choices:

1. Savings: Using  your personal savings may be the least expensive option and help you avoid interest charges, loans, or credit card debt.
2. Home equity loan: A home equity loan allows you to borrow money against the equity in your home These loans typically have fixed interest rates and minimum limits where you have to borrow at least a certain amount based on your lender’s requirements. While a great resource for funding home improvement projects, remember that home equity loans are secured using your home as collateral. If you can’t make regular payments on the loan, you may risk foreclosure.
3. Personal loans: Personal loans are unsecured loans that you can use for home renovation projects. They typically offer a fixed interest rate and a fixed repayment term. While personal loans typically have higher interest rates than home equity loans, they may be a good option if you don’t want to borrow money from your home’s equity.
4. Credit cards: Credit cards can finance a bathroom remodel — especially smaller projects. However, if you use a credit card to make purchases, be mindful of high interest rates and try to avoid carrying a balance for an extended period.

Your bathroom remodel: functional, luxurious, or a bit of both?

As you plan how to remodel your bathroom , think about the specific needs and wants of the people who will be using this space now and in the future.

An adult working couple sharing a bathroom may need functionality, such as:

• More space
• Double sinks for getting ready for work simultaneously
• Privacy door for toilet area
• In-room linen cabinet
• Accommodations for accessibility issues

Alternatively, homeowners may want more luxury, such as:

• Additional space so the bathroom fits in with a large primary suite
• A larger shower size
• Walk-in shower with in-home steam or spa capabilities
• Updated bathtub or bathtub removal to provide more shower space
• Heated floor
• Fashionable fixtures
• Mood lighting
• Electronics – sound system, intercom or TV

Fixing up a guest bathroom, or a Jack-and-Jill shared space, for multiple kids can offer additional fun and functional opportunities:

• Multiple sinks to encourage space sharing
• Separate toilet enclosure for privacy
• Tub and shower combination in the kids’ bathroom
• Lots of color through accents rather than permanent fixtures and features
• Additional closet space for linens and supplies

You can design your finished bathroom to look like a showroom, but remember, it will get regular daily use. Design your bathroom for your personal needs and wants, not what you think is trendy when it comes to resale appeal.

Before you move ahead with your remodel, clean and inspect your bathroom. Now is the time to check for any structural damage, such as rot or mold in floors and walls, especially in areas close to water supply DISCO or collection points. Make all necessary repairs before installing new features so you won’t have to rip apart your new bathroom if problems occur later. 

Ideally, you’ll have an alternate bathroom to use during the remodel so you can continue living in your home, even if there are any delays or unexpected problems.

Closing thoughts: Bathroom remodel costs

As you’re working on a plan for remodeling your bathroom, know how you’re going to pay for the project. Your remodel strategy should include a detailed budget based on realistic estimates of installation costs and other expenses.