Maryland and DC Master Bath Remodels: Where Does the Money Go?
One of the most costly and labor-intensive remodeling jobs in any home is the master bath. Bathrooms have a lot of needs and complexities, such as plumbing, moisture control, and electrical, not to mention the bathroom design itself.
With all these variables in mind, it’s easy to understand why the costs add up so quickly. And yet, a bathroom remodel delivers a great deal of value, both in terms of your daily living, and the resale value of the home.
Bathroom Remodeling Costs: Labor and Materials
Some of the items you will tend to spend more money on in a master bathroom remodel might include flooring, tile, countertops, cabinetry, shower surrounds, and fixtures. While many of these selections are similar to what you would have to choose for a kitchen remodel, you don’t have the extra expense of appliances or extensive cabinetry.
Where it becomes a little more tedious is when it comes to ripping out old tile, features, and amenities, and installing new ones.
In general, the split between labor and materials in a master bathroom remodel is 60 to 70 percent for labor, and 30 to 40 percent for finished materials. Of course, these numbers vary significantly from project to project. It all depends on the features and selections you choose and the complexity of the overall design.
Tile, Design, and Plumbing: Cost Concerns
The aspects of a bathroom remodel that will make the greatest difference to the overall cost are tile, plumbing, and the design itself.
For example, if we are moving the toilet, bath, or shower, and we have to relocate plumbing, this approach will add a lot to the cost. A professional plumber will need to be called in to do the work, resulting in a substantial increase in the cost of the job.
Additionally, you need to be prepared to meet any unforeseen challenges as a result of rerouting the plumbing. In older houses, especially, we don’t know what we’re going to find when we open up the bathroom walls. We always advise our clients to add a ten percent cushion to their budget to ensure there is no barrier to getting things done safely and sustainably.
Tile is another aspect you can potentially spend a lot of money on. If you choose high-end tiles from Italy, for instance, this will add a premium. Intricate tile designs will also add to the cost as specialized artisans will be hired to ensure the result is picture-perfect. Smaller tiles may cost less up-front, but the labor and expertise required to install them properly will cost you more.
Premium Fixtures: Worth It? Or Not?
Premium selections and fixtures may add more to your budget, as well. Some of these might include:
- Washlet or bidet
- Smart mirrors
- Designer lighting or faucets
- Glass or natural stone shower panels
- Steam shower
- Jet or chromotherapy tubs
Whether these items are worth it, in the end, depends on your ultimate vision for the remodel. If you are having the work done for your own comfort and enjoyment, then you should have it.
A luxurious spa bathroom really upgrades your daily living. However, if you are installing all the bells and whistles, hoping it will raise the value of your home, it’s important to crunch the numbers first and find out what your actual return is likely to be. In the latter situation, you can probably save some money and still see a return on your investment by keeping things simple.
The Difference Between High-End and Low-End Selections
Whether you’re concerned about economy or splurging all the way, there are vast differences between the selections you can make. You could, for instance, spend $300 on a bottom-line shower door, or you could choose a luxury door that will run you up to ten times that amount.
Bathtubs are much the same, and range anywhere from $800 to $8,000 when it’s all said, done, and installed.
Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel
On average, we find the typical homeowner will spend about $10,000 on a bathroom remodel. However, if you are looking at a significant upgrade or a complete renovation, this number can climb quickly. It is not unheard of for a luxury master bath remodel to cost in the range of $50,000.
Knowing what the cost-driving variables are before you commit is the best way to manage your expectations. As an experienced design-build contractor, we can usually find a way to deliver on your vision and stay within your budget.
Are you ready to start planning your master bathroom remodel? We would love to show you what’s possible. Reach out today, and let’s talk about it.
