Bathroom Remodel: Projects Big and Small

By: Paul Denikin | DadKnowsDIY.com

Photo by Logan Ripley on Unsplash

 Everyone has their “dream bathroom,” but so few of us move into a home that already has one. While remodeling a bathroom is a lot of work, it tends to be worth it. According to one study, a bath remodel often returns more than 100 percent of the initial investment once the home is on the market. Even if you aren’t trying to sell your property any time soon, an updated bathroom makes it easier and more enjoyable to live in your home every day.
 

With that being said, getting your return on investment has a lot to do with how much you spend. There are big differences between the cost of very basic materials and the high prices of luxury features. For instance, changing your shower door can be done in an afternoon and costs as little as $300. On the other hand, luxury shower doors that have distinct texture and opacity, and need expert installation, can end up costing you a lot more. By setting a budget before you start planning designs, you ensure that you get that return on investment from your bathroom remodel.
Ripley on Unsplash

Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel
According to Angie’s List, the average cost for a bathroom remodel is $9,600 to $11,000. On the other hand, an upscale bathroom remodel will cost you almost $62,000. This figure accounts for a 100-square-foot bathroom with relocated plumbing, new custom cabinetry, and luxury appliance, fixture, and finish updates. Your bathroom renovation budget should reflect those estimates based on your home and which updates you’re planning on doing.
 
To do an entire bathroom remodel, the average homeowner needs the expertise of a general contractor. Your contractor manages the entire project and makes sure progress is being made every day. A general contractor may hire subcontractors to handle minute work while he oversees the big picture. Homeowners can skip the contractor fees and hire subcontractors themselves, but note that managing a remodel is a full-time job, and you’ll have to handle it on top of your other responsibilities.

Bathroom Remodel Projects You Can DIY
 
Not everybody has the money it takes to do an entire bathroom remodel with a general contractor. If you want to give your washroom an update—without spending tens of thousands or letting strangers into your home—there are a few projects safe enough to do yourself. You still have to invest in materials, but in the end, you have the satisfaction of knowing you made your house better with your own two hands. The following are some DIY bathroom projects:
 

• Install LED strips as back lighting around a mirror.  Or make it easier to find what you need by placing them inside glass cabinet doors.
  
  
• Make use of vertical space while adding a touch of geometrical design with simple hanging shelves you can mount on the wall. 
  
  
• You’d be amazed at what a simple coat of paint can do to a bathroom. Zillow analysis says painting the bathroom a light shade of powder blue or periwinkle is correlated to an increase in home value of as much as $5,440. Or skip the paint and go for something completely unique with a funky wallpaper.
  

 
Is your bathroom less than awesome? Going through with a remodel is one of the best projects for return on investment. When budgeting for a bathroom, take into account the costs of materials as well as labor. If you’re not in a place financially where you can spend tens of thousands on a remodel, start with some budget DIY projects like adding LED light strips, building simple hanging shelves, or changing the whole feel of the room with paint or wallpaper.