Remodeling your bathroom in Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling can add both beauty and function to your home. But you must understand the difference between remodeling and renovating.
Please keep it simple by limiting layout changes to changing the position of fixtures and rerouting plumbing lines—plan for accessibility features like handrails early on by installing blocking between wall studs.
As with all home improvement projects, there are a variety of factors that can affect your budget. To avoid overspending, it’s important to understand the costs associated with a bathroom remodel before you start.
According to Sherry Wiggs, a top real estate agent in Westchester County, the average bathroom remodel cost is $20,000. However, depending on the renovation, extent, and materials used, the total price tag can climb well above that figure.
She says savvy homeowners can save money by handling much of the labor. But “certain things should be left to the experts.” For example, a professional should manage plumbing tasks—which are complex and take place in a small space filled with water and electrical wire—. If anything goes wrong, it could result in a flood or fire.
Besides plumbing, other high-cost items include installing new tiles and fixtures. For instance, ceramic tiles run about $2 per square foot. But if you use luxury tile or other material treated for better durability, expect to pay significantly more.
A few other significant expenses include the installation of new doors, trim, and hardware. For example, a pre-hung door typically costs $360 to $1,200. Alternatively, you can install a pocket door for an additional $600. Another potential expense is heating the floor. A heated floor adds value but costs about $20 to $40 per square foot.
If you need more clarification on how much your home is worth, enter a few key details about your property to get a preliminary value estimate in just two minutes. Then, use that number to create a remodeling budget.
There are many design choices to consider when it comes to bathroom remodeling. The aesthetics of the space are important, as well as the materials used and their color and texture. In addition, the fixtures and appliances need to be chosen. These items should be durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
A good designer will help you create a functional and beautiful bathroom. They will also help you stay within your budget by pointing out potential problems that can be costly to fix.
One of the most common mistakes people make during bathroom remodeling is overspending. To avoid this, you need to have a clear idea of what your goals are. For example, if you want to add a shower head or a tub, you should know how much those will cost. Similarly, you should know how much you want to spend on tiles and other fixtures.
Another mistake people often need to correct is hiring a contractor with proper licensing. To avoid this, you should work with a licensed bathroom remodeler who is familiar with the local codes and has experience working on residential projects.
The bathroom is highly humid, leading to mold, mildew, and other problems. You must choose durable, moisture-resistant materials that can withstand high humidity levels. For example, use tile instead of vinyl flooring and choose paint specifically designed for bathrooms. These formulas are infused with additives that inhibit mold and mildew growth.
You should also include a space for plants in your bathroom remodel plan. These can be very beneficial because they will remove toxins from the air and keep it healthy. You can add plants like philodendrons, ferns, or lucky bamboo to your bathroom. These plants will thrive in the bathroom’s low light conditions and humidity.
Plumbing updates and installation are a huge part of any bathroom remodel. Upgrading outdated or faulty plumbing systems adds value to your home and can prevent costly damage. This includes replacing or moving an outlet or toilet, installing new tubs and showers, upgrading sink faucets, and more. Installing one is also good if your bathroom needs a vent fan. These fans help control moisture, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth and helping to prevent water damage.
Finding a contractor with the right experience and credentials for your project is important. Look for a pro with a strong reputation, an appealing portfolio of past work, and client references who have agreed that this contractor met or exceeded expectations. You should also consider their licensing, insurance coverage, and project-specific expertise.
If you plan on doing a major renovation, it’s best to contact your local planning or building department to see what permits you need. Most cosmetic renovations don’t require a permit, but larger changes such as moving an outlet or water heater, adding new windows, and altering load-bearing walls or floors generally do. Some cities have additional requirements, so check with your local city government to understand what’s required.
Once you’ve found a reputable contractor, they can help you get permits and board approvals if necessary. Your contractor should also be able to connect you with professionals in the electrical and plumbing fields if needed. Sweeten can help you find vetted contractors and provide professional contacts for subcontractors in these areas, making it easy to hire the perfect pro.
A bathroom is more than just a place to wash. It’s a warm and welcoming space where you and your family spend time together. Haramis Electric will partner with you to ensure that your vision for your bathroom is brought to life. We will also help you prioritize tasks and determine which projects can realistically be completed within the budget available.
The first step to any bathroom remodel is getting the plumbing up to code. That includes ensuring that the bathroom has its dedicated circuit and is GFCI protected and that shutoff valves are at the sink, toilet, and tub.
Next, an electrician must be hired to install or move lighting fixtures and outlets as needed. This is relatively inexpensive if you are swapping out fixtures for ones that fit your style better. However, moving power outlets is much bigger and should only be done by a licensed professional. This work must be completed correctly, especially in a water-filled room.
Doing anything that alters the bathroom’s layout is considered remodeling and requires a permit from the local municipality. This could include changing the position of a sink, toilet, or vanity, or it might involve changing the shape of the space itself.
A carpenter should be hired if you do structural changes to your bathroom or add built-ins such as a custom shower. These are specialized skills that most homeowners don’t have, and doing them yourself could cost you a lot more in the long run. Sweeten connects you with vetted and licensed contractors who can handle these more complicated and expensive renovations.
The flooring choices you make for your bathroom remodel will significantly impact the overall look and feel of the space. A tile professional can help you pick the right materials and install them properly to withstand moisture, heavy traffic, and wear over time.
If you decide on a wood floor, your contractor will prep the subfloor to ensure it can handle the additional weight and moisture that comes with this material. He will also use a waterproofing membrane to guard against water damage in the future.
A carpenter can build or install custom cabinetry for your bathroom. He can also make on-site adjustments as needed. For example, he might add more lighting or create a recessed niche for a toiletries display.
Drywallers are another trade pro whose services may be necessary during bathroom remodeling. They can hang new drywall and patch holes. They also can paint the drywall before installing the shower walls, vanity cabinets, and floor tile.
If your bathroom remodel changes the layout, you will need a plumber and an electrician to manage the required plumbing and electrical upgrades. This is the point at which you will likely need to acquire a permit if your city requires one.
If you are changing the layout of your bathroom, you will need to reroute the pipes and possibly relocate the toilet, sink, or tub. This level of remodeling is more invasive and expensive than simply replacing fixtures. However, it can add major value to your home if you sell it at some point.