Cost Breakdown: What to Expect When Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel

While a bathroom renovation can be exciting, budgeting for it can often feel overwhelming. Wondering how much your bathroom renovation will cost? Read on to get a clear breakdown of expenses, from materials to labour, to plan your budget wisely.

1. Demolition

The first step in a bathroom renovation is demolition, which includes removing old fixtures, tiles, and flooring, as well as addressing any existing damage. The materials removed will depend on your current setup, such as ceramic tiles or vinyl flooring. While DIY demolition can save money, hiring professionals guarantees efficiency and safe disposal of materials.

2. Plumbing

Plumbing is a major expense in a bathroom renovation, particularly when upgrading fixtures or incorporating features like heated floors. Basic tasks may involve replacing fixtures such as low-flow toilets or water-efficient showerheads. Relocating pipes or adding a freestanding tub requires investing in copper, PEX, or PVC plumbing parts. Luxury upgrades, such as heated floors, entail installing specialized heating systems, which can be either electrical or water-based.

3. Electrical Work

Electrical work is a key component of any bathroom remodel, especially when adding upgrades like lighting, outlets, heated towel racks, and fans. Accessories such as LED lights, moisture-resistant wiring, and circuit breakers will also impact the overall cost. To ensure safety and code compliance, it's important to hire a licensed professional. The scope of the electrical work will vary depending on the features you choose to add, whether it's new light fixtures, extra outlets, or dedicated circuits for heated floors.

4. Structural Work

Structural changes may be needed to fit new fixtures or improve the layout, such as adjusting walls, removing partitions, or reinforcing supports. You may therefore need to invest in drywall, wood studs, or steel framing. These changes can be costly, especially if they involve plumbing or major layout adjustments. For larger renovations, it's crucial to hire a contractor with structural design expertise to ensure safety and code compliance.

5. Waterproofing

Waterproofing is crucial in bathroom renovations due to high moisture levels. Materials and accessories such as waterproof membranes, sealants, and moisture-resistant drywall will offer enhanced protection against mould, mildew, and water damage, ensuring the longevity of your bathroom.

6. Tiling and Flooring

Tiling significantly impacts the look and cost of a bathroom renovation. Ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly, while porcelain, natural stone, and marble are pricier options. For flooring, vinyl, porcelain, and heated tiles vary in cost and complexity.

7. Fixtures

New fixtures like faucets, showers, bathtubs, and toilets can affect your renovation cost. Standard fixtures are typically chrome or brass, while high-end options use materials like brushed nickel or matte black. Freestanding bathtubs made of acrylic, cast iron, or stone can enhance design but increase costs.

8. Finishing Touches

After completing structural and plumbing work, it’s important to focus on finishing details such mirrors, vanity cabinets, towel racks, lighting, and paint. Materials like wood, MDF, glass, and stainless steel are used for storage solutions, while bathroom-specific paint helps prevent peeling and mildew. These finishing touches may seem minor but can add up, so choose materials that fit your budget and desired style.

Transform Your Bathroom with CS Pro Home

With years of experience serving residents across Vancouver, including North and Downtown Vancouver, our team ensures that every step of the renovation process is done with care and precision. From demolition to finishing touches, we handle it all. Contact us today for a free consultation.