Where to Splurge and Where to Save in Your Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to improve the functionality of your space and add value to your home. Whether you’re hoping to maximize the spatial flow of your master bathroom, make your space easier to use for aging family members, or simply upgrading a space that hasn’t been updated for a while, remodeling your bathroom is a worthwhile investment.

Before getting started on your bathroom updates, it’s important to know whether your remodel project is midrange or upscale. A midrange bathroom remodel would typically entail replacing all fixtures in an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom, where an upscale remodel would include expansions and larger scale updates (see detailed definitions below, according to costvalue.com.)

Bathroom remodels are an investment, but they’re typically well worth the value: In the Pacific region (2017) on average midrange bathroom remodel job cost of $21,635 recoups 74.9 percent of the money invested and an upscale remodel of $65,748 recoups 70.2 percent. Making smart decisions during the remodel process can help maximize your budget, and our team is here to help. Here are a few pro-tips on where to save and where to splurge during your bathroom remodel.

Where to Splurge:

Your bathroom is a crucial part of your house. Renovating it to meet your specific needs while also keeping longevity and cost in mind is key to making your remodel a success. Here are a few places where you should consider splurging in your bathroom remodel:

• High Quality Tile and Flooring: If you live in the Pacific Northwest, the wet air can make it hard for spaces to fully dry after water exposure. When your tile grout and flooring are exposed to water over time, it can cause mold and long-term water damage. We recommend using epoxy grout, made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. The grout is extremely hard, durable and nearly stain proof. Often the bond between tiles is stronger than the tile itself.
• Smart Storage: If your bathroom doesn’t have ample storage space, finding ways to make better use of the space you do have can be highly beneficial. Spending extra money on additional cabinetry or multi-functional storage solutions can keep your bathrooms better organized and highly functional for years to come. Some innovative options include vanities with integrated electrical outlets and USB ports, double-tiered drawers, and replacing medicine cabinets with decorative mirrors and pull out racks.
• Go Green: Implementing sustainable fixtures in your bathroom can help you save for years to come. While these solutions may be a bit more expensive initially, low-flow showers, low-flush toilets, and solar heating can save you money in the long run will benefit the earth for years to come.

 

Where to Save:

While investing in your home is always beneficial in the long run, there are a few places you can save without lowering the quality of your remodel. If you’re looking for a few places to save in your bathroom remodel, try some of the following:

• Plan Around Plumbing: Changing plumbing lines can be expensive. When planning your remodel, shaping the new design around where the current plumbing lines already area can save money without devaluing your bathroom. For some inspiration, check out a few of our favorite showrooms in greater Seattle including Keller Supply, the Fixture Gallery and Consolidated Supply.
• Block for safety measures, if you’re not ready to implement them: Bathroom safety is important. While you may not think additional safety measures in your bathroom are necessary at this point in your life, you or your family members may need them down the line. If you don’t want to spend the money to implement safety features now, you should consider blocking for grab bars during your remodel. Blocking means installing solid wood between the wall studs to insure the future installation of grab bars will be secure. That way, if and when the time comes to implement grab bars and other safety measures, the renovations at that point will be much smaller scale. You can find additional tips on how to create a beautiful bathroom for the ages from Consumer Reports.
• Get Crafty with Cabinets: While some people may want the latest and greatest cabinets and other storage solutions in their bathrooms, others may be simply looking for a decent place to store their things. Finding alternatives to expensive cabinetry can be a great option. Companies like Semihandmade create great storage solutions at a discounted price.

To learn more about Harjo Construction, visit our website today!

Midrange Bathroom remodel: Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4-by-4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel: Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body-spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a freestanding soaker tub with high-end faucets; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating.