distressed wood bathroom vanity

Design Notes

A BATHROOM RENOVATION BUDGET GUIDE

While it is fun to gather inspiration pictures from Pinterest and jot down your favorite design pieces from the latest HGTV show, a bathroom renovation project should begin with a budget. A budget is a plan for how you want to spend your money. It is one of the most important pieces in the renovation plan and helps guide the project. We get asked multiple questions on this topic, including:

  • How do you know what is a reasonable budget?
  • What is included in a bathroom remodel budget?
  • How do I decide what I want vs. what I need?
  • Should I hire a contractor?
  • Do I need a contingency fund?

One of our first objectives in a design meeting is to establish a budget for the entire bathroom project, including cabinets, flooring, hardware, and fixtures. This budget guide will set the tone for the entire project and help us determine exactly which products to show you. In this blog, we will share what a reasonable bathroom renovation budget should include and provide a general estimate of the total cost.

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom?

It can be difficult to give a specific number for a bathroom renovation budget, since each space is unique, but typically you should budget around $100 to $200 per square foot. The following is a rough estimate for these spaces, but remember it may change depending on the materials and features you choose for your renovation project.

Even though they are smaller than a kitchen, a bathroom renovation can cost $10,000 to $50,000 because they cost more per square foot. The price difference is due to the elements involved in the renovation, including plumbing, moisture content, and electrical wiring. If you want to change the bathroom layout by moving the toilet or even the sink, this will expand the budget. Design options, such as tile and flooring, also factor into the price. Our experienced designers can assist you in creating a budget that is the right fit, just one of the many benefits of hiring a designer. Read more of the benefits here.

Design Options – Needs v. Wants

Before diving into a bathroom renovation project, homeowners must decide which amenities they need vs. what they want. Every good renovation project begins with a detailed list: everything you want to do in your upcoming bathroom renovation. Some things that come to mind are mirrors, storage, and aesthetics. All of these may be necessary for a bathroom, but their complexity will drive the budget. It is important to have this list so that you and your designer can properly divide the budget to include these items. Some things you may want to include during your budget planning session:

  • Tile: This can include backsplash, accent tiles, flooring, and shower.
  • Flooring: Are you looking for a particular pattern or material, such as laminate or hardwood? How about one that is easy to maintain?
  • Fixtures: Do you need hardware, lighting, or faucets?

Remember, you can always revise as you go. This is for the initial planning phase, but it is helpful to have a rough idea of your renovation budget.

green bathroom with tile floors

Should I Have A Contingency Fund?

Most agree that 5% to 10% of the overall renovation budget should be set aside to cover unforeseen emergencies. Even with the best of plans, unexpected problems can arise during a renovation, so it is best to have a contingency fund to ensure your bathroom project is completed.

Do You Remember The Fees?

When setting up your initial renovation budget, it is easy to forget about installation, shipping, and taxes. These costs need to be factored into the renovation budget so you know what will be available to spend on the actual product, such as tile, flooring, and hardware.

walk in shower and a linen cabinet

What About That Extra Splurge?

It is tempting during a renovation to indulge and get a few extras, but we caution you to think through which ones will give you the most value and benefit you and your family. Some choices to consider:

  • Do you want to upgrade both your tub and shower? Consider which one you will use most and enjoy more. Bathroom renovations must always consider “aging in place” for future use.
  • Considering tile over laminate flooring? Decide if the flooring is among the top items on your list.
  • Do you want unique hardware and fixtures, like a brass showerhead? These items can provide nice statement pieces in your space.

Talk with your designer about which options are most important so they can help you plan a realistic bathroom budget.

Let’s Get Started

Creating a budget can make you feel overwhelmed and drag you down with all of the little details, but that is where we can help. At Walker Woodworking, we specialize in helping our clients identify their specific needs and create a budget that accomplishes these goals. We have a bathroom checklist for our clients that helps determine the budget and timeline.

/onApril 7, 2021/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes
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