Tag Archives: Estimates

How Much Should Bathroom Renovation Cost?

Posted on by Scott
Katrina

The first thing you want to do before jumping into bathroom renovation is get an estimate of the cost. If you are hiring a professional to do the job for you, chances are estimates wouldn’t be given out without actually seeing the bathroom. It would be difficult for them to get a fairly accurate estimate without getting a clear picture of what your old bathroom looks like.

However, knowing the cost of renovation is very important. It will give you an idea on how much you will be spending throughout the project.

A typical estimation of a bathroom renovation could go as low as 2,000 dollars but it could be as high as 30,000 dollars. It is like what they say, no two costs are alike. There are several factors that could affect the cost. Below are the usual items included in estimation:

Bathroom size:  If it is big, definitely it is expected to cost more. If you are planning to fix the whole place up, you might be required to measure the floor area. If it is only the walls that you are planning to change, grab a tape measure and starting getting an accurate measurement. This will be one of the bases in quantifying the materials needed.

Building materials: The quality of materials used has a bearing on the overall cost of the renovation. If you have top quality materials used, fixing the whole place up may cost you a lot. Even if it is partial renovation, the materials could be the culprit in getting a fairly expensive cost. Although you are not discouraged from using high end materials but if you want to prevent overspending, you have to be careful with the materials you select. Your bathroom can still look the way you have seen it in the magazine, without having to buy the exact same materials. If you shop, you can always find the perfect alternative, with the same look at a cheaper price.

Specifications of the design: In general, the more difficult the job is, the higher the pay. Just like in bathroom renovation. The more you opt for a complicated design, the more you pay for the labour. You may be surprised to see that you just had partial renovation yet it cost you like a whole new bathroom.

Contractors: Different contractors have different standards in labour cost. They also have different preference as to what kind of materials that is needed to be used. Different contractors may patronize different material brands. This is the reason why basic pay to renovations would vary. If you want to find the most economical deal, get several estimations.

Some would prefer to do bathroom renovations on their own. If you are confident that you can do it yourself, then you be able to slash about 20 to 40 percent of the cost. However, the job is tedious and more complicated. If you are new to bathroom renovation, this might not be a good idea. You would be better off having a professional handling the job.

Leigh

Bathroom Renovation – DIY Style

Posted on by Scott
Kim Lee

When you consider bathroom renovation, DIY (do it yourself) is an attractive option just because of the costs involved. The bathroom is one of the most expensive of rooms to renovate. If you enjoy learning new things, getting your hands dirty and have patience, then there are some parts of bathroom renovation DIY style which can be done. However, if you have a major plumbing or electrical problem in your bathroom, get professional help. Your home could risk major structural damage, otherwise.

When you think of bathroom renovation DIY projects that you can do, all plumbing and electrical work should never come to mind. Legally, only a licensed plumber or electrician can and should fool around with such equipment. If you plan out your bathroom renovation project in advance, you’ll have enough time to get a few estimates from plumbers or electricians. Getting it done right will save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

The facts:

1. You are NOT permitted to do any electrical or plumbing work yourself.

2. You will need to check with your local council before doing any structural work yourself.

Next you need to ask yourself these questions:

- How big is the job?

- How long will it take?

- Do I have the time and skills to do it myself?

- Have I got the necessary tools to do the job?

Some of these questions will be easy to answer, e.g. you can hire the necessary tools. However when it comes to skills and time, think carefully. It may pay to break down the job into smaller jobs. Know what you can comfortably do versus what an expert can do. Reaching a compromise where you complete the finishing touches yourself may the most economical and personally satisfying method.

With that out of the way, if you are still keen to do it yourself you should plan your workflow so that you do things in the right order. You will also need to give yourself plenty of time because there’s a fair chance you will end up spending more time on the smallest room in the house. Now here’s another consideration: Do you expect to still be using the bathroom while you are doing renovations? If your answer is ‘yes’, then it’s a bad idea. If you haven’t got a second toilet or don’t have access to a shower then peace and harmony in the household will be stretched to the limit. Best to pack up the household inhabitants and send them off for a long weekend. You’ll get more work done and you won’t be hassled by someone looking over your shoulder thinking, “Do you know what you’re doing?”

Although you can’t touch the lighting or the plumbing yourself, that still leaves you with a lot you can do for bathroom renovation DIY projects. Since you are in the bathroom so often, you’ll want to make it as pleasing to your eyes as possible. You can tackle new cabinets, towel racks, door knobs, curtains or blinds, paintings or pictures on the walls, a new lick of paint and new towels to match. Remember with any bathroom renovation DIY project that you have vertical as well as horizontal space to express your creativity. Even getting a new wastepaper basket and toilet brush holder can change the look and feel of a bathroom. And don’t ignore the lights. Although you can’t do electrical work, you can install new color or softer lit light bulbs, which might relax your eyes, or put in a new light fixture.

Perhaps there is a theme or basic color scheme you want your bathroom to have. Since it’s a room you want to relax in, please don’t paint the walls in garish colors like neon yellow, no matter how cheap the paint is. Even “relaxing place” could be a theme you can build your bathroom renovation DIY projects around, with dark curtains, soft light bulbs, pale, gentle colors and a shelf to put a little rock garden or a bowl or potpourri on. Give yourself time. The beauty of bathroom renovation DIY projects is that you do not have to stick to a schedule.