Bathroom Renovation Considerations
When you look at the home renovations that are most likely to pay for themselves, kitchens and bathrooms are tied, according to a widely-quoted assessment by the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC). Both will likely boost your home value and give you a return on investment (ROI) between 75 per cent and 100 per cent of what you spent.
As with any home improvement project, your budget will greatly determine the scope of your project. Below are the costs associated with common bathroom renovation upgrades. Consider their pricing when putting your budget together.
Shower/Tub
The first question you should ask yourself before undertaking any bathroom renovation is whether you want a shower, a tub, or both.
- Households with young children may make better use of a tub while older homeowners may prefer a simple shower. An older couple might also want a safety tub.
- A basic shower head can cost as little as $19, and a higher-end model complete with all the bells and whistles can cost as much as $786. Installation costs will vary depending on the features of the shower head but it’s safe to assume that you’ll pay the average plumbers’ rate of about $65 an hour.
- If you’re renovating in preparation for a home sale, you may be tempted to go with a higher-end shower but this could hinder potential buyers. Install something nice, that can always be upgraded later.
- If you’re planning to stay in your home, your choices should be limited only by your budget and tastes.
Average Cost
Note: these costs are for replacement tubs and showers which already have the proper plumbing and supports in place.
Tile
Tile is another bathroom upgrade that can have a big impact. Different colours and shapes can make your shower stand out, while a unified look incorporating matching shower and floor tiles offers the appearance of a continuous floor design.
- Slate and other natural stones are popular, but you must be sure to check the porosity when you use them in your bathroom renovation. Some stone types require a lot of maintenance and some may simply be unsuitable for a shower. You may consider ceramics, porcelain, marble or even granite instead.
- Whatever material and colour you go with, use tiles no larger than 6 inches on your shower floor. Tiles will need to be slightly angled toward the drain, and grout between the tiles adds slip resistance.
Average Cost
Toilet/Sink Fixtures
Another easy update that makes a big impact is updating your toilet and sink. Even an older sink can benefit from the addition of new fixtures.
- Be sure that any new fixtures you buy complement the rest of the bathroom.
- Today, toilets and sinks come in many different styles, most of which are high-efficiency models. Some offer an old-fashioned look combined with modern engineering; others offer the sleek designs of the modern age.
- Whether you plan to live in your home for many years or are renovating it to put it up for sale, high-efficiency plumbing and electrical fixtures are a good investment. Even people who aren’t particularly concerned about the environment can appreciate the lower utility bills.
Average Cost
Towel Racks/Cabinetry
These items can be overlooked when carrying out a bathroom renovation. Cabinet hardware such as hinges and handles can also be the perfect accent to finish off a bathroom. For the best resale value, they should match the style and the finish of the sinks, towel racks and showerheads hardware. If you’re not planning on selling, buy whichever finishes will compliment your style best.
Average Cost
Flooring
There are many options for your bathroom floor. Since it’s a small space, costs are easily kept to a minimum, although choosing high-end material can still make it quite expensive. You will also need to consider the price to rip out the existing floor.
- Linoleum costs about $6 to $9 per square foot. It’s great for bathrooms as it’s waterproof and resistant to spills. Because linoleum expands and contracts, you must let it acclimate to the room before installation.
- Marble costs about $20 to $23 per square foot. It’s a beautiful choice, but installing it correctly generally requires the help of a professional. The downside to marble is that it’s prone to cracks and staining, and it requires regular maintenance.
- Ceramic costs $1.31 to $2.10 per square foot. It’s durable, easy to clean and naturally germ-resistant. The colour of ceramic tile varies greatly from lot to lot.
- Porcelain is a tough, slightly more expensive sub-type of ceramic; it costs around $7 to $11 per square foot. The porcelain manufacturing process allows for a variety of design. But, because porcelain has a low porosity, it requires a special setting compound.
Plumbing and Electrical
When renovating your bathroom, keep this rule of thumb in mind: if you don’t have to modify or move it, don’t. Any changes made to the internal electrical or plumbing systems inside your walls will require permits and contractors. To keep costs down, use existing plumbing and electrical systems when possible.
Moving the plumbing isn’t as difficult when you have a basement or good crawlspace. Oftentimes, the plumbing is run beneath the house and involves very little work between the walls. The work must still be done by a licensed plumber or electrical contractor, but it’s much less disruptive to the interior of your home.
Permits and Legal Requirements
Renovating a bathroom comes with many of the same requirements and considerations as adding a new bathroom. But there are differences, especially where electrical and plumbing are concerned. In a renovation, you don’t usually have to install new systems, but an additional bathroom will require new lines.
- Electrical and plumbing alterations must be done by licensed professionals, and the structure must be able to carry any additional weight (heavy tiles, a large luxurious bathtub, moving a wall, etc.). Anything that involves changes to the house’s structure, such as enlarging a window, will also require the services of a professional.
- Be sure that your bathroom has proper ventilation or a window and ensure that the electrical system is up to code.
Whether you’re renovating to increase the overall value of your home, or just looking to improve your everyday life, a bathroom renovation is a great project to take on. Be sure to think about what changes you would like to make and create a budget based on that. Speak with a bathroom specialist to figure out how to make your bathroom renovation a possibility.
