Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

The costs of remodeling a bathroom vary from publication to publication. Old House Web, associated with the long-running series "This Old House," projects remodeling costs for a bathroom from $7,000 to $12,000. REALTOR Magazine places the average remodeling bill for a mid-range bathroom at $15,899, based on 2007 pricing. A homeowner must also figure out the square footage of the bathroom in question to estimate remodeling costs. After the decision is made to remodel a bathroom, you need to figure out a budget that won't put you in the poor house.

Unless you are an experienced plumber or electrician, you will likely hire a contractor to help with bathroom remodeling. Contracting rates vary but homeowners can expect to spend $20 to $30 per hour for the skilled services of a contractor. Your contractor can remove old tiles, rearrange bathroom fixtures and install new bath elements to ease the remodeling process for your family. The problem with hiring a contractor is that this can add hundreds of dollars to your budget. Smart homeowners should remove their own tiles and paint the walls to cut down on a contractor's work.

The plumbing fixtures in your remodeled bathroom form the majority of an initial budget. Toilets range from $135 to $300, depending on color, and the distinction between one- and two-piece toilets. Bathtubs start at $250 for a basic fiberglass tub and range upwards of $2,000 for hot tubs. Home improvement stores charge $450 to $900 for sinks, not including faucets and installation. A qualified contractor from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) can work with a local plumber to turn these lifeless fixtures into a working bathroom.

Homeowners have a plethora of flooring options when remodeling their bathrooms. The price range per square foot starts at $4 for basic vinyl tales and runs from $10 to $12 for slate or granite flooring. A remodeled bathroom with radiant floor heating can cost hundreds more to install, along with higher monthly heating costs. The initial costs of floor tiles need to be combined with removal and sub-flooring costs to create an accurate remodeling budget.

The standard lighting system in a remodeled bathroom is a combination light, fan and heat lamp. A homeowner living near a home improvement center should budget at least $200 to purchase a basic lighting unit. If you want to use track lighting or lamps around your bathroom mirror, you can expect to spend far more on materials and labor costs.

The standard bathroom may not appeal to homeowners hoping to resell their homes in the future. Optional features like Eco-friendly counters and window treatments can make a bathroom comfortable and stylish. Eco-friendly tiles, from companies like Terra Green Ceramics, send a message to your family and prospective buyers about your commitment to sustainable living. Instead of using curtains or stand-alone blinds, a set of built-in blinds ensure privacy with a flick of a switch.