A well-done, full-scale bathroom remodel has an ROI of over 75 percent. That’s good to know, but what if you don’t plan on selling? You’d prefer to enjoy all of the benefits of bathroom remodeling yourself. It’s an investment that impacts your everyday life. The returns should be evident daily, no?
If you’re wondering, “How do I budget my bathroom remodel?” your property value does matter. Instead of solely targeting higher asking prices in the future, we factor in what your home is worth right now.
How do I budget my bathroom remodel?
Many recommend that a bathroom remodel budget be around 5-10% of your home’s total current value. If your home is worth $500,000, this means spending $25,000 to $50,000. You can go lower than this figure for many cosmetic fixes, but you should be wary of going higher in order to optimize your bathroom remodel return on investment.
Once you settle on a figure, you have to allocate funds for each feature. It’s generally advised that wet areas involving plumbing get the lion’s share. In fact, dedicate 15-20% of the total budget to plumbing surprises. If you don’t need it, you’ll have that money left over for your wants, like special accent tilework or built-ins.
Keep reading to get a better breakdown of that principle.
Bathroom renovation budget tips: Strategies for all-around success
The first and most foundational bathroom remodel budget hack is to keep your current layout if possible. Moving the plumbing stack and relocating wet areas can add thousands to your costs.
From there, consider the following.
Try starting with the 50/30/20 rule.
If you’re ready to select materials and share figures with contractors right away, use this budget allocation hack. The 50/30/20 rule splits the budget this way:
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50% of the budget for must-haves like plumbing, waterproofing, tile, and labor.
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30% for aesthetic upgrades and design-forward features.
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20% for features you decide to upgrade on the fly.
This defines your priorities and offers flexibility at once. It shows contractors you’re coming in with some essential knowledge.
Target long-term savings.
A smart bathroom remodel budget yields long-lasting results. Ideally, it shouldn’t need to be remodeled for 20 years. Consider this when creating the design. Minimalist spa-like bathrooms that rest on contemporary design may not feel as appealing or up-to-date in 10 years.
Combine your trendier preferences with timeless bathroom features. Think of what each element would cost to replace if it lost its staying power too soon. Trending hardware, paint, mirrors, and metal fixtures are easy updates that won’t break the bank down the line.
Now is also the time to improve water usage and energy efficiency for utility savings. This helps you see a bit of that ROI every month.
Phase the remodel.
Plumbing issues and water damage are signs that you need a bathroom remodel right now. Do not feel locked into a complete overhaul because there are areas that need immediate attention. Phasing a total remodel to put necessities up front can improve the rest of the project.
You’ll see up close if your current contractor is one you want to continue with. Your bathroom will be out of commission for a shorter period, and you’ll have time to think carefully about the rest of the design as it progresses.
Also, don’t hesitate to do it halfway–with tile, anyway. A half-tiled bath isn’t just less expensive. It looks more custom and expands your use of color.
Chase your “wow.”
Perhaps exceptional craftsmanship is what you’re hoping to add most. Or maybe rarer-to-find luxury materials. Even when employing the 50/30/20 strategy, you can make your budget work harder toward your biggest dream elements. Find savings that add more budget to those goals.
For instance, perhaps the overall structure of your current vanity and the plumbing within are perfectly fine. Some paint and new hardware are all it needs. Now you have more money for a higher-quality countertop.
Same with shower tile that’s still in great shape. Replace the glass enclosure and shower head, and there’s more budget for better floor tile for the rest.
Read more budget-friendly ways to update and upgrade your bathroom.
The easy way to budget a bathroom remodel: Calling The Designery.
The Designery offers custom cabinet and tile designs, plus premier countertops, shower built-ins, and a range of high-quality, cost-effective flooring options.
More importantly, we have solutions for every budget.
“I can't recommend them enough for kitchen, bathroom, & closet organization…You can tell they genuinely care about their customers and doing what's right. Honestly, it was refreshing compared to my experience with other companies for remodeling projects.”
Marci, Designery client
The planning phase is the most important. Schedule the start of your collaboration with a professional bathroom designer ASAP, at no extra cost to you.
