The Bathroom Reno: Save or Splurge

Bathroom renovations can be exciting and stressful at the same time. It is important to feel like you got exactly what you were looking for without having to blow your budget. There are many ways to achieve the look you want without breaking the bank.

Here are our expert tips on where you can save, and what you should splurge on when doing a bathroom renovation.

Where to SAVE in your bathroom renovation:

Keep your plumbing where it is

The most costly part of a bathroom renovation is if you start moving around your plumbing, particularly the toilet. Keeping the plumbing as is will be a huge money saver, as you can potentially double or triple your plumbing costs. When we design a space we usually present the ideal layout for our client which is a full gut and rearrangement for maximum utilization of the space along with the more budget friendly one keeping the plumbing in their current locations. Ultimately it comes down to how poorly laid out your current bathroom is, and if you view it worth the extra money.

Floor and Shower Tiles

There is so much variety out there when it comes to tiles, that you can find something with the look you want at the price point you need. This is why we say that tile is a great place to save. However, if you love pattern you will have to splurge on that, as those tend to be higher in price. Unless you luck out and happen to find something on sale with the exact square footage you require. In that instance what you can do is use the patterned tile on the floor, and save by using a more less expensive tile, think subway tile in the shower, which balances the cost.

A few tips on labour. Large scale tiles such as a 24”x48” are usually a two man job, as opposed to installing a 12” x 24” which one tiler can easily handle. Keep in mind the more complicated the design, the longer it will take to install and the tiler will charge accordingly. Anything that involves more cutting and time spent on unusual layout will cost more. Our tiler absolutely loves us when we incorporate chevron tiles in our design. That was sarcasm in case you didn’t pick up on it. But let’s be honest, look how nice it looks in our Milton Bungalow Project.

Toilets

There are thousands of toilets out in the market to choose from. Two-piece toilets are typically the more affordable style. One-piece and wall mounted toilets cost more but are easier to clean. Be aware that the wall mounted toilets are more expensive to install as you require a thicker wall to house the tank, and there could be potential maintenance issues that arise that would require opening the wall. There are also fancy heated bidet seats that can be added to the toilet that are the best thing since sliced bread, but they are an investment and they can only be used with certain toilets. That being said, we are not suggesting to purchase the cheapest toilet on the market, do you research, the most important thing is to find a toilet that flushes efficiently and then you can determine whether or not you want to invest in other features based on your budget.

Lighting

There is so much selection when it comes to lighting that you can find something at a great price that will look equally as good. The difference of a wall sconce can be from $50 to $500. The only tip we would offer is that you select a light that can use LED bulbs, as they are more energy efficient and will save you money on your electrical bill.

Tub

Surprisingly more often than not, we come across clients who have a tub but never use it, yet they still want to replace it with a freestanding one without spending a lot. If the tub gets less attention than your shower, you can definitely find budget friendly acrylic tubs. In our Milton Bungalow we replaced the drop in corner tub with a freestanding acrylic tub that we found on sale.

Where to SPLURGE in your bathroom renovation:

There are some items that you should just invest the extra money into. Here are some items that are worth spending more for your bathroom.

Faucets & Showerheads

Plumbing is extremely important! The worst thing you can do is purchase a cheap shower kits or faucets thinking it will save you money, and it ends up leaking, or the features aren’t adequate enough. Finishes play a huge role in the cost of plumbing fixtures. For example, chrome will always be the cheapest finish by far compared to any other finish. What we have done in previous bathroom designs is mix metals in order to have the best of both worlds. It is a great was to save where you can, and splurge where it is really important.

Curbless shower

Curbless showers eliminate the need to climb over a threshold, making it more accessible for anyone. If you are in your forever home it is always a good idea to think ahead when renovating. The extra budget going into creating a curbless shower will be well worth it in the long run. Another perk is that they are easier to clean than traditional showers and there are fewer places for mildew and grime to collect. Be aware not every contractor is familiar with creating curbless showers, so be sure to ask them if they have done them before. If the shower floor is not done correctly, the water will not properly drain because the slope will be incorrect.

Ventilation

Make sure you have proper ventilation in your bathroom! Without that, in time, the humidity and moisture will create mould and mildew.

In-floor heating

In-floor heating is a definite splurge. It will keep you nice and toasty especially during the winter months when you get out of your shower and it is cold. It offers a more luxurious spa feeling, and in-floor heating actually saves you money in the long run with your electrical, being that heat rises so it requires less effort to warm up a space.

Cabinets and Countertops

If this is your main bathroom you are renovating it will take quit a beating daily. It is important to invest in a good cabinet with quality hardware because you will be opening and closing the cabinets constantly. It is also great if you can add different organizational features in the cabinetry to keep things in order.

Countertops can make a difference as well. Usually the builder will put laminate countertops as a standard. They do the job, but aren’t the nicest or easiest to clean. Our suggestion is to add quartz countertops; the trick is to select the solids colours. Quartz varies in pricing based on their design and quality. Select good quality quartz in a solid pattern to save money. As soon as you select anything with veining you are looking at 2x or 3x the price.

In the end a bathroom renovation can be done if you are smart about where you invest your money. An average bathroom renovation could cost $10k if you are really a bargain hunter and can do some of the leg work. It can also, cost you over $50k if you choose the most elaborate materials and finishes available out there.

Figure out your priorities of what your needs and wants are. This will help to guide you through your bathroom renovation.

You can also read our article ‘Why your typical bathroom layout may not be the right one for you’ to help you figure out if your layout its the right one for you.

Happy renovating!