Flush with Cash: The Costs of Bathroom Remodeling in NVA

What’s a bathroom remodel going to cost you? Let’s start with an low/average number and work our way around it: $16,000. That’s what Remodeling Magazine’s recent Cost vs. Value Report suggested as the rough price of a basic 5’ x 7’ bathroom remodel. Dig into that estimate though and you’d find that it’s based on very basic and economic fixtures and materials. Nothing wrong with that. Some folks are more than happy with a basic, functional bathroom.

But the truth is, there is a huge range of variables that can drastically alter any restroom remodeling estimate. We’re talking size, number of fixtures, the extent of demolition, ease of access, complexity of tiling, wiring issues, the amount of plumbing to be redone, amount of drywall disturbance, ventilation issues, and even the alteration or moving of windows and doors. And, of course, if you’re looking for upgrades and fixtures that are a step or two above basic, you’re looking at price increases as well—and it’s pretty common for consumers in Northern Virginia to have their minds set on pretty high-end fixtures and features.

So our starting figure of $16,000 is exactly that—a starting figure. But if you make wise choices and prioritize the job, you can get everything—or nearly everything—on your wish list without breaking the bank. What follows is a list of areas and items that can drive up costs. Hopefully this well help you better prioritize and understand what’s involved as you plan your bathroom remodel:

·      Demolition. Depending on what you’re doing, very little demo might be called for. But removing everything (drywall, fixtures, etc.) often results in a significantly better finished product. This goes triple if there’s mold or mildew lurking in your drywall—and helps the contractor frame the new walls properly for anchoring new fixtures; you don’t want to yank your brand new towel rack out of the old drywall, after all.

·      Showers/tubs. Maybe you’re thinking steel? Or porcelain? Maybe a polymer layer on the underside to make it quieter? Maybe you just need a tub to throw the kids in after they’ve been at the bounce house—or maybe you’re looking for something a little more comforting and indulgent. The choice is yours.

·      Fixtures. You’ve probably already been shopping around; you might be thinking brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. The right choice here can really complete the look of your upgraded bathroom—just make sure you’re accounting for the several hundred dollars (possibly more) that high-end plumbing fixtures will add to your estimate.

·      Tile. Boring off-white 4”x4” tiling is a thing of the past. We generally see patterns these days, even accents and features like recessed shampoo niches, shower lockers, and corner soap dishes.

·      Ventilation. Older bathrooms might have ventilation fans that are slow and weak, or might not even have them at all. To prevent excess moisture, this needs to be remedied. New, more powerful fans are more expensive—but worth it as they can help prevent mildew and mold issues (as can certain types of high-quality paint).

·      Countertops. Granite. Quartz. Need I say more? 

There’s a lot to consider when you’re upgrading a bathroom. We’re just at the tip of the iceberg here. Other potentially costly upgrades include mirrors; cabinetry (with drawers and other built in features); accessories like towel bars and light switches; lighting; and electrical issues (like adding a dedicated GFI circuit). 

With plenty of higher-end upgrades taken into account, you’re likely looking at a cost closer to $20,000-$24,000 for a roughly 5’ x 7’ bathroom. Larger spaces will likely incur higher costs. But if you’re keeping your home for at least 5 to 10 more years, these upgrades are completely worth it. Your bathroom is the first place you visit in the morning and the last before bed—this is a space that can have a powerful impact on your quality of life, as well as the long-term value of your home.