Deciding to update any space in your home can be a daunting task no matter where you want to start, but a bathroom remodel can be a great beginner project if you’re looking to spruce up your space.

Let’s talk about the budget: we’re going to break it down into 3 different kinds of bathroom renovation budgets that you’re going to find yourself working in.

Kinds of Bathroom Remodels:

1. Basic Bathroom

With the basic bathroom remodel you’ll have something like a tub/shower combo, your toilet, and a vanity. That’s about it. If you’re in an older house: you’re probably looking to have your bathroom refreshed. If you did everything in this bathroom yourself (DIY): you’re probably looking around $3000, maybe less. Let’s take a look at where that comes from:

This doesn’t include paint, trim, a new fan, or any of the other small things that tend to pop up. It also assumes you’re getting the cheapest products you can find. Of course, this also means you’re installing everything. If you go the DIY/Budget route: keep your process simple. That means stay away from tile: get a basic acrylic wall system, a pre-built vanity from a major retailer, and maybe some vinyl plank flooring or laminate vinyl sheet.

These are all things that will keep your cost and your risk at a minimum.

2. Semi-Custom

Now you’re getting into the world of tile. Tile is versatile: it can be your shower, your floors, and your walls: if you like. You might still pick out a pre-built cabinet or vanity system. You might DIY some of this bathroom remodel, but your budget will fluctuate wildly the moment you bring in a contractor. With a semi-custom bathroom, you’re anywhere from $5,000 – $20,000.

That’s quite a leap, I know! However, the moment you bring in a reputable contractor: your budget is going to soar. Provided that your contractor is in good standing, insured, and reputable: you’ve really stepped into the $20K range for a full bathroom. That is mitigated by a higher budget and maintaining lower risk. Since now, all the risk is on your contractor.

3. Top End

You’ve just stepped into the world of a step-in shower, heated tile, a steam generator, jetted tub, double vanity, double shower heads, etc. The list goes on and on. Here your budget is going to be anywhere from $30,000 and up to as much as you want to spend. At this price point, the limit is up to your imagination. Gold plated toilet and all.

Saving Money $$$

When you first start considering a bathroom renovation, of course we all want to save money. The truth is there is a bottom line and it all comes down to you. The best way to save money on your bathroom renovation is to step in and do some of the work yourself. Just know that if you want to save money by doing work yourself, you absorb the risk. It’s a delicate balance!

If you are considering splitting some of the work between DIY and a contractor: there are two important questions you need to consider. One, “Do I have the time to invest into doing this myself?” and “Do I have the skills needed to maintain the value of the project?” These are very serious questions that you need to consider. Take your time to look into the construction process to understand the amount of work that goes in, then consider those two questions again.

It will serve you well in the long run to educate yourself as best you can before you start any project in your home.