Menu Close

Bathroom Remodel Cost Considerations

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, cost considerations should be something that you familiarize yourself with before you begin. Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is probably the best room in your home to renovate as far as getting a healthy return on your investment. According to the Globe and Mail, you can expect a 75 to 100 percent return on investment for a bathroom renovation. However, if you are on a budget, you will want to make sure that you are well aware of the all of the costs involved as they can quickly add up. If you need expert advice about renovating, contact the professionals at Graham’s & Son Interiors. We would love to come to your home for a free, in-home consultation and answer any questions you might have.

Dear Mr. Wayne Graham, May 2016 be the best year for the Grahams and their company! I must take this opportunity to thank you for the renovation job done on my house, not only the input idea that made my home more modernized, but the skill work that made the job done perfectly. I will not hesitate to refer you to my friends who may need a renovation on their house. Thank you again and have a healthy and prosperous year in 2016. Yours Truly,
Daniel Yu
Read More Testimonials
Click here to see a gallery of our work

Bathroom Remodel Cost Considerations

The bathroom is a great room to remodel as it is one of the most used areas in your home. However, a bathroom remodel can quickly become a large investment, so if you are on a budget, it is important to prioritize which features you want updated and how much each component in the renovation is going to cost. The following is a list of considerations which can have an effect on the total cost of the renovation.

  • Size of your bathroom
  • What floor it is on (a second-storey bathroom will take longer to complete as everything has to be taken in and out, up and down stairs, thus adding to the labour costs)
  • Whether or not you choose to re-position the existing plumbing
  • Type of flooring you choose
  • Whether you paint or tile the walls
  • Type of fixtures you choose – toilet, shower stall, sink, etc.
  • Type of cabinetry you choose
  • Unexpected surprises such as water damage behind the walls, which will need to be repaired.
  • Whether you decide to reuse any existing fixtures that are still in good shape to save money

bathroom remodel

Components of a Bathroom Remodel

When looking at bathroom remodel cost considerations, it is a good idea to break down your remodel into separate components. You can then consider your current bathroom and decide which areas you would like to change and which areas you are still happy with and could incorporate into your new design. You can take a look at your budget and decide which components you are financially able to update or replace and how much you can realistically spend on those components. The main components that you are dealing with in a bathroom renovation include:

  • Showers
  • Bathtubs
  • Toilets
  • Sinks & Vanities
  • Flooring
  • Tile
  • Lighting Fixtures

Showers:

shower
Shower remodel by Graham’s & Son

Showers are a popular feature in most bathrooms. Many people are choosing to install separate shower stalls, however, if space is limited the combination tub/shower is still a popular option. Your choice of showerhead can make a big difference in your showering experience. You can choose from a traditional model or more advanced ones with special features that remember your temperature preferences, include aromatherapy, and save on water.
If you would like to learn more about the different types of showers available and how much they cost, click here.

Average cost to install (using existing plumbing): $1,560 – $2,600 CDN
Average cost for showerheads: $20 – $780 CDN
Average cost for plumber (need to move plumbing): $27.85 – $38.62 CDN per hour

Bathtubs:

corner tub
Corner Tub Bathroom Remodel by Graham’s & Son

Some people think that the tub is a thing of the past, and a shower is the only thing that you need. However, if you have children, it is much easier to bathe them in a tub, especially when they are smaller, and if you are looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, you can’t beat a warm bubble bath with soothing aromatic bath salts. Seniors may also find that a walk-in tub is a safer and more convenient option. If you would like to learn more about the different types of tubs available and how much they cost, click here.

Average cost to install (using existing plumbing): $962 – $1,820 CDN
Average cost for plumber (need to move plumbing): $27.85 – $38.62 CDN per hour

Toilets:

toilet

Even though the bathtub or shower may be the focal point of your bathroom, a sleek modern toilet can also add ambiance to the overall design of the room. Toilets come in a wide variety of styles from a more traditional look with modern engineering to high-efficiency contemporary designs. If you would like to learn more about the different types of toilets available and how much they cost, click here.

Average cost to install (using existing plumbing): $260 – $520 CDN
Average cost for plumber (need to move plumbing): $27.85 – $38.62 CDN per hour

Sinks:

contemporary wall-mounted sink
Bathroom renovation by Graham’s & Son – Contemporary Wall-Mounted Sink

If your budget is tight, then you can inexpensively improve your bathroom’s look by installing a new sink. Sinks come in a wide variety of styles and designs from high-end looks that resemble waterfalls or have free-standing bowls to the more conservative pedestal or wall-mounted styles. If you would like to learn more about the different types of Sinks and vanities available and how much they cost, click here.

Average cost to install (using existing plumbing): $390 – $650 CDN
Average cost for plumber (need to move plumbing): $27.85 – $38.62 CDN per hour

Flooring:

tile flooring

Because the bathroom is a relatively small space, your flooring costs can be kept to a minimum, however, if you choose a higher-end material, it can add up quickly. Popular bathroom flooring choices include linoleum, marble, ceramic, and porcelain. Wood is rarely used in a bathroom because it can be very easily damaged by water, however, sometimes you may see it used in small amounts as an accent. Don’t forget to include removal costs in your calculations as well. Depending on the type of existing flooring, it should cost about $1.25 per square foot to remove your old floor covering. If you would like to learn more about the different types of bathroom flooring available, click here.

Average cost for Linoleum: $6.50 – $9.10 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Marble: $20.80 – $23.40 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Ceramic: $1.30 – $2.08 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Porcelain: $7.80 – $11.70 CDN per square foot
Average cost to remove old flooring: $62.50 CDN for a 5′ x 10″ bathroom

Tile:

bathroom tile

Bathroom tiles are made from many different materials including linoleum, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone. You can make your shower become a beautiful focal point with the right choice of tile or you may decide on a more unified look by coordinating your wall with matching floor tiles. If you would like to learn more about the different types of tiles available for your walls and how much they will cost, click here.

Average cost for Linoleum: $6.50 – $9.10 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Marble: $20.80 – $23.40 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Ceramic: $1.30 – $2.08 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Porcelain: $7.80 – $11.70 CDN per square foot
Average cost for Installation: $910 – $1,040 CDN

Note: Difference Between Floor and Wall Tiles

Any type of tile can be used as a wall tile, however only certain, more durable grades of tile should be used as flooring. Higher traffic areas should have a more durable tile. Tiles are graded from 1 to 5 and this grading should be listed on the box. The following will tell you which grades are suitable for walls and different types of floors:

  • Grade 1: Walls
  • Grade 2: Walls and low traffic floors such as in a bathroom
  • Grade 3: Heavy traffic residential and light commercial floors
  • Grade 4: Heavy traffic commercial floors
  • Grade 5: Industrial areas and exposure to chemicals

Lighting:

bathroom lighting

To save on costs, whenever possible, try to use the existing wiring as any changes will require you to have a professional do the work and you will need to get permits and inspections. If you don’t have to move it, then don’t. Investing in high-efficiency electrical fixtures is also a great idea to help save on utility bills. There are a wide variety of choices when it comes to lighting for your bathroom. According to payscale.com an electrician in Canada earns an average wage of $29.74 per hour. Depending on experience the range can vary anywhere from $16.86 – $40.52 per hour. Often the fixtures themselves will cost more than the installation. If you would like to learn more about the different types of lighting available and how much it will cost, click here.

Average cost per light fixture: $15 – $400 CDN
Average cost for electrician: $16.86 – $40.52 CDN per hour

Trust Us With Your Remodel

Graham’s & Son has been in the interior design business for more than 40 years. We are locally owned and operated and we specialize in all types of renovations, including bathrooms. We offer free, in-home consultations and will take the time to listen to your ideas and dreams for your new bathroom. If you are thinking of remodelling your bathroom or any room in your home, contact the design experts at Graham’s & Son to book your free in-home consultation.

 

Sources:

Bathroom Addition & Renovation Costs

How Much Do You Think You’ll Get Back For That Reno?

What’s the Difference Between Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiles?