When most individuals consider house renovation, the bathrooms are typically a top priority… And they may want to know the average bathroom remodeling costs in their region. Bathrooms, like kitchens, are areas of the home that may make it appear antiquated and worn. Bathrooms are high-traffic, “wet” places that receive regular use; this leads to significant wear and tear over time. Water stains appear on vanities, tiles begin to crumble, and mold and mildew take their toll.
Fortunately, a bathroom remodel is a relatively short and simple endeavor, so long as you are prepared with 1) a scope and budget and 2) a contractor that shares your vision.
Continue reading for a thorough description of each part of the project and the average bathroom remodeling costs in Orange County and Southern California.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Orange County, Ventura, LA, and San Diego with reliable general contractors, we speak to homeowners every day about bathroom remodeling costs – here are some ideas & tips to get you started.
Related: Calculate the cost of your bathroom renovation using our online cost calculator.
OC Bathroom Renovation Costs Range: $15,000 to $60,000
Most bathroom remodels in Orange County cost approximately $25,000 for smaller or secondary bathrooms and $40,000 for bigger master bathrooms.
Let’s examine the entire bathroom remodeling cost, options, and factors in further detail.
Factors That Dictate Your Bathroom Remodel Costs
The major bathroom remodeling costs are dispersed across numerous components, including floor tile, shower tile, vanity, shower door, tub, sinks, faucets, and shower/tub fittings. In the case of a bathroom, it is crucial to identify and quantify which of these items are covered by the contractor and which are covered by the homeowner, as this can have a significant impact on the estimates of different contractors.
Tile, vanities, stand-alone tubs, and plumbing fixtures comprise a major amount of the total cost of a bathroom remodel.
Related: Don’t Forget These Essential Elements of a Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom Design
The most efficient and cost-effective solution is to redesign the bathroom and replace the primary fixtures – toilet, vanity, shower, and tub – in the same position. Relocating them incurs additional expenses for rerouting water and waste lines, reconfiguring the space, and removing and installing new electrical, lighting, exhaust, and HVAC vents, among other items.
Layout Planning for a Bathroom Remodel
Changing the bathroom’s layout and relocating fixtures, such as the toilet, shower, etc., will likely result in price increases. Relocating the drains and waste lines that supply these bathroom components is a significant factor in your bathroom remodeling cost. If the bathroom is on the second floor or on a raised foundation, the expenditures will be less than if it is on a slab foundation, which requires concrete cutting.
In order to vent sewer gases, bathroom plumbing also requires vertical vent pipes that extend all the way to the roof. Sometimes these pipes need to be re-installed or rerouted based on the new bathroom arrangement, adding to the expenditures. Relocating items in the bathroom undoubtedly adds to the cost of labor, and somewhat to the cost of materials.
Vanity
In the majority of bathroom renovations, homeowners have two vanity alternatives.
A prefabricated vanity with standardized dimensions that may be obtained from local supply stores is the least expensive choice (IKEA, Home Depot, etc). Some come with the countertop already installed, while others do not and require the purchase of a prefabricated countertop to fit the size. Prefabricated countertops are typically the more cost-effective option.
Typically, prefabricated vanities are available in single-sink widths of 24″, 30″, 36″, and 48″, as well as double-sink widths of 60″ and 72″. Prefabricated vanities are typically priced between $300 and $2,000. If you desire a certain wood or stain for your vanity, you may be required to choose a custom option, which will be created for you by a local cabinet manufacturer.
Homeowners desiring an upscale appearance, custom-designed cabinets, or vanities longer than 6 feet will likely require custom cabinets. These can be created in any specific size and design.
In addition, you must choose a custom countertop for this vanity, which will be made from a slab of marble, quartz, granite, etc. A handcrafted vanity will be substantially more expensive than a prefabricated vanity. Generally, nice bespoke vanities begin at $2,000 and go up from there.
Several factors should be discussed with your contractor to guarantee you achieve the intended outcome:
- Make sure you like the proposed sink locations in a custom vanity, so they don’t feel too near to the wall or to each other.
- If you have a really long vanity, find out if the countertop will have a noticeable “seam” where two slabs are joined.
- Indicate to the contractor the precise placement of the vanity knobs/pulls on each door/drawer, as well as whether they should be installed vertically or horizontally.
- Inform the contractor if you want custom drawers, pull-out shelves, or soft-close doors and drawers.
- Inform the contractor if you want the vanity to be floor-mounted or wall-mounted.
30 Things To Discuss With Your Contractor Before Starting Your Remodel
Shower
The shower is a significant element of your bathroom renovation expense, although it can range from quite affordable to exorbitant. As a cost-effective alternative to tiling, one might install a prefabricated fiberglass shower enclosure. Shower enclosures are offered for standalone showers and shower/bath combinations. This material is frequently found in flats and rental homes. Typically, this feature may be installed for $1,000 or less.
Most homeowners install tile on the shower walls to give a luxurious appearance and feel. Tile is pricey due to its labor-intensive installation. Therefore, independent of the cost of the tile itself (which can undoubtedly be pricey), this is frequently a significant project expense. The installation technique is more labor-intensive the smaller the tiles.
In addition to shower walls, the shower floor must be considered. Again, there are two possibilities. The cheaper choice is a fiberglass shower pan, whereas tile is the more appealing one.
The shower walls and floor also require the installation of a backer board and a “hot mop” as waterproofing beneath the tile, which adds to this category’s expense.
The shower is frequently the center point of a bathroom, so it is essential to discuss this with your contractor. First and foremost, keep in mind that tiling is a highly specialized craft, and only seasoned tile installers have the knowledge to execute it correctly. Unskilled laborers can easily ruin a shower with tile work that is crooked, uneven, or inadequately grouted. So, periodically inspect the tiling process while it is in progress.
Also, be specific with your contractor about the precise pattern and style you desire, i.e. will the tile be horizontal or vertical, will it reach the ceiling, what color grout do you want, and how do want the exposed tile edges to look, etc. If you intend to use marble or another natural material, inquire with the tile shop about any installation specifications. Remember to consider if you want a ‘seat’ in your shower, its size, and the material you intend to use there. These elements will all increase your bathroom remodeling cost.
Bathtub
A bathtub is a must in a secondary (kids’) bathroom and a standard fixture in a luxury master bathroom, but not in every bathroom nowadays. In a secondary bathroom, this feature is likely to be included in a shower/tub combination and should not significantly increase remodeling expenditures. This bathtub is estimated to cost between $300 and $800 and is available in porcelain, fiberglass, metal, etc.
In contrast, a standalone bathtub in a master bathroom will be significantly more expensive. Popular options include freestanding or clawfoot-style tubs made of porcelain, fiberglass, cast iron, etc. A drop-in style tub that requires the fabrication of a framed platform to fit within is an alternative. Expect this to be a significant portion of your budget to cover the cost of the tub, any surrounding tiling, water supply, and drain lines to the location, as well as the cost of the tub hardware.
A few suggestions to consider when designing a bathtub. If you are installing a freestanding tub, ensure that any adjoining walls are tiled to prevent water from spilling. In addition, purchase the tub early on so that your contractor has the exact dimensions necessary to accurately locate the tub drain and tub faucet. Discuss how far the faucet will stretch over the tub if you’re utilizing a wall-mounted tub faucet.
Try to position the tub such that there are no areas behind it that could become wet and are difficult to dry.
Floor and Wall Tile
As the most typical waterproof surface for bathroom flooring, tile is the most prevalent alternative. Other possibilities include linoleum and waterproof vinyl planks, but the majority of individuals still opt for tile to create the desired appearance. As mentioned in the section on showers, tile installation is a costly aspect of a bathroom renovation. Depending on the size of the bathroom, the number of floor tiles could easily exceed the number of tiles in the shower. Some homeowners are even tiling the bathroom walls in their elegant bathrooms, either to a specific height for a “wainscot” appearance or from floor to ceiling. Obviously, this will add considerable time and cost to the whole bathroom renovation.
As with other tiled areas, you will need to give your contractor explicit instructions regarding the direction and pattern of the tile and the color of the grout. Also, be careful to explain how you want your grout lines to appear; some people like a butt-joint appearance in which the grout lines are nearly invisible. Consider how you would like the finished tile edges to look.
Attempt to purchase all of the necessary tile for the job at once. If you run out and need to repurchase the same product, it is likely that the next batch of tiles will not be identical to the previous batch. Plus, if you’re trying to keep your bathroom remodeling costs low, ordering everything together is the best way to minimize your expense.
This expense category is relatively simple to assess. For floor tile, measure the total size of your bathroom and subtract the space used by the shower or tub. Typical hallway bathrooms measure 5 feet by 8 feet, or 40 square feet. Subtract the bath/shower area (about 12.5sf), and you will require approximately 27.5sf of floor tile.
Always purchase 20% greater than necessary. Repeat this computation for every tile-required wall. Don’t forget to add the cost of the contractor’s labor once you have the cost of the tiling products.
If you don’t want to use tile, you can consider linoleum, which is an inexpensive alternative, or luxury vinyl plank, which resembles wood but is water-resistant.
Plumbing Fixtures
Surprisingly, plumbing accessories, whose prices vary widely, may also represent a sizeable line item in your budget. You may need two faucets, one or more showerheads, valves and handles, sinks, a tub faucet, and a toilet for a larger master bathroom remodel. Depending on the quality, design, and brand you select, the total cost of these components can potentially exceed $3,000. Alternatively, if you are not particular about plumbing fixtures, there are numerous inexpensive solutions.
Lighting/Electrical
During a bathroom renovation, most individuals elect to upgrade the lighting because it is obsolete. This involves installing recessed lighting in various spots and possibly decorative lighting such as sconces or pendant lights over the vanity or bathtub. If you alter the bathroom’s layout in any way, you must relocate or add electrical outlets and light switches.
Finally, you should think about upgrading or adding an exhaust fan. To accommodate these improved electrical components, you may need to run a new circuit from your main panel to the bathroom to allow for these electrical upgrades. Unless you’re choosing pricey designer lights, electrical/lighting should not comprise a substantial portion of your budget.
Inform your contractor early on where you want your wall outlets, light switches, and lights to be installed. Ideally, you can even use painter’s tape to indicate where you want these placed on the wall or ceiling. Ensure that your contractor is aware if a light needs to be centered on something (or between two objects).
There is no set height for wall sconces, therefore determine and indicate the exact placement of these lights on the wall. Unbelievably, you will also need to specify which way sconces must be hung, as they are frequently hung inverted.
What qualities should a bathroom remodeling contractor possess?
In most cases, only general contractors are permitted to conduct total bathroom renovations.
This is because a bathroom remodel involves numerous trades, such as tiling, electricity, plumbing, painting, demolition, carpentry, and maybe framing. You should hire a general contractor instead of each of these specialists separately. In addition, confirm that your general contractor has a license and insurance.
Unlicensed or uninsured contractors are a warning sign; if they can’t conduct their business legally, you shouldn’t expect them to complete your work effectively.
Miscellaneous Aspects That Contribute To Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Although we’ve already discussed the key components of the bathroom, it’s worthwhile to explore the minor items you’ll need to include in your bathroom makeover budget.
You don’t need to worry about demolition, but you should expect it to be included in your contractor’s quote. Demolition requires significant labor, the removal of debris from the property, and the payment of transportation and landfill fees. Ensure that the contractor plans to seal the renovation area so that the majority of dust does not spread throughout your home. To minimize disturbances and noise, demolition should ideally be done in one day.
After all of the labor-intensive construction, your new bathroom will require a quick coat of paint. Because the area is rather small, the contractor’s paint budget should not be excessive. Keep in mind, however, that this line item also involves prepping and texturing the walls to provide a painting-ready surface.
In many instances, a curtain rod and shower curtain may work; nevertheless, the majority of people today prefer to have a true shower door installed. Depending on the size and layout of your shower, you will either utilize an off-the-shelf door or need a custom-made door. A shower door will typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000 on average. Consider either a swinging door or a sliding door on rollers, depending on the aesthetic you desire and the available space in your bathroom.
Mirror(s), vanity/cabinet knobs, towel racks, and a toilet paper holder are the finishing touches. It is likely that you will be purchasing these goods on your own; therefore, you should carefully measure your space to ensure you purchase the correct size fixtures. Also, as previously mentioned, try marking with tape the precise location of each item on the wall, so there is no confusion.
Read our LA Home Remodel Cost Guide for full pricing information on other major home improvement projects.
If you are considering a kitchen redesign in addition to your bathroom renovation, we have compiled a handy Kitchen Remodeling Cost Guide.
When it comes to planning and finding bathroom remodeling costs for your home, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your renovation experience.
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Orange County, Ventura, Los Angeles, or San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
