Orange County bathroom renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects within the area, and with good reason. In a relatively small space, you’re able to go big with your personal style and preferences. This is your chance to build an en-suite escape, and with the right bathroom renovation contractor, you can create the perfect place to get away from the noise of everyday life.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable general contractors, we get inquiries every day from homeowners looking to renovate their bathrooms – here are some key points you need to know.
How Much Does an Orange County Bathroom Renovation Cost?
In Orange County, the cost of bathroom renovations generally ranges between $25,000 for a smaller or secondary bathroom and $40,000 for a master bathroom. Let’s break down the total renovation costs, options, and considerations further. That said, it’s possible to do an Orange County bathroom renovation for as low as $15,000 if you’re mostly planning on cosmetic updates. And on the other hand, a major bathroom renovation involving a change in floor plan and luxury finishes can cost upwards of $60,000.
By speaking with a bath renovation contractor early in the planning process, you can identify a number of strategies for getting exactly the look you want — for less than you might expect to pay.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Bathroom Layout
Trying to minimize your Orange County bathroom renovation costs? The single most cost-effective option is to replace key components — toilet, vanity, shower, and/or tub — while maintaining the existing bathroom layout. To relocate any of these means will require rerouting water and waste lines, and installing new electrical, lighting, HVAC vents, and exhaust — and that gets expensive.
Vanity
Pre-fabricated vanities can be purchased at home-improvement stores like IKEA, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. These come in a range of standard sizes and style options, but it’s important to note that some come with pre-installed countertops while others will require the additional purchase of a pre-fab countertop in the appropriate size. Prices for pre-fab vanities typically range between $300 and $2,000.
But if you’re seeking a specific wood or stain for your vanity — or if you require non-standard dimensions — you’ll need to hire a cabinet maker to create a custom unit. With prices starting at $2,000, custom vanities are significantly more expensive than their pre-fab counterparts. However, this is an opportunity to get exactly what you want in terms of features and aesthetics.
Shower
Installing a new shower will make a large percentage of your bathroom renovation costs. Those renovating on a budget might consider a pre-fab shower surround made of fiberglass. These are available as stand-alone shower units or shower/bath combos and can often be installed for $1,000 or less.
For a high-end look and feel, many homeowners choose tile for their shower walls and floor. Because installation is labor-intensive — and the tile itself can be costly depending on style and material — this can be a substantial expense. One way to cut costs is to choose larger tiles, which are less time-consuming to install.
Bathtub
If you have young children, a shower/tub combo is a must. Standard versions are available in porcelain, metal, and fiberglass styles and cost between $300 and $800.
If you’re renovating the master bathroom, a beautiful tub will help create a spa-like space. Whether you go with a traditional clawfoot tub, an ultra-contemporary freestanding tub, or a drop-in tub situated inside a framed platform, there’s a style for every sensibility. But either way, it’s essential to anticipate the costs of not only the tub — and these can range from $650 and $4,5000 — but also for running water supply and drain lines to the tub’s location as well as tub hardware and any tile for the surrounding area.
Floor and Wall Tile
It’s important to choose flooring materials that will stand up to heavy foot traffic, splashed water, and high humidity. Linoleum and vinyl planks are solid options on the less-expensive end of the cost spectrum. At the same time, tile — as mentioned previously — is more costly in terms of both the material itself and its installation.
Still, many homeowners love the luxurious look of tile and will go so far as to extend it to portions of the wall — either to a halfway height for a “wainscot” effect or all the way from floor to ceiling.
Regardless of the amount of tile you plan on using, it’s important to buy it all at once to ensure a perfect match across the batch. When speaking with your contractor, specify the direction and pattern you’d like the tile laid and your color preference for the grout. You’ll also need to specify how much grout should be visible and how the finished tile edges will look.
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures such as the sink and tub faucets, showerheads, handles and valves, sinks, and toilets can vary greatly in cost and should not be considered afterthoughts.
Depending on the quality, design, and brand you choose, these parts together can easily approach $3,000 or more. That said, if you’re less concerned with designer names, you can find them for considerably less at retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Lighting/Electrical
The right lighting will make a big difference in the overall ambiance of your Orange County bathroom. For an updated look, most homeowners install recessed lights throughout the space and add hanging lights or sconces where needed. If you find yourself changing the location of the lighting in your bathroom, it will be necessary to relocate or add electrical outlets and light switches.
On that note, we recommend you consider adding or replacing your exhaust fan. Although these electrical updates might require running a new circuit from your main panel to the bathroom, lighting and electrical work should not be a significant component of your budget unless you’re purchasing high-end lighting fixtures.
Miscellaneous
You’ve worked out your floor plan and chosen all your vanity, shower, tub, tile, fixtures, and lighting. There are just a few items left you’ll need to budget for.
Although demolition — labor-intensive work that also requires the costs of transporting trash and dump fees — isn’t something you’ll play a role in planning, you should still expect to see it listed in your bathroom renovator’s estimate.
After construction is complete, your bathroom will require a paint job. This generally won’t be a large line item in your contractor’s estimate, but keep in mind it will include prepping the walls to create a finished surface prior to painting.
And then there are the final touches. If you prefer a shower door over a rod and shower curtain, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for an off-the-shelf model. A custom unit will cost even more.
Other items to budget for include mirrors, vanity/cabinet knobs, towel racks, and toilet paper holders. In most instances, you’ll be purchasing these items yourself. It’s important to carefully measure your space to ensure you’re purchasing items that will fit in the given dimensions.
How to Find the Best Orange County Bathroom Renovation Contractors
How do you know when you’ve found the best bathroom renovation contractor? There is no simple answer, but part of the task includes a process of elimination. By doing a thorough vetting process, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down your list to the contractors that have the best reviews, reputation, & appropriate licensing, etc. The next steps in finding the best bathroom renovation contractor is calling thier references. And finally, their vision, timeline and budget have to be in line with your own. The more diligence you do on your potential hire, the more likely you are to uncover a red-flag that makes you uncomfortable. And if you get though your research without finding any major issues, you can be much more comfortable you’re working with a top bathroom remodel contractor
Ready to find the best bathroom renovators in Orange County? GreatBuildz is here to help.
Just call and tell us about your bathroom renovation and your budget, we’ll match you with three licensed general contractors. We highly recommend contacting each one to request a bid, and that you review each bid carefully. Should you have any questions about these bids or anything else that pops up during your bathroom renovation, our service team is here to provide assistance.
GreatBuildz serves Los Angeles, County, Orange County, and Ventura County with reliable, thoroughly vetted general contractors and provides project support from start to finish. Our contractor-matching service is always free for homeowners, and there’s never any risk or obligation.
Call us today at (818.317.3567) to speak with a member of our local team about your next renovation project, or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
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