Make a list and budget early
The cost for a bathroom remodel depends largely on material costs. Most often you will see estimates for bathroom remodels as "labor only" which means no materials are included. This is because you can buy cheap tile from the big box stores for less than two bucks per square foot or you can spend close to $100 per square foot for high-end marble or granite. Trust us when we say, you get what you pay for. Making a detailed materials list with your contractor and setting your budget early is the best way to avoid surprises.
Don't buy cheap tile
Cheap tile looks great on a shelf in a store, but can get you into a mess down the road on your bathroom or kitchen remodel. Cheap tile is often misshaped, out of square and inconsistent in general. Low quality tile will also crack very easily during cutting, installation and throughout the life of the floor. You don't have to spend a fortune, but don't go with the cheapest option because you'll regret it later.
Use ABS for drain plumbing
When it comes to drain plumbing you have the option to use PVC (white) or ABS (black), or cast iron in some applications. Locations like under the shower, under the toilet and sink are places you only want to go once during a remodel. ABS is superior to PVC because it has a higher heat rating so your hottest water won't destroy it. ABS is more durable and quieter than PVC plumbing. In sinks with garbage disposals, for example, ABS is the way to go because you don't want a bunch of flimsy PVC parts rattling around. ABS only costs a tiny bit more than PVC but if you are going to do it - do it right and do it once.
Use Pex A for supply plumbing
If you've found yourself in the plumbing aisle staring into the eyes of God for an hour, you've probably seen the red and blue plastic plumbing called Pex along with PVC and other types. The Pex you find in big box stores is typically Pex B, but there's a better Pex called Pex A that's usually only found at plumbing supply houses. Pex A, also known as expansion Pex, is able to expand and contract back to its original position making it ideal for cold climates. It's also a lot quieter than other types of plumbing. If you've ever had a copper pipe burst on a snowy night high up in the Sierra Mountains - get yourself some Pex A!
Install a heated floor
An electric radiant heated floor may sound like a luxury option that you probably can't afford, but they are fairly affordable and really add a ton of value to a bathroom remodel. It's not just about keeping the floor warm so your toes stay cozy. Electric radiant heated floors actually provide warmth to the room and in most cases can totally replace HVAC heat to the bathroom. Heated floor materials and thermostat for a standard size bathroom will cost you only about $1,000. Installation cost varies but the system can usually be installed in a day. For all the money you are shelling out for tile, spending the money on a heated floor will give you more smiles per mile.
Final thoughts on bathroom remodels
With these pro tips on bathroom remodels, you will be prepared to make the right decisions early in the process. Deciding on tile selection and material selection is the best thing you can do to get started on the right foot. If you have questions about how to make your bathroom remodel successful, feel free to
reach out to us.
