Bathroom Remodeling: 3 Budget Tips

It may be rare, but it is possible to plan for a bathroom remodeling job that won't end up feeling like you're throwing money down the drain. Often, homeowners end up spending more money than they can (or want to) afford simply because they fail to do their homework before they begin. Regardless of whether your bathroom remodeling is as limited as merely doing a facelift on an existing half-bath or as expansive as adding on a spa-like retreat as an extension of your master bedroom, these tips will help you keep your head above water, throughout the process.

1. Price your must-have features, in advance:
If you really, really want that high-end whirlpool tub with a heater, then try to find the best possible deal on one. If you just have to have the new glass tiles that are all the rage and want them on the floor, ceiling, and everyplace in between, check out wholesale possibilities. Even if you can't find good deals on the items you desire, there are ways to save money while also keeping your taste and style in mind. If you have a pre-determined budget, you'll now have an idea of how much you have for the remainder of your bathroom remodeling project.

2. Plan on spending a reasonable amount for labor:
You may be able to get by with the DIY approach for some tasks, but you should probably leave plumbing and installation of major products, such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls to the professionals. If you're really bent on doing it all yourself, realize that some contractors won't touch a botched job that's partially completed, so if you start out on your own, you may not be able to enlist the needed help if you end up needing it. If you do hire professionals, you'll want to "shop around" and price various contractors. As a rule of thumb, you should plan on 30% of the total cost for your bathroom remodeling project to be spent on labor.

3. Anticipate the unanticipated:
Even if you do hire a professional and secure an estimate before the project begins, you should set aside an additional 10% of the total cost for any unanticipated costs. Until the contractor gets into your floors and walls and realizes exactly how extensive the work will be, an estimate is just that - an estimate. If your project surprisingly runs under budget or comes out right at the anticipated amount, you'll have some extra cash to use for new plush towels or champagne to "christen" your new retreat.

Embarking on a bathroom remodeling project is exciting and daunting, at the same time. Budgeting wisely and pricing realistically can take some of the anxiety away and help you enjoy the process and - of course - the result.