You’ve seen the signs and decided it’s time to remodel your bathroom. But the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Calgary, Alberta is $13,393. That’s no small chunk of change! So you’re probably wondering how to save money on your bathroom renovation.

Why is a Bathroom Remodel so Expensive?

Compared to almost any other room in the average home, a bathroom renovation seems expensive especially when you look at the cost per square foot. Why does a bathroom remodel cost so much? Here are a few reasons.

Many trades are involved

No matter how small your bathroom is, it’s guaranteed to need plumbing, electrical, drywall and paint, flooring, and likely cabinetry, a countertop, and tiling. If you want your bathroom remodel done right, you’ll hire contractors who are specialists in each trade. These professionals have the expertise needed for each component of your bathroom, and they usually guarantee their work. That costs money.

Consider this: If you are doing a complete remodel, you’ll need all of the following trades:

• Demolition crew
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Drywall installer
• Painter
• Flooring installer
• Cabinet installer
• Countertop installer
• Tiler

More coordination is required

Not surprisingly, coordinating all those trades is no small job! If you hire a contractor or renovation company to manage your bathroom renovation, much of their time will be spent scheduling each trade. 

Some trades have to come in more than once because their work happens in stages. And it’s not uncommon for subcontractors to be delayed due to other projects they’re working on or because of product backorders. Every delay requires more work from the project manager to reschedule everything. Their time costs money.

Read How to Avoid Common Renovation Delays for some helpful tips.

Same labor costs regardless of bathroom size

Most small bathrooms in Calgary, Alberta are around 40 square feet. That’s not very big, so it’s no surprise your material costs will likely be relatively low. Even if you double the size of that bathroom, materials won’t cost much more. You’ll still have only one tub or shower and one toilet, for example. 

It’s the labor costs that add up and there’s no economy of scale. No matter how small your bathroom is, you’ll still need all the same trades you’d require for a massive bathroom. And depending on the degree of the remodel, the job might not take them less time simply because the size of the room is small.

Tradespeople also have a minimum cost for every project. That cost has to cover their travel time, equipment set-up, the work and materials, and clean-up.

5 Ways to Save Money on a Bathroom Remodel

Now that you understand the reasons behind the cost of a bathroom remodel, you’re ready for good news. There are things you can do to Keep Your Renovation Under Budget and save money on your bathroom renovation.

1. Have a professional create a plan before you start 

Having a designer might seem like an added expense, but it’s money well spent. A professional can design a new bathroom that fits your budget and can also determine a realistic timeline. It will save time and money in the long run.

2. Keep the size and plumbing as it is

Changing the size of the room will cost more because it will involve moving walls and possibly electrical work, too. Another reason to work with a designer is that they can come up with a plan that won’t require moving your plumbing, which would cost a lot more. 

3. Consider tile alternatives

Floor-to-ceiling tile isn’t the only option for a modern bathroom. Alternatives like reclaimed wood panels, board and batten, or beadboard add a high-end look while maintaining a warm, inviting feel.

For the bathtub and shower base and surround, consider a prefabricated one-piece. It costs considerably less and is much quicker to install. Add interest to the bathroom in other ways – cabinetry, countertop, paint, and decor. 

4. Use open shelves for storage

Open shelving can open up a small bathroom. A vanity with a couple of drawers and decorative baskets on high shelves for private items paired with colorful towels and select soaps and bottles for other toiletries can spruce up the space at a fraction of the cost of full cabinetry.

5. Renovate all your bathrooms at once

Because of labor costs and coordination, you’ll save significantly if you renovate all your bathrooms at the same time. This way, contractors only need to come to your house and set up their tools once to complete the job. Also, you’ll save time and stress by coordinating the whole process only once. 

If you renovate one bathroom at a time, the process must be repeated each time and the labor costs will be multiplied accordingly. 

A Bathroom Renovation to Fit Your Budget

The cost of renovating your bathroom could be worthwhile, particularly if you have safety or sanitary concerns, or if you’re planning to resell your home. But as with any home remodeling project, it’s easy to add ideas and change product selections along the way. Before you know it, your renovation budget has exploded like an old pipe!

The renovation experts at Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations can help you:

• Create a realistic bathroom renovation budget,
• Design a new bathroom that fits within your renovation budget, and
• Manage your entire renovation project to keep things on track and save you time, money, and stress.

Enjoy peace of mind when you allow us to manage your bathroom renovation. You don’t have to worry about finding a contractor for all the necessary trades. We have a team of tradespeople we trust who produce work to our high standards and commit to the level of customer service we believe you deserve.  

Contact us today to book your free bathroom renovation consultation!