Why do bathroom remodels cost so much?

Believe it or not when designers get together we talk about this very subject. I have some theories to share with you so you will be prepared when the estimates come.

A couple of words and phrases sort of sum it up. "Plumbing" " Plumbers" " Waterproofing" and    "millions of details". 

Plumbers and Plumbing

In a master bath you have at least four faucets to consider buying and installing and they are often in new locations. "Plumbers and Plumbing". You have a tub, sinks, toilets, towel warmers and maybe even a point of use water heater if your tub is big. These are all costly items not to mention they have to be installed by you guessed it, the plumber. Don't get me wrong I love plumbers but they are an expensive part of the process and a good one is worth his or her weight in gold.

Waterproofing

 This brings me to my next word "Waterproofing". It is so important to waterproof any area in a bathroom that is exposed to water. This means cement board on shower walls, floors and tub decks. The favored product for shower floors is a mud set tile pan. Basically the floor needs to be waterproofed within an inch of its life. This is costly but well worth it for a timeless installation. While you are at it you might as well heat the tile floors which is worth it, believe me.

Millions of Details

Last but not least " millions of details". This requires a designer to figure out and artisans to produce. Things like lighting, tile, tile details, tile layouts, mirrors, thresholds, countertops, cabinets, shower doors, towel bars, knobs, trim details, windows, doors  and specifying all of the above.  Designers  have to put this complex puzzle  together in a way that is pleasing and practical. When I am doing a bathroom I know that it will be twice as much work as a kitchen.  I have talked about the plumbers but  I don't want to leave out the tile setters, contractors, electricians (water and electricity, gotta be careful) and all the trades that create a finished bathroom you can't wait to use.

So much activity and so many people to create one small place. I have a designer friend who says that a bathroom is designed and built by the square inch not by the square foot and she is so right. We love doing bathrooms because the complexity creates lots of fun challenges but it takes time and patience. I hope you can use my thoughts to create a realistic budget for your remodel.