by Jim Bessey

Created on: January 04, 2009

Every bathroom remodel is different, but all share three things in common: a sink, toilet, and tub or shower. In addition, most bathroom makeovers will involve new flooring. Many homeowners hesitate to make wholesale changes to their bathrooms, fearing inconvenience and expense. Experienced bath remodelers are used to seeing existing bathrooms long overdue for repairs.

What are the practical considerations for remodeling your bathroom? Money is always a factor, but the stress of living with a worn-out bathroom will eventually win the battle. The bathroom is the first place you visit in the morning, and the last room your see before bed. An annoying, noisy toilet grates on your mind. The sink that won't come clean hurts your eyes every time you brush your teeth. In the shower, you simply cannot ignore the moldy ceiling or deteriorating caulk joints. You can put off buying a new Hi-Def flat-screen TV indefinitely. At some point, however, your outdated bathroom demands attention.

Set a budget first.

Try to ignore statistics like, "the average American bathroom remodel costs $9,000 to $23,000." How much can you honestly afford to spend? If you will be using a credit card to finance a bathroom remodel, you probably shouldn't pay out more than $5,000 total. Furthermore, what level of investment does your home's value dictate? Be wary of spending more than 10% of your house's potential selling price on a single bath. It's nearly impossible to purchase all three fixtures - sink, toilet, tub - for less than $1,000. Prices for a qualified bathroom remodeler will range from about $2,000 to $10,000 (and beyond). Rule of thumb: $3,000 is the starting point. How much more than that you might spend is your decision.

Can you do the work yourself?

This is an important question. Building a bookcase or workbench is a fine project. Replacing a deteriorated bathroom is a PROJECT, one that affects everyone in your household. The skills required can include demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tile work and painting or papering. While the cost savings from tackling the job yourself can be substantial, consider how much time you can devote to the project. You can spend a month building a bookcase. A bathroom remodel has to happen quickly and efficiently. Mistakes or major delays could spell disaster.

Could you settle for a bathroom upgrade instead?

If your sixties-era toilet is the only thing that MUST be replaced, then do that first and see if that new fixture is enough to tide you

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