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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 At some point, however, your outdated bathroom demands attention.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 over. Perhaps a new vanity, counter top, sink, and faucet is all your bathroom really needs for now. Maybe a new tile tub surround for your bathtub will do the trick. Sometimes an upgrade to your flooring will make all the difference. Each of these jobs, taken by themselves, are manageable projects for most homeowners - even when you have to hire a contractor to do the work. Each CAN be done for $1,000 or less, if necessary.

Replacing the tub or shower is the hard part.

When your bathtub has reached the end of its useful life you'll face the most difficult part of a bathroom remodel. Contractors who redo bathrooms call this "R & R Tub" - 'remove and replace' Very often, the need to install a new tub or shower inspires the homeowner to upgrade the entire bathroom at one time. A new tub usually dictates a new floor, too, since the "footprint" of two different bathtubs is rarely the same.

Demolition is messy, difficult and complicated - not to mention hard work! There's a drain to disconnect and replace. This is also the best time to upgrade the tub/shower faucet, too, because the walls will be open and accessible. Minor framing changes may be needed. Drywall repairs are a given. In addition, simply maneuvering a new bathtub into place can be a challenge. Many homeowners will want to consider installing ceramic tile for the new tub surround - a big job by itself. Installing a shower door completes the job, but adds another level of difficulty and expense.

The tub takes the money, too.

A full tub replacement can account for more than half of the total budget for your bath remodel. New tubs range from about $200 to over $2,000, not including labor. The new drain and valve fixture, $150 and up. Ceramic tile for a new surround (approximately 60 square feet) runs from $2 to $40 per square foot, plus labor ($1,000 and up is typical). Shower doors start at about $100. Costs and complexity of installing new flooring vary widely - $15 per square foot is a reasonable budget. Add all the pieces together and you can expect to spend from $1,000 to several times that figure.

Why bother with ceramic tile?

There are plenty of other options for floors and walls, but tile remains the optimal choice. Why? Because it is incredibly durable, lasts for decades, and looks beautiful. Porcelain fixtures and ceramic tile compliment each other perfectly. Tile floor and walls can withstand hard use and harsh cleaning and still look like new indefinitely. Furthermore, tile offers an almost infinite array of design choices. Visit a local tile showroom for inspiration.

Think about wiring while you're at it.

If you're going to tear apart your bathroom, there's no better time to assess the state of the wiring there. Upgrade to code, if needed. Add switching in better locations, and move lighting to accommodate a new mirror or medicine cabinet. Add more light and ventilation by installing a modern bath fan/light combination. Spend a few dollars for new switches and outlets in modern color choices (almond, for instance). With the walls open, the added cost for electrical changes is negligible. You'll see better and improve safety, too.

Add accessories and call it done!

Save a small portion of your bath remodel budget for the very end. You'll want just the right knobs for your new vanity, with matching paper holder and a towel bar or two, maybe even a hook for your bathrobe. If you choose a finish other than chrome, you can also match the toilet flush handle to these accessories. Other options include accent colors for towels and counter top items (toothbrush holder, for one). Many homeowners like to feature something artistic, too - a painting or piece of sculpture. These finishing touches make all the difference, letting your personality shine through.

Learn more about this author, Jim Bessey.
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