Bathroom Renovation Services

Click to Call for Free Design and Estimate

Everything You Need to Know About Renovating Your Bathroom

And a Few Tips for Keeping Your Budget In Check

Your bathroom is the first place you go in the morning and likely the last place you visit before turning in for the night. It's the place you go when you need to refresh and recharge. However, it can be pretty discouraging to get ready for work or a night on the town when the only reflection you see in the mirror is a room that looks old and tired.

While a new bathroom renovation can breathe life into dull spaces, a project like that can understandably feel overwhelming. Bathroom renovations are a big undertaking, but rest assured, they can not only improve your lifestyle but be a sound investment too.

In fact, according to the annual Cost Versus Value Report conducted by Remodeling, bathroom renovations are a smart decision. Taking it down to brass tacks, homeowners stand to recoup a substantial portion of their investment for bathroom renovations— somewhere to the tune of 64% of their investment. Moreover, it’s no secret that dated bathrooms can drive down the resale value of your home.

While bathroom renovations are a good investment, they’re still an investment. So if you’re thinking about jumping in with a bathroom renovation, but you’re not sure where to start, we take a closer look at some of the latest design trends and give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend on your project.

Remodeled designer bathroom with white quartz

This Month's Featured Bathroom Project

He does beautiful work.

CAROL D.

Tim Hillebrand and his crew remodeled my kitchen, 2 bathrooms, all of my flooring and cased windows. He does beautiful work. He is professional and pleasant to work with. He is highly recommended for any home service project you might have. Give him a call

Here's What's Trending in Bathroom Design for St. Louis Homes

We have all adjusted our living style after all the lockdowns and quarantines. Our home spaces have become more important than ever. So understandably, it didn’t take long for plenty of folks to scratch the remodeling itch. And with hygiene high on the list of everyone’s priorities, bathrooms everywhere are being cleaned, restyled, and redesigned.

We track bathroom design trends in St. Louis and came up . Below are some top designer-approved trends in bathroom remodeling that will help you get started on your own project.

Industrial Style

It would seem that the farmhouse style has paved the way for a more industrial aesthetic, and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, industrially styled bathrooms are certainly ranking high on current design trends.

Wooden vanities and iron pipes all contribute to the pared-down, raw aesthetic that’s charming homeowners everywhere.

Trendy Metals

As you scroll through any home design website, you'll undoubtedly find the industrial-style aesthetic paired handsomely with trendy metals.

Indeed, more and more homeowners are choosing to update their bathrooms with brass, copper, and gold-tone fixtures and accents.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is known for exceptional durability. It resists stains and scratches, and is an excellent material for wet space countertops. And according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, it would appear that quartz countertops are surging in popularity.

The NKBA Design Trends Report indicates that light-colored quartz countertops will lead the charge for bathroom vanities and kitchen counters over the next few years.

Wooden Accents

Toiletries and stylish vessel sink near wooden wall in modern bathroom

As Sherwin-Williams eloquently put it, the Graying of America began somewhere around 2010. Since then, we have seen wall-to-wall grey in home design almost ad nauseam. But with a new decade in full swing, it looks like the gray trend has run its course and is finally on its way out.

Design trends over the last year have ushered in the popularity of warm tones in bathroom remodels as evidenced in the industrial aesthetic, metal fixtures in warm gold and brass tones, and, of course, wooden accents are everywhere.

Pops Of Color

Again, the muted grayscale in home design has had its heyday, and pops of color are also moving in to set the scene; think accent walls, large art pieces, and vanities.

As the muted grayscale in home design begins to fizzle, more and more homeowners are choosing to add a splash of color to their bathroom remodels. Remember, though, that bathrooms are pretty small, so adding a bold color to every wall in the room may be overwhelming for the space. If you want to jazz things up a bit, well-thought-out pops of color can make a dramatic difference.

To add a little more personality to your bathroom, think about adding dashes of color with: Accent walls, Vanities, Colorful tiles , The tub, Bathroom accessories, Large art pieces

If you’re not sold on the emotional and potentially pricey investment of any of these suggestions, remember that plants are also an easy and inexpensive way to add some color into your bathroom as well.

Bathtubs Are Out. Showers Are In.

According to Houzz’s Bathroom Trends Study, it would seem the homeowners who opted for a bathroom redo are throwing the tub out with the bathwater.

Houzz’s survey shows that 23% of homeowners removed the tub during their new bathroom remodel, while 27% never had them in the first place and choose to keep the shower where it stood.

Features That Affect The Cost of Your Bathroom Renovation

You're Remodeling Budget

When you’re trying to figure out what to do for your bathroom remodel, your budget is the first bump in the road. Essentially, determining how much your renovation will cost really depends on two factors: your bank balance and your current bathroom setup.

The first and most obvious concern should be the funds you have available to cover the cost of a remodel. If you’re working with $2,000 or less, let’s say, your bathroom renovation may be limited to a fresh coat of paint, new vanity and mirrors, and perhaps some lighting and accessories.

Those with more wiggle room in their budget might be able to swing a new bathtub or shower install and updated flooring. And finally, if you’ve been planning and saving for bathroom renovation and have significant funds available, you could potentially overhaul the entire bathroom and change the existing setup.

Construction Labor Cost

If your new bathroom renovation is not a DIY project, then you should plan for labor and installation to account for the biggest part of your budget — somewhere around 20% sounds about right. Again the final number may vary, particularly if your contractor bumps into any surprises during the renovation.

Bathroom Countertops

You may be surprised to learn that countertops and vanities are frequently sold separately, and that could be both good and bad. On the one hand, separate pieces mean more wiggle room for customization, and on the other, combo-units could drive up the cost of your remodel.

It’s worth noting that the materials you choose can make a significant difference in the final cost. For example, granite tends to be pricier and likely to run you somewhere around $60 - $270 per square foot. Whereas, quartz countertops that we mentioned earlier tends to hum somewhere to the tune of $70 - $100 per square foot. Typically, you can expect countertops to account for 7% of your overall budget.

Bathroom Cabinets

You can enjoy significant cost savings by refinishing the existing cabinetry in your bathrooms. You’d be surprised what a big difference a little sanding, staining, or a fresh coat of paint can make. However, if your existing cabinetry is beyond repair, expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $3,000 depending on the style and size of the cabinets you buy as well as where you shop. Typically, cabinetry and hardware will eat up about 16% of your total reno budget.

Bathroom Faucets and Plumbing

The age of your existing plumbing and the size of your project impact the total plumbing costs. If you’re just updating the vanity, sink, and toilet, for example, your plumbing cost may be minimal. However, if you live in an older home and your contractor bumps into an issue (or three), that could understandably drive up your costs and perhaps even blow your budget. That said, when you’re planning out a detailed budget, faucets and plumbing should account for approximately 14% of the total.

Bathroom Flooring

Just like other aspects of your bathroom renovation, the flooring can be as easy or as intricate as you make it. For example, to keep the cost of your bath remodel to a manageable minimum, peel-and-stick tiles are an excellent way to update your floors. Conversely, if you choose to yank out your existing floor and lay down ceramic tile, that will drive up your final cost. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, flooring typically accounts for approximately 9% of your total bathroom renovation budget.

Other Important Considerations For Bathroom Renovations

How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Typically Take?

While smaller bathroom remodels like painting or switching out the vanity can be done over a weekend, larger projects tend to run anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. The amount of time your bathroom renovation takes really depends on how much work you're putting into it; obviously, complete overhauls will take longer.

What About Hidden or Unexpected Costs?

For renovation projects that go deeper into the plumbing, drywall, and wiring, it’s not unheard of that contractors uncover underlying issues during the process. In this case, homeowners are reminded that more often than not, the contractor wants your job to go as smoothly as possible. They want to deliver the work on time and on budget, so everyone’s happy, and they can move on to their next client. As difficult as it may be, having a contractor that won’t turn a blind eye to larger issues is really a good thing.

To soften the blow of an unexpected expense, it’s probably wise to set aside some funds to address any issues that may come up. While hourly rates will vary by region, typically, plumbers will charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour, and electricians may charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour.

Like most things in life, it’s probably best to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

How Do You Hire The Right Contractor?

The likelihood of your bathroom renovation coming in on time and on budget depends largely on the contractor you hire. Lucky for you, we live in the internet age where reviews are readily available and infinitely helpful. Your best bet is to start there. Beyond doing your own online research, you could also seek out recommendations from friends or family.

Once you’ve narrowed down your shortlist, be sure to get multiple bids, talk to the contractors, and, if possible, try to meet them face-to-face.

Proudly Serving the Following Communities