Bathroom remodels are a popular home improvement project, but they can also be one of the most expensive. The cost for bathroom remodeling projects varies widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the types of materials used, and the overall complexity of the project. 

Although the typical cost range for bathroom remodeling projects falls between $6,000-$17,000, it’s possible to reduce bathroom remodeling costs without sacrificing quality. This article will share several tips to help control costs without compromising function or appearance. 

7 Tips for Reducing Bathroom Remodeling Costs

1. Plan and Prioritize

Before you begin a bathroom remodel, you should prioritize your wants and needs and create a detailed plan for the project. Start by listing the upgrades you want to make, such as replacing the bathtub or lighting. Then, consider which items are essential and which are optional. Once you’ve prioritized your needs, create a detailed plan for the project. A well-thought-out plan can help you stay on track and avoid overspending. It can also help you identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving time and money in the long run.

2. Reuse or Refinish Fixtures and Materials

Reusing existing fixtures and materials wherever possible is a great way to save money. For example, if your sink is still functional, consider refinishing it instead of replacing it. Similarly, if the bathtub is in good condition, it can be professionally refinished for a fraction of the cost of a new one. A bathroom vanity can also be painted or refinished. An experienced contractor can help determine which fixtures and materials can be reused or refinished.

3. Focus on Functionality 

While it can be tempting to purchase upscale finishes and fixtures, focusing on upgrades that improve your bathroom’s functionality will save money without sacrificing quality. 

For example, adding storage can help declutter a bathroom and improve its functionality. Similarly, installing upgraded lighting can make the space more inviting and safer. 

• Consider choosing basic or standard model fixtures rather than high-end or luxury versions, which can be significantly more expensive.
• Choose materials and finishes that are durable and easy to clean. You’ll save money on specialized cleaning products and maintenance. 
• Consider the practicality of specific design elements, such as grab bars, towel racks, and storage solutions, to ensure they are functional and cost-effective.

4. Shop Smart 

Shopping smart for fixtures and materials is a great way to save money when remodeling. Discount home improvement stores and online retailers often offer great prices on fixtures, appliances, lighting, and other building materials. Comparing prices and quality is essential to ensure you get the best value.

• Look for durable and long-lasting materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tile.
• Check with online retailers and local home improvement stores for sales and discounts on fixtures and other materials. The discounts can be substantial.
• If you are remodeling a couple of bathrooms at once, consider using the same tile or flooring to take advantage of price discounts for purchasing in bulk. 

5. Hire a Reputable Contractor

Hiring a reputable contractor helps ensure bathroom remodeling projects are completed on time and within budget. An experienced contractor can provide expert guidance and help prevent costly mistakes. They can help you choose the layout, materials, and fixtures that fit your needs and budget. Most bathroom remodelers have several material sources lined up so clients can purchase materials at a more affordable price. A professional contractor will bring expertise and quality workmanship, ensuring a successful bathroom remodeling project.

6. Take on Some DIY Projects

Doing a few easy projects yourself can save money on labor costs. However, it’s important only to take on tasks you are comfortable with and leave more complicated work to the professionals. Focus on easy tasks that do not require specialized training or equipment, such as painting, installing towel racks, or replacing cabinet hardware. Always leave plumbing and electrical work to licensed contractors.

Be sure to thoroughly research and plan any DIY projects to avoid costly mistakes or damage to your home. Many local home improvement stores offer classes or workshops to help homeowners learn new skills and techniques. 

7. Stay Open to Alternative Solutions

Staying flexible and open to alternative solutions is always a good idea. A professional home remodeler can often suggest a cost-effective alternative that meets your needs. This might include using different materials or considering an alternative layout. An experienced bathroom remodeler can help you find a compromise that balances functionality, aesthetics, and your budget. 

Call A Trusted Plumbing Remodeling Specialist

Controlling costs on a bathroom remodel project doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company provides complete remodeling services and guides clients through every step of the process. We can handle the entire project when you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, from design to demolition to refinishing.

Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top of the line” service. All our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results. Call us today at 314-752-9850 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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‍A kitchen backsplash is often the first thing people notice when they enter your kitchen. It can be very impactful in setting the mood for the heart of your home. An easy way to spruce up a kitchen is by adding a new backsplash or replacing a drab backsplash. 

Kitchen Backsplashes Offer Practical Benefits

Beyond their aesthetic value, kitchen backsplashes provide several practical benefits. They protect the wall behind your counters from everyday wear and tear. They also protect your walls from grease and food splatters. Backsplashes are a great way to hide imperfections in the wall behind your countertops, like chips and scratches, while adding style to your kitchen. 

Backsplashes are An Important Kitchen Design Element

The right backsplash can set the tone for your kitchen. They can create a fun and quirky vibe or a more sophisticated and elegant look. Creating a focal point in your kitchen is easily done with a well-designed backsplash. The placement of a backsplash can produce different effects. One that wraps around the kitchen radiates continuity, making small spaces seem larger. On the other hand, selectively adding a backsplash behind the range, sink, or stove can spotlight those areas. Incorporating decorative designs and colors in a backsplash can set the tone of a kitchen and add visual appeal.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Backsplash 

Establish a Budget

Are you looking for more affordable kitchen backsplash ideas or a more expensive material? What does the material cost? Will it be worth the cost of the material? There is a wide range of options with varying prices, so set your budget and do your best to stay within the amount you can easily afford. Online sellers and big box stores frequently offer deep discounts on backsplash tiles.

Maintenance

How much care will the backsplash require? Are there additional cleaning needs that come with your ideal backsplash? How durable is the material? Will it start to fade or easily chip over time? Is the material scratch-resistant? Will it withstand being bumped into with a countertop appliance? Consider the time required to keep various backsplash materials looking their best before making a choice.

Visual Appeal

Does the material complement your kitchen design? Does it enhance the look of your kitchen or detract from it? Will it help you achieve the focal point you desire? If the rest of your kitchen is fairly neutral, choose a patterned tile backsplash to add visual interest. 

Installation Costs

Is this a DIY project, or will you need to hire a contractor? Hiring a contractor will increase the cost, but an experienced contractor can do the project faster and have more professional-looking results. 

Popular Backsplash Materials

Backsplash materials, including tile, stone, glass, and ceramic, offer plenty of colors and design options. Backsplash.com has an excellent online gallery to browse for ideas. Busier tiles might be trendy, but they won’t appeal to everybody. A simple backsplash design is probably the best choice for most kitchens.

Ceramic Tile 

Tile is easy-to-maintain, durable, versatile, and often inexpensive. Ceramic tiles come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Maintaining ceramic is easy with periodic cleaning.

Glass Tile 

Glass tiles have benefits similar to ceramic in terms of versatility and low maintenance. They also have the added effect of reflecting light, making your space appear more spacious and brighter. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, from classic square tiles to long, thin bars. Some tiles offer a crystal-clear translucence, and others present a more matte effect.

Natural Stone  

Stone creates a more textured and organic look. Natural stone is durable and requires very little maintenance and cleaning. A wet cloth is all that’s needed to wipe away every day spills or splatters. It’s recommended to clean a natural stone backsplash occasionally with a gentle and neutral pH cleanser to keep it looking its best.

Porcelain Wood Tile

If you want wood’s elegant and rustic aesthetics but don’t want the drawbacks of natural wood, porcelain wood tiles are for you. Porcelain wood tile looks and feels like natural wood. These tiles are virtually indestructible and are easy to clean and maintain. There are several wood styles and textures to make your backsplash a stunning element of your kitchen.

Metal

Metals such as stainless steel, copper, and brass can elevate your kitchen’s style. Metal backsplashes brighten up the kitchen with their reflective natures. Metal backsplashes come in a large variety of sheens and textures, from smooth brushed metal to shiny and bold geometric patterns. They are easy to keep clean and relatively impervious to damage. 

Given all the advantages of a kitchen backsplash, it’s not surprising that many homeowners opt for this cosmetic and practical upgrade. However, picking the perfect material can be a bit overwhelming. Whatever style you choose, ensure that it coordinates with your other design elements for a cohesive look. An experienced contractor can help you select a backsplash material that will work best for your needs and install it with skill.

Call R. A. Guinner for Your Next Remodeling Project

When you’re ready to change, upgrade, or improve your kitchen, R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company can help. We’ll help you create the custom look you want. We provide complete remodeling services and guide our clients through every step of a project.

Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top-of-the-line” service. All our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results. Call us today at 314-752-9850 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the average household. It’s also a room that requires attention to comfort, durability, and functionality. Bathroom design trends have changed over the years and will continue to evolve. Design experts predict that clean lines, easy-maintenance materials, and natural colors will remain popular in 2023 and beyond.

7 Popular Design Trends

Today’s homeowners are seeking bathroom designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many people are now looking for a spa-like experience at home. Manufacturers and designers have stepped up to the challenge to create materials and fixtures that are convenient and beautiful.

Here are a few of the most popular bathroom design trends that homeowners are incorporating into their homes.

1. Freestanding Bathtubs

If a spa-like atmosphere is on your wish list, a freestanding bathtub is a great choice. The pandemic increased homeowners’ desire for relaxation, making soaking tubs a top bathroom feature. The Houzz bathroom trends study notes that freestanding, flat-bottom tubs are becoming more popular than clawfoot models or other decorative bases. Make sure the tub you select is sized appropriately for your space.

2. Seamless Glass Showers

A frameless shower creates a sense of space in even the smallest bathroom. As a bonus, it lets you show off your beautiful tile work. Curbless showers, which are large, walk-in showers with no lip, step, or often even a door, are a popular choice. Zero-entry showers offer homeowners safety, accessibility, and a sleek design.

3. Smart Home Controls

Homeowners are looking for more control and convenience throughout their homes. Upgraded, high-tech faucets, LED lighting, and advanced electronics are in demand. With voice control, you can adjust smart lighting or use your smartphone to update a music selection. Smart showers allow you to control the water temperature digitally, so you never have to step under scalding water again.

4. Universal Design

Trends in universal design features add comfort, convenience, and safety. Incorporating accessibility and safety features doesn’t mean your bathroom has to look institutional. Many universal design innovations can fit into your bathroom remodeling plans without sacrificing style. Accessible features such as grab bars and seats in showers, accessible tubs, and touch-free faucets are just a few options to consider.

5. Smart Toilets

According to the NKBA 2021 design trends report, smart toilets and bidets are becoming more common in bathroom design. Smart toilets have self-closing lids and touch-free flushing, which greatly reduces touching surfaces that typically have a lot of germs. Some even offer self-cleaning technology, such as a bacteria-killing light under the lid.

6. Wall-Mount Floating Vanities

Although the crisp lines of floating vanities are generally seen as contemporary, the versatility in storage, along with an array of configurations, make wall-mount floating vanities an attractive choice for any bathroom design. Because they do not take up any floor space, they create an airy, open feeling. They also make cleaning bathroom floors easier.

7. Soft Color Palettes

Although white bathrooms remain popular, soft blues and light greens are on trend. Color can be introduced in ceramic tiles, accessories, and of course, on ceilings and walls. Stick with neutral colors for permanent fixtures, flooring, and tile work. It’s easy and relatively inexpensive to switch out curtains, towels, and other accessories if you want to change your color palette.

Bathrooms Matter to Potential Home Buyers

According to Remodeling Magazine, kitchens and baths sell homes. In the hottest housing markets, updating your kitchens and bathrooms is often a good idea, with a high return on investment. Keep bathroom design trends in mind if you are thinking of selling your home in the near future. Choose timeless design elements that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Marble, subway tile, and neutral color palettes are always in style. Adding modern touches and energy-efficient fixtures will make your bathroom look desirable and inviting without obvious signs of deferred maintenance.

Call A Trusted Plumbing Remodeling Specialist

R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company provides complete remodeling services and guides clients through every step of the process. We can handle the entire project when you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, from design to demolition to refinishing.

Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top of the line” service. All our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results. Call us today at 314-752-9850 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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