Bathroom Remodel Services Blog and Resources

Jacuzzi bath remodels bring a touch of luxury and relaxation into any home, but understanding the cost can be a bit challenging. From tub-to-shower conversions to full bathroom remodels, here’s a comprehensive guide covering average costs, project-specific estimates, and tips for saving money on your Jacuzzi bath remodel. Average Cost for a Jacuzzi Bathroom Remodel Based on our data and homeowner reviews, on average, most homeowners pay between $10,000 to $25,000 for a Jacuzzi bathroom remodel. This budget would cover a mid-size bathroom (approximately 40 to 60 square feet) with a moderate level of customization. Of course, the total bathroom remodel cost depends on the scope and size of the project. Small remodels, like adding a tub liner or replacing a shower door, will be at the lower end of this range, while full bathroom overhauls with Jacuzzi tub installations are at the higher end. Several factors impact the cost, including the specific project type, materials used, labor rates in your area, and any additional customizations. Let’s dive into these details to help you better estimate your project’s budget. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel Cost Estimates by Project Type Breaking down Jacuzzi bath remodel costs by project type can provide a more accurate understanding of what you might spend. Tub or Shower Liners Bathtub and shower liners are an affordable way to refresh an old bathtub or shower without paying for a full replacement. Installing a Jacuzzi liner can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the material and customization. Tub-to-Shower Conversion Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most popular projects homeowners get done with Jacuzzi. It involves overhauling an old alcove tub and replacing it with a new custom shower. This project can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The price depends on whether you opt for a basic setup or a custom walk-in shower. Walk-In Shower Remodel For those who prefer a spacious and luxurious shower experience, installing a Jacuzzi walk-in shower can range from $6,000 to $15,000. This cost often includes custom tiling, high-end fixtures, and glass enclosures. Jacuzzi Tub Installation Known for relaxation and therapeutic benefits, Jacuzzi tubs are a sought-after feature. Installing a Jacuzzi tub typically costs between $4,000 and $10,000, depending on the model and features like jets, heaters, and lighting. Shower Door Replacement A simple update like replacing a shower door can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. If you’re opting for premium glass or frameless designs, the price may increase. Full Bathroom Remodel A complete Jacuzzi bathroom remodel, including a new tub, shower, vanity, flooring, and fixtures, may range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. The final price depends on the complexity and finishes chosen. Labor and Installation Costs Labor is a significant portion of any Jacuzzi remodel project. Professional installation costs can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the type of remodel, the expertise required, and local labor rates. For instance, converting a tub to a Jacuzzi walk-in shower may require specialized skills, such as plumbing and electrical work, contributing to higher costs. Average Project Cost by Location Labor rates and material costs vary significantly by region, impacting the total cost of a Jacuzzi bath remodel. Here’s a rough estimate of how prices may differ: Region Average Project Cost Northeast (e.g. New York, Boston) $6,000 to $25,000+ Midwest (e.g. Chicago, Minneapolis) $5,000 to $20,000 South (e.g. Atlanta, Dallas) $4,500 to $18,000 West (e.g. Los Angeles, Seattle) $7,000 to $25,000+ The lower end of these price ranges would cover basic bathroom remodels, such as refreshing an existing bathtub or shower with a new Jacuzzi tub liner. The higher end of the price ranges would cover a large bath or shower remodel with high-quality materials, custom fixtures, and custom tile. Note that our average costs pertain to mid-size bathrooms around 40 to 60 square feet. For large bathrooms, expect costs to be higher. Additional Cost Considerations Beyond the basic remodel costs, you may encounter additional expenses depending on the project scope and preferences. Permit Fees: Certain projects, like adding new plumbing for a Jacuzzi tub, may require permits. These can range from $50 to $300. Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades: For Jacuzzi tubs with advanced features, extra plumbing or electrical upgrades may be necessary, costing $200 to $1,500. Material Upgrades: Opting for luxury materials, such as marble tiles, can increase your costs significantly. Factors that Influence Costs Several factors influence the overall cost of a Jacuzzi bath remodel, including: Project Complexity: A straightforward shower replacement will be less costly than a full bathroom remodel. Material Quality: Higher-quality materials cost more but can improve the durability and look of your bathroom. Customization: Unique designs or custom tilework can raise costs due to added labor and material expenses. Size of the Bathroom: Larger bathrooms naturally require more materials, contributing to a higher cost. Age of Your Home: Older homes may need updated plumbing or electrical systems to accommodate new Jacuzzi features. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel Request a personalized quote from a Jacuzzi professional. Get Quote Because so many factors can influence your price quote from Jacuzzi, the easiest way to get your project estimate is to connect with a Jacuzzi representative directly. Jacuzzi Discounts and Promotions Jacuzzi often offers seasonal promotions and discounts on products and services, as well as financing specials. Homeowners may find deals on Jacuzzi tub installations, shower systems, or packages that bundle various remodeling services. To ensure you’re getting the best price, be sure to ask your Jacuzzi professional what discounts and promotions are currently available. Jacuzzi Costs vs. Other Popular Bathroom Remodel Brands Compared to other bathroom remodel brands, Jacuzzi’s products tend to be mid-to-high range in terms of cost, reflecting their quality, durability, and features. To help you compare, here is how Jacuzzi compares with popular brands for a bathtub or shower remodel project: American Standard American Standard offers a range of products, including accessible tubs and showers with therapeutic options like whirlpool jets and heated surfaces. While pricing is broad, ranging from around $2,000 to $15,000, American Standard emphasizes accessibility and functionality. This makes it a solid choice for homeowners who want a relaxing tub or shower with some therapeutic benefits without the high-end finishes and advanced options that Jacuzzi offers. Jacuzzi’s remodels are better suited for those looking for a spa-like atmosphere with luxurious add-ons, while American Standard provides a middle-ground option for affordability with select therapeutic features. Jacuzzi vs. Bath Wraps Jacuzzi remodels are focused on creating a high-end, therapeutic bathing experience, often incorporating features like jets, heating elements, and custom finishes. This makes Jacuzzi an appealing choice for those looking to transform their shower or bathtub into a relaxing, spa-like retreat, typically within a price range of $3,000 to $25,000+. In contrast, BathWraps specializes in quick, cost-effective upgrades with custom-fitted acrylic liners. Starting at around $1,000 and going up to $10,000, BathWraps projects refresh the look and functionality of an existing shower or tub without the premium features Jacuzzi offers, making it a budget-friendly, efficient choice for basic upgrades. Bath Fitter  Bath Fitter provides a similar service to BathWraps, using custom liners to cover existing tubs or showers. Their projects generally range from $1,000 to $10,000 and focus on convenience, with many remodels completed in a day. Bath Fitter’s solutions are durable and easy to maintain, but they don’t offer the luxury or therapeutic features that Jacuzzi remodels do. Homeowners looking for a full spa experience with jets, heating, and a high-end look will find that Bath Fitter doesn’t meet those needs, but it’s an ideal choice for quick, straightforward tub and shower remodels at a lower price point. Getting a Quote from Jacuzzi For the most accurate cost estimate, consider getting a personalized quote from Jacuzzi. This involves an in-home assessment, during which Jacuzzi representatives evaluate your bathroom, discuss your goals, and provide a tailored cost breakdown.

This season, instead of heading to the store to buy decorations, first take inventory of your home and see if you have any of the items below to use as decor. My guess is that you will have at least a few of these items lying around your home. These instant decoration hacks can help save you money and time — use what you already have and bring some holiday cheer into your home.  Look for expert holiday decor bonus tips along the way! I bet you've never seen the second decor tip on this list. 1. Put your cocoa mugs on display Chances are that a cute holiday mug is sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now. Yes it is great for holding your warm cocoa, but it is also the perfect subtle accessory to bring those Christmas colors into your open shelving entryway nook. Group a few of your favorite holiday mugs together with candy canes and pine branches flowing over the top for an easy, cheap, and beautiful way to decorate those smaller spaces. 2. Get creative "Have a lot of hair bows? We have a ton of bows in our house with three girls, so I decided to decorate a mini Christmas tree with them! It's an easy last-minute tree decoration that every girl mom has! And if you need some more bows (or want an ornament that can be used another way) you can always pick up a 20-pack of bows online for under $12!" Annie 3. Bring the outdoors indoors Nothing like cozying up by the fire with a good holiday Hallmark movie cued up for the night. Instead of hauling in your logs from outside or the garage, try displaying them in a nice stack or propped up in a basket to bring that woodsy winter feeling indoors. It will save you a trip outside. 4. Don't be wreath shy There are a lot of ways to use a holiday wreath. Have you ever thought about putting them indoors? Front doors are known for getting all the decor attention, but it's time to use the dead space on your inside doors. Wreaths willinstantly spice up your interior as you walk through your home during this holiday season.  5. Keep your chalkboards in the holiday loop Chances are you have some sort of chalkboard, letter board, or whiteboard laying around your house. This is the perfect customizable piece that can be updated as holiday wall art. Don't be nervous if you think your handwriting isn't pretty enough to be displayed. Instead, have each family member write down something that they are grateful for on the chalboard. This creates a sweet, meaningful, and personalized art piece for the holidays. 6. Gather ornaments off the tree, as well as on  "For an inexpensive way to repurpose household items as holiday decorations, try setting a tray of sparkling ornaments against a wooden coffee table. This can produce an elegant feel to rustic holiday decor. You can also incorporate more sparkle and shine by wrapping empty boxes with silver and gold paper and placing it by the fireplace to brighten the room." Emilie 7. Use wrapping paper to make your tree pop Instead of grabbing the wrapping paper with elves and Santa Claus cartoons all over it, opt for a classy, graphic wrapping paper. You can find unique wrapping paper at craft stores, boutiques, and online shops that help to glam up any Christmas tree. Wrapping paper can be an accessory for the whole month of December, not just the thing that you bought last minute to cover your children’s gifts. 8. Say goodbye to dead bathroom counter space Do you already have a cute basket or bowl filled with towels, soaps, or other decor on your bathroom counter? If so, you're in luck. You're already halfway through this decor tip. Take that basket and fill it with some holiday staples. Try mixing holly, ornaments, nuts, pinecones or fruit to instantly bring the holiday spirit into your bathroom. 9. Use the ultimate Christmas tree alternative — books! "I am a big fan of Christmas Tree alternatives, mainly because I am allergic to pine and prefer not to use a fake tree.  For the last few years, I have recycled books to create a tree! Up until this year, I lived in a top-floor apartment, and it was a hassle carrying anything up those 50 steps to my apartment, so I would search for items inside my pad to create a holiday look while saving space. Over the years, I have advised clients on such a tree; it is fun to read the titles, in lieu of ornaments. Sometimes we use cookbooks! I do light the 'book tree' and add eucalyptus and dried lavender for a heavenly scent." Heather 10. Choose a simple, festive color scheme "For beautifully coordinated holiday home decor, it is recommended that you define a specific color scheme to make the decor pop! This will ensure all the decor is nicely coordinated plus it will help you avoid any unnecessary purchases of decor items where you, “can’t find anywhere to place them. If you cannot decide on just one color scheme, don’t worry — you can pick several for different areas of your house!" Lucy There you have it — 10 simple, affordable, and classy ways to decorate your home this holiday season.

Guest Post by Leah Tuttleman Are you feeling drab everytime you walk into your bathroom? Are you selling your home and looking to add a bit of resale value? Are you wanting to give your bathroom a facelift, without the eight-week rennovation timeline? You're not alone. With 25 years of experience as an interior designer, here are my thoughts on the upcoming bathroom trends of 2020 to give you a solution to these common bathroom remodel questions — plus small bathroom design bonus tips and tricks. Trendy bathroom tile Tile continues to dominate in every bathroom in the house. Breaking away from the traditional brick bond layouts on wall spaces, vertical tiling looks popular for 2020. It offers something fresh and new. One simple way to create a big impact in any bathroom is to create a statement floor or wall, and nothing achieves this quite like patterned tiles. Bathroom floor tiles offer a long-lasting, scratch resistant and easy-to-clean alternative to other flooring options. Best of all, they cover a huge variety of the latest trends: from encaustic-styled patterns to lifelike wood to stone effect designs. The charm and elegance of vintage elements will continue to be popular throughout 2020. Using encaustic styled period patterns in your bathroom is one way of creating your own slice of vintage paradise. Fixate on fixtures Just as stainless steel is becoming less popular in the kitchen, it’s time to say good bye to chrome in the bathroom. Many fixture manufacturers are churning out a variety of minimalistic designs, creating a sleeker, cleaner, no-fuss fitting. Unique faucets will complement simple vanities and sink shapes as we see a rapid shift with many consumers moving away from traditional styles and leaning into contemporary styles and finishes. You may also start hearing the word “maximalism” more in 2020, which is characterized by a style that both evokes glamour and opulence, while remaining minimal in shape, ultimately made maximalist solely by a product’s hue or finish. Instead of chrome and brushed nickel, opt for gold, copper, brushed brass, and black matte. Another major fixture trend is mixing and matching finishes and products. The trend goes as far as mixing spouts, handles, and finishes as well as marrying a modern design with timeless shapes. This ain't your grandma's wallpaper Wallpaper has gotten a bad rap in years past, but whether you’re looking to add a statement wall or cover your entire bathroom in a tasteful pattern, wallpaper is back. Natural color palettes are at the forefront, typically in grey tones and black matte – luxury is in the subtlety. Using wallpaper in the bathroom is an easy way to add character and personality. However, if you are feeling a little hesitant to dive head first into the wallpaper trend due to the stress of commitment or possibly damaging your walls, look into removable wallpaper. A variety of companies are selling removable, peel and stick wallpaper — this can help you take the wallpaper plunge without having to say yes to a longtime commitment or possibly sacrifice your walls. Bonus tip: What should you do with your small bathroom? A small bathroom remodel will require a bit more tetris-like planning to ensure that your bathroom is as functional as it is beautiful. Perhaps it is in your best interest to re-work the plumbing to ensure that your bathroom is maximizing its space. You'll be surprised how possibly switching the location of your shower with the sink can add a few square feet of usable space. In addition to logistical changes, here a few small bathroom remodel ideas to keep in mind when faced with decor dilemas.  Make storage space as purposeful in design as it is in functionality  Mirrors help to accentuate the space and make it appear larger  Showers with a glass door rather than a blockade of a shower curtain will help visually expand the bathroom  Busyness in patterns and decor can be mistaken for clutter, so opt to go more minimal Don't be afraid to chase these bathroom trends in 2020. If you're looking for even more bonus tips, check out our 19 latest budget-friendly design ideas for your upcoming bathroom remodel. Leah Tuttleman is an ASID Allied member since 1995, has worked over 25 years in the design industry. Leah received her BS in Interior Design from The University of Arizona in 1984. She’s currently an interior designer for Re-Bath, a full-service bathroom remodeling brand.

Guest Post by Elizabeth Pandolfi  Now that your house is on the market, you may be wanting to overhaul your bathrooms to boost resale value, but is now really the time? It’s understandable to want to start bathroom demolition day, but a complete remodel is typically not the most cost effective way to boost your home's value. On average, homeowners spend between $9,600 and $11,000 on a remodel — typically spending more money on the rennovations than what the added value to the home would be. Most real estate agents agree that doing a full bathroom remodel is not always the most cost effective nor the most time-effective option. Instead, opt to make your bathrooms clean, updated, uncluttered — these are the types of things a buyer wants to see when they tour your home, and you don't have to break the bank to do it. Since bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in the house to convince potential buyers to make an offer, agents generally advise home sellers to start by working with what they have. Opt for the small scale facelift verses an entire reconstruction. There are easy ways to transform the look of your bathroom if you focus on three things: fresh, clean, and functional. If you keep your bathrooms spotless, smelling fresh, and functional, you can’t go wrong.  Here are a few easy, cost-effective bathroom staging ideas that will help you win over potential buyers.  Scrub, scrub, scrub The number one thing you can do to give your potential buyers a good impression? Clean! It’s an investment that will pay off in spades — in fact, the ROI on a deep cleaning when it comes to selling your home is more than 900 percent!   This is especially true in a bathroom, where dirt and grime can make the space feel not only dingy, but unhygienic.  Just take a look at this video from HomeLight to see how important a clean and inviting bathroom can be for your home sale.  Remove all personal items No matter how attractive that toothbrush holder is, buyers won’t want to see your personal grooming items when they’re touring your home.  Just like with any room in your house, buyers need to be able to see themselves in the space — not the former owners. Seeing your mouthwash or shampoo in the bathroom will make it that much harder for them to imagine their family living there, which can negatively impact the likelihood they’ll make an offer. Choose white, textured towels and linens You can never go wrong with fresh white towels and linens. By purchasing some new, inexpensive linens specifically for staging your bathroom, you’ll give the whole room a fresher look.  Pay attention to texture, too — soft, fluffy textures will create a more luxurious look and appeal more to buyers than flat ones. Update bathroom fixtures Outdated hardware in your bathroom can give a dated, tired look. Invest a bit of money in new hardware, and you'll be surprised how such a small detail gives the illusion that your bathroom is years newer than before. Hardware doesn’t have to be anything super high-end either — just stick to a simple, modern, neutral design and you’ll have a winner. Add minimalist decor Once your bathroom is spotless and clutter-free, it’s time to add in a couple of minimalist decor touches. A small vase of pale flowers or greenery on the countertop, an unobtrusive botanical print on the wall, and perhaps a lightly scented candle should do the trick. These elements make the space feel homey and inviting, but not overly personal with too many tchotchkes. Remember, the more stuff you put in your bathroom, the smaller and more cramped it will feel. Let the room open up and breathe by keeping items to a minimum. Whether you are staging your home for resale, a vacation rental, or a quick spruce up, these staging hacks are quick and easy solutions to cure your bathroom blues.   Elizabeth Pandolfi is a writer and journalist based in South Carolina.

A bathroom remodel typically costs between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the scope, materials, and size of the project. For a mid-range remodel, homeowners generally spend around $10,000 to $15,000, which can include upgrades like new flooring, countertops, and fixtures. Larger projects that involve significant plumbing work or high-end finishes, such as marble countertops or custom cabinetry, may push the cost beyond $25,000.  Costs can also be influenced by factors like labor rates, especially if you require skilled professionals for plumbing or electrical work. Additionally, premium features such as heated floors, luxury soaking tubs, or smart showers can add thousands to the final price. Homeowners should also consider the potential return on investment, as bathroom remodels typically increase home value and improve resale potential. Careful planning, gathering multiple quotes from contractors, and exploring financing options can help manage costs and maximize the benefits of the renovation.  Average Bathroom Remodel Cost Ranges Partial Remodels: Smaller projects, such as updating fixtures or retiling, generally range from $3,000 to $7,000. Full Bathroom Remodel: Renovating the entire bathroom, including new flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing fixtures, often costs between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on material choices and labor rates.  Primary Bathrooms In 2024, the average cost to remodel a primary bathroom ranges from $14,000 to $25,000, with an expected return on investment (ROI) of about 59%. A typical primary bathroom remodel includes updating the shower and/or bathtub, installing a new vanity and sink, improving lighting, and adding fresh paint. Due to the larger size, remodeling a primary bathroom tends to be more expensive compared to smaller bathrooms like guest or half bathrooms. Full Bathroom Remodel (Non-Primary) The cost to remodel a full bathroom that is not a primary bathroom typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the project’s scope and materials. Full bathrooms usually include a shower or bathtub, toilet, sink, and vanity, and the cost to renovate these spaces is lower than that of a primary bathroom due to their smaller size. However, similar updates like tile replacement, plumbing, and new fixtures still apply, and a remodel of this type can yield a strong ROI, especially for guest bathrooms.  Half Bathrooms The cost to remodel a small half bathroom in 2024 is generally between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on the project’s scope. Without a shower or bathtub, half bath remodels tend to cost less, averaging $115 to $300 per square foot. Adding a shower to a half bath will increase costs but also boost your home’s resale value. Adding a Bathroom to Your Home Adding a new bathroom to your home costs between $5,000 and $30,000, with prices reaching up to $90,000 if expanding the home’s square footage. However, this addition can add as much as 10% to your home’s resale value.  Additional Costs to Consider Plumbing Adjustments: Major plumbing changes, like relocating a shower or toilet, can add an extra $1,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity. Luxury Features: High-end features like heated flooring, freestanding tubs, or smart showers can add $5,000 or more to the project cost. Permits and Fees: Many renovations require permits, which can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your local regulations.  Factors Affecting Bathroom Remodel Costs Size of the Bathroom: Larger bathrooms require more materials and labor, driving up the overall cost. Material Choices: High-end materials like marble or custom cabinetry increase costs, while budget-friendly alternatives like porcelain tile or laminate countertops can help keep prices down. Labor Costs: Labor prices vary based on location and the complexity of the remodel. Expect to spend between $50 and $150 per hour for professional contractors. Plumbing and Electrical Work: Extensive changes to plumbing or electrical systems can significantly impact the final cost.  Popular Remodeling Companies and Cost Comparisons When comparing bathroom remodel costs, the company you choose can significantly impact the total expenses. Here's a look at what you can expect based on popular bathroom remodel companies:  Kohler Bathroom Remodels  Known for premium, high-quality products, Kohler remodels typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. These remodels often include high-end features and custom designs that elevate the overall cost.  Explore reviews from real homeowners on Kohler's services. American Standard Bathroom Remodels  For a more affordable option, American Standard offers reliable products with remodels ranging from $7,000 to $15,000, making it ideal for homeowners seeking durability without breaking the bank.  Jacuzzi Bathroom Remodels  If you're seeking a spa-like experience, Jacuzzi remodels can cost between $12,000 and $30,000, especially when including luxury tubs or hydrotherapy features, making it a high-end investment for ultimate relaxation.  Explore reviews from real homeowners on Jacuzzi's services. Savings Over Time Investing in a bathroom remodel can boost your home's value, with most mid-range remodels recouping about 60-70% of the project cost at resale. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient fixtures can reduce water and energy bills over time, offering long-term savings.  The Bottom Line: Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It? Bathroom remodel costs vary depending on the project scope, materials, and labor. On average, a full remodel will range from $10,000 to $25,000, while smaller updates might be completed for $3,000 to $7,000. While the initial investment may seem high, bathroom renovations not only enhance your home's comfort but also offer a solid return on investment, especially if you plan to sell in the future. Be sure to compare quotes, explore financing options, and carefully plan your renovation to maximize value.

A bathroom remodel adds luxury and value to a home. However, depending on how a homeowner goes about their bathroom remodel, the price could fluctuate by thousands of dollars. You don’t want to be flushing your money down the toilet. Here are some simple, money-saving tips to keep in mind when you remodel your bathroom: 1. Renovate your tub instead of buying a new one If your bathtub is structurally fine but just needs a facelift, look into resurfacing the tub or ordering a bath liner. Resurfacing can change the color of your tub and make it look brand new. This requires the use of chemicals and should be done by a professional. It will usually cost a couple hundred dollars. If your tub is a little dinged up and you want a new surface to it, you can order a custom bath liner that will fit snugly over your existing tub. 2. Keep plumbing where it is Moving plumbing around will quickly raise the price of your bathroom remodel by thousands of dollars. To move pipes you usually will have to get in the flooring and walls. Keep remodeling costs low by leaving your toilet, vanity, and shower where they already are. If you’re redoing your shower, try to keep the drain and spigot in about the same place to take advantage of the existing plumbing. If you’re planning a full scale renovation (moving walls and appliances), consult a plumber or knowledgeable contractor about how to keep the plumbing costs low. 3. Skip the fancy toilet A basic toilet can cost you as little as $100. Though you might not want one that cheap, a $1,000 toilet is excessive. A water-saving toilet might save money over time, but you can get an efficient toilet without all the other bells and whistles. If you’re replacing your toilet, consider if you really need to replace the whole thing. Most toilets come in two or more parts. Do you need a whole new one, or just a new bowl? Does it look okay, but doesn’t work so well? Look into just replacing some interior parts. 4. Search for damaged (and discounted!) appliances When a hardware store has a chipped, scratched, dented, or otherwise compromised appliance, it can’t sell it for full price anymore. These type of appliances make their way to scratch and dent sellers. These stores are also called appliance outlets, open-box appliances, or appliance clearance. You can find things like bathtubs, shower surrounds, sinks, toilets, hardware, cabinets, and countertops. Most of these types of appliances are sold at a large discount, usually more than 50 percent off. Sometimes the scratch or dent is on a place that won’t be seen in your bathroom, like the side or back. If the appliance is broken, it may cost less to repair than it would to buy one brand new. 5. Think about what the bathroom will be used for most If you’re remodeling your master bath, you might want to spend some extra money on luxury fixtures like heated floors, a rain shower, or soaker tub. However, if you’re remodeling a different space like a powder room or guest bath, it’s unlikely you’ll miss these elegant touches. If you’re remodeling a bathroom that you aren’t planning on spending much time in, keep it simple. 6. Only add luxury where it matters If you’re only going to take a bath once a year, skip the jetted tub. If you live somewhere warm, you probably don’t need in-floor heating. However, if you’ve always dreamed of a walk-in shower, that’s where you should splurge. If a generic white sink is just fine for you, don’t get a marble one. Prioritize your “must haves” first. 7. Limit the fancy tile Tile is usually priced by the square foot or by each piece. If you’ve been dreaming of a custom tile mosaic, do it, but don’t do it in your whole bathroom. Use nice or custom tile as an accent, maybe in the shower, in a certain part of the floor, or as vanity backsplash. In the rest of the bathroom, use a generic (and inexpensive!) tile that matches your custom accent. Less expensive tile could be subway tile, vinyl tile, or ceramic tile instead of porcelain. In recent years, vinyl flooring has grown in popularity due to its durability, price, and wide range in colors and design. You can even get vinyl planks that look just like hardwood floors. You could consider taking wood-style vinyl up your bathroom walls for a sauna look. 8. Don’t buy a generic accessory at a high-end retailer If you’re shopping for your accent tile at an artisan or custom boutique, don’t also buy your generic tile there. Chances are you can find something similar at a more affordable store. Another example, if you don’t care what style your towel bar is in, look for a generic one at a warehouse store. 9. Focus on small, impactful fixes Sometimes all your bathroom needs is some new lighting and accents. Add some extra lighting by the vanity. Change out fixtures like door handles, faucets, drawer pulls, or light fixtures to give your bath an updated feel. Add mirrors to make your bathroom feel larger. You can easily add crown moulding to your bathroom for under $100. Crown moulding makes the room feel taller and more elegant. Consider framing your mirror or adding a piece of statement art. 10. Do your own painting Though painting takes time and patience, it’s a relatively easy job. If your bathroom doesn’t have extremely tall walls, this is easily a job that you can tackle yourself instead of hiring it out. If you aren’t sure what color to paint your walls, buy a small amount of paint of a few color options and paint them in swatches on the walls or on poster boards that you can hold up in different parts of the room. 11. Haul your own materials and garbage If you have a truck (or can borrow one), you can save on disposal and delivery fees by hauling away garbage or picking up materials yourself. If you’re doing demolition as part of your remodel, you’ll definitely have some scraps to get rid of. 12. Go to the store to buy the materials yourself If you’re paying your contractor by the hour, you don’t want to pay them to roam Home Depot. Most contractors charge at least $50 per hour. Talk with your contractor about what he’ll need, make a detailed list, and take care of the errand yourself. Though it might take you a couple of hours, it will save you money and will help your project get done faster because the contractor can keep working while you’re picking up what they need. Also, while you’re at the store you’ll be keeping your eyes out for specials and sales, something your contractor doesn’t have as much interest in when they’re spending your money. 13. Always get more than one bid Make sure to ask several contractors or companies how much they will charge for your bathroom remodel. You’ll be able to compare the quotes and see which is best. Before you ask, do your research and make an estimate about how much you think would be fair. This knowledge will give you some bargaining power and help you be able to tell if you’re being overcharged. 14. Get a full cost breakdown from the contractor This will help you know which prices are negotiable. Labor cost is extremely variable, but the materials cost might be fixed. If you can, only pay the contractor for the labor cost and buy all materials yourself to ensure you’re getting the best price. 15. Make and stick to a budget Before you begin your bathroom remodel, define how much money you have available to spend. Do your research about how much each part of the remodel is going to cost. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000 but costs can easily get out of hand and reach double or triple that. Find out how much your big ticket items and labor will cost, then decide how much you have left for the smaller touches. Leave wiggle room in your budget for surprises like mold and mildew or the project taking longer than anticipated. 16. Schedule your remodel in the off-season Contractors typically don’t charge a flat fee for their services. Their labor cost fluctuates depending on several factors, including how busy they are. If your contractor is busy, they won’t be itching for new work and will give you a higher bid for their services. However, if they don’t have many jobs lined up, you’re more likely to get a good deal. Construction off-season is usually in the winter. 17. Create a comprehensive design plan before you begin If you don’t have the remodel completely mapped out from start to finish, you’ll end up spending more money as you change your mind on design plans. Begin with mood boards (like Pinterest), a free design consultation from the company you’re working with, or drawing it all out on paper. 18. Do some remodel work yourself Some remodel work, like plumbing, electrical work, or intricate tiling, is better left to the professionals. Some remodeling requires permits, and if you do it wrong it could even be dangerous. However, some remodeling can be done as a DIY project. Consider painting, installing fixtures, doing clean up, and helping in demolition and the removal of old appliances. 19. Pick a well-reviewed company or contractor Most bathroom remodel horror stories begin with a bad contractor. Check out their previous work and ask for references. Check the contractor’s licenses. If you hire a lousy remodeling company or contractor you could end up thousands of dollars poorer with a bad bathroom. See our list of the best bathroom remodeling companies here. 

Mold. Miscommunication. Money pit. When you’re starting a bathroom remodel, these aren’t things you want to hear. You finalize your design plans and cross your fingers that everything will go smoothly. You dream of shiny new floors and a spotless tiled shower that will make your bathroom feel like a palace. Some bathroom remodels go well, but some don’t. Here are seven stories of bathroom remodels that didn’t go as planned: "The biggest $25,000 lesson I learned" Karina Rabin’s story starts when she hired a man on the Home Depot contractor list to paint her garage. After that went well, he offered to redo her bathroom tile too. Rabin says, “I was very hesitant because he showed me previous work on his phone, and I didn’t like it.” However, she went forward with the remodel. “I bought the tile and once they started to install it, I was in love with the design.” Once it was finished she had one of her friends, who works as a general contractor, come and see how it turned out. The friend pointed out that there were cracks in the wall, none of it was straight, the tile was in the wrong order, and there were leaks and mold behind it. Rabin says she fought with the contractor she had hired about his terrible work. She found out he had lied and didn’t have any sort of license. Rabin laments, “Our mistake that we didn’t check.” Rabin hired another contractor, a friend of a friend, to redo the tile work. He charged her only a fourth of the price that the first guy did. Better, right? Not completely. This second contractor didn’t tile all the way up the shower which caused problems when the plumber came. I asked Rabin what she would have done differently. “What I would have done different is RESEARCH these people. Ask for references and look at reviews. The biggest $25,000 lesson learned for a little bathroom which we still cannot use.” "I noticed leaks coming through the ceiling" Matthew Ross from California encountered some serious problems as he tried to tackle the bathroom remodel in his first home. Ross recounts, “In order to save costs, I attempted to do a lot of the work myself or contract out each individual job to local handymen. However, the remodel process was much more involved than I thought and I ended up making some serious mistakes, especially when it came to my master bathroom. “Instead of putting in a shower pan or building a new custom basin, I had a local handyman try to resurface the existing hot mop for me. Long story short, I noticed leaks coming through the ceiling on the floor below the master bathroom about three months later. I then had to completely tear out the shower once again and start from scratch. The whole debacle cost me well over $20,000.” "We had to do a lot more than anticipated" Sarah Elsley from the United Kingdom didn’t plan on renovating her bathroom just yet. She was going to start with renovating the kitchen and then move on to the bathroom after she had saved up. While in the middle of gutting the kitchen, they found bad pipe. Elsey says, “The leak had slowly rotted the kitchen.” They needed to remove and reroute the whole pipe. It ran under the bathroom, so they “had to remove the bath, sink, and toilet and all of the floorboards from the upstairs bathroom. The tiles came off the wall, the floorboards came up so we could get to all the plumbing underneath. We also found that the leak had rotted some of the joists so these had to be replaced as well. We had to do a lot more than anticipated. We found plastic sheets stuffed into the brickwork to make it level (and some of the bricks weren't secured with cement; they were just laid on top of the plastic tarpaulin). There were so many unexpected problems.” "We discovered a wall full of ants" Shilamida Kypershteyn remodeled her bathroom while living in New Jersey. Kypershteyn tells about when she first met the contractor she hired, “He was actually a recommendation from a patient of mine, so I didn't think to do that much research. We met at the tub and tile store, and he seemed to know what he was doing. We were in a rush, which was probably our first mistake!” On the first day of remodeling, Kypershteyn got a call that while the contractors were ripping down the walls, they found mold and needed to stop. Kypershteyn went to look at it the next day and discovered that it wasn’t mold, but actually a wall full of ants! The second day of construction got worse. “The guys were working and all of a sudden we heard a loud thump. One of the guys literally fell through the bathroom floor into the living room.”Shilamida says that she paid a large portion of the balance at the beginning of the project, but decided not to pay all of it up front. This didn’t go over so well, “Because we wouldn't put up any more money the contractor disappeared with all of our money and left us with a disaster to clean up. What was supposed to take a few weeks turned into months.” When I asked Kypershteyn what she would’ve done differently during her remodel, she said she should’ve had done her due diligence. She wished she had looked into the contractor’s past work, called references, and checked his licenses. "It took us almost a year to do by ourselves" No one fell through the floor during Carmen Smith’s bathroom remodel, but the project took much longer than expected. Smith says, “We gave ourselves a 6-week timeline and instead it took us almost a year.” Why did it take so long? Carmen and her husband did it all themselves. Smith works from home as a blogger and her husband works full time. “We grossly underestimated the time it would take to complete this. Neither of us had done anything like this before, things like sheetrock, backerboard, tile — all huge projects that required knowledge and skill.” In addition to tackling aspects of bathroom remodel that the couple had little experience in, the remodel was put on hold when Smith and her husband welcomed an adopted baby boy to their home. What would Smith have done differently? “ We should have had more help lined up. We also needed to have more of a plan.” Smith continues, “Because tile is such an intricate piece and a very focal point of our bathroom, we absolutely would have hired that out. We also will never do sheetrock ourselves again. We got it done and it’s fine, but it was brutal and a professional could have had it done in a day or two.” "Don't assume that you and the contractor are on the same page" When Shawn Breyer from Atlanta talks about the bathroom in one of his rental properties he says, “We had a lot of struggles with the contractor.” There wasn’t a clear definition of what the contractor would take care of and what was Breyer’s responsibility. He recounts, “When the contractor needed materials for the job, they would call us and make us go pick up materials for them after we got off of work. We would spend roughly five hours per week at Home Depot picking up stuff for them.” Breyer gives some advice to those starting a bathroom remodel, “When it comes to the quality of the work for your bathroom, don't assume that you and the contractor are on the same page about the end results. You may be expecting a move in ready, professionally cleaned bathroom while the contractor usually leaves the bathroom in broom swept condition with dirt and dust everywhere. Sometimes you can even encounter a contractor that gets 90 percent finished and proceeds to pull his crew off to work on the next home while sending back people as they free up. Make sure that your contract with the contractor has a section stating that they will complete the work in accordance with the local laws and settle on the condition of the bathroom when it is completed.” In addition to having to run errands for his contractor, Breyer didn’t like that the remodel took longer than he had been promised. “They had projected four weeks to complete the work, but it ended up taking them two months to complete it. We found out later on that the contractor was doing side jobs for the neighboring houses instead of working on our house. This delayed us being able to get a tenant into the property for an extra month.” “I flushed the toilet and it steamed my bum!" “I just flushed the toilet and it started steaming my bum!” This is not what Brian Davis wanted to hear from his tenant. The contractor had installed the toilet with the hot and cold water lines reversed! Davis says, “We both had a laugh over it, and the contractor sheepishly went out to switch the lines.” Davis talks about how misplaced hot and cold water lines are annoying for tenants or AirBnb guests who are constantly having to figure out how the plumbing works. In addition to being confusing and inconvenient, Davis says that reversed water lines “in some cases, like the toilet, if left uncorrected it’s a huge waste of energy, heating water that doesn’t need to be heated.” Bonus Tip! Before you start busting through walls and tearing out sinks, look at this guide to see what home decor trends and styles are out.