As a contractor doing bathroom remodels all over Buffalo and the WNY area, we see a wide range of plans, needs, and budgets. In a sea of online information, social media posts, and friends of friends telling you how much their project cost it can be difficult to get an idea of the price of your ideal bathroom renovation.
A fully gutted and expanded master bathroom in downtown Buffalo might cost ten times as much as a hallway half bathroom update in Hamburg so knowing what to expect is important.
Our goal is to give you a better understanding of what parts of a remodel have the biggest impact on the overall cost, and go through some basic examples to get a rough idea of what your bathroom renovation might cost.
What factors have the biggest impact on bathroom remodel costs?
Every bathroom remodel we have done in Buffalo comes with its own unique challenges and design elements that will impact the cost. But, in general, there are a few similar factors that always have the biggest impact on costs.
Changing layouts
Altering the layout of your existing bathroom will have a significant impact on your budget. Adjusting wall locations comes with drywall work, fixing trim, and moving any mechanicals (plumbing, electrical, or HVAC) that were in the wall.
Just like moving walls, relocating plumbing fixtures can be one of the most expensive portions of a bathroom remodel since it usually involves extra demo and framing work in addition to the plumbing work.
the size and age your bathroom
Of course, the bigger the bathroom, the more the renovations will usually cost. More labor intensive tile installations, more trim, and more finishing materials like bigger vanities and large shower glass doors.
In addition to size, the age of your bathroom will play a part in the cost of your remodel.
Most bathrooms in the city of Buffalo, Amherst, and older villages like East Aurora or Orchard Park were built with different construction techniques that make renovations more challenging. Old framing, galvanized plumbing, knob and tube wiring, and old tile installations must all be planned for before your project starts.
Want to know the 6 biggest cost factors in your bathroom renovation?
Additionally, the quality of the finishes you choose (like tile, plumbing fixtures etc.) will all impact the overall cost of your bathroom project.
Which fixtures and materials are the most expensive in a bathroom renovation?
Many materials that go into a renovation will be the same regardless of the finishes you choose. Drywall, paint, wiring, and framing materials don't get more expensive in a high-end bathroom remodel, but some finishing material selections will have a big impact on cost.
the most expensive bathroom materials
- Plumbing fixtures: simple Delta or Moen fixtures come in the $2-300 price range, whereas a Jaclo wall mount faucet, shower system with diverter and hand sprayer, and a tub filler may add $4,000+ to your budget.
- Electrical fixtures: a standard vanity light and bath fan may come in at $200, or, designer wall sconces, a semi flush ceiling fixture, and heated exhaust fan could be $2,000+ in a luxury bathroom remodel.
- Tiles and stone: classic subway tiles and 12 x 24 floor tiles are available in the $3-5 per sqft price range while marble mosaics and handmade tiles can be upwards of $60+ per sqft.
- Millwork and cabinetry: in-stock trim profiles and premade vanities might cost $900 for a small bathroom, whereas custom ordered baseboards and crown molding with a white oak vanity and linen pantry made by a local cabinet maker could be $8,000+.
When planning your remodel, selecting finishes will be one of the best ways for you to control the costs.
Special Bathroom Features
Unique features can push your bathroom renovation project over the top and make it feel more like a high-end spa attached to your bedroom, but of course, they impact your budget. A few of these luxury bathroom features are:
- Heated floors
- Adding a sauna room
- Installing a heated ceiling fan
- Building a curb-less shower
- Creating a custom millwork linen closet
The additional framing, electrical, and carpentry work that come with these luxury finish options will all push the remodel costs towards the high-end spectrum.
Example: an affordable bathroom renovation in WNY
Let's go over the basics of an affordable bathroom remodel in Buffalo to see what that might look like. In this example we will remodel a full upstairs bathroom in an Orchard Park house built in 2010 that will be gutted to the studs and subfloor.
Scope of work notes:
- keeping the existing plumbing locations
- no framing alterations
- installing a new tub
- new vinyl flooring
- no need for running new electrical circuits
- new drywall and paint
Finishes selections:
- subway tile shower
- pre-made vanity with a top
- standard trim profiles for door, window, and baseboard
- stocked Delta plumbing fixtures
- stocked electrical fixtures
- single fixed glass panel on the tub
As a contractor quoting this project we can assume that the framing behind the walls and underneath the existing floor is probably in good condition, the wiring in the bathroom can be reused, and the plumbing is likely working well and ready to be added on to.
A tub, vinyl flooring, and pre-made vanity will be straightforward to install, and the trim profiles can be purchased from a local supplier. Classic subway tiles and typical style plumbing fixtures are easy to work with and won't require any special installation techniques.
Example: high-end bath remodel in Buffalo
This example project will be a master bathroom in the Parkside neighborhood of Buffalo built in 1915. It will be gutted down to the studs and get the type of high-end finishes and design elements you would see on your Pinterest feed.
Scope of work notes:
- moving a wall to expand the bathroom
- relocating the toilet and shower
- installing a curb-less tiled shower pan and tile floor
- running new electrical circuits and new water lines as much as possible
- replacing an old window
- installing stained wood wainscotting
- adding a free-standing soaker tub
Finishes selections:
- marble shower and bathroom floor
- herringbone tile shower walls
- custom built vanity with a marble top
- custom made baseboards and crown molding to match the rest of the house
- high-end brass plumbing fixtures
- custom fit frameless glass shower doors
When putting together a cost for this project we would plan for extra demolition of an old concrete subfloor and lath and plaster walls typical in old Buffalo homes. While moving the wall we will need to patch in the trim, repaint the bedroom and account for reinforcing the floor joists to move the plumbing.
New electrical will be run to the basement and the drains and water lines will be totally replaced.
Carefully installing marble floor tiles on a custom made shower pan and doing a herringbone pattern in the shower will take almost three times as long as the previous example project. We will also account for the finish carpentry work of staining, sealing, and installing the custom made baseboard, crown molding, and wainscotting.
A cost comparison
For example, these can give a VERY ROUGH idea of what these bathroom remodels in Buffalo NY might cost
Example Project 1
Estimated total cost: $24,200
Working time: 3 weeks
Size: 5' x 9'
Example Project 2
Estimated total cost: $73,700
Working time: 6-8 weeks
Size: 12' x 18'
Even though these are both "Buffalo bathroom remodels" their scope of work and costs are not even in the same ballpark. Detailed wood trim, a natural stone tiled shower, and a whole new layout make the Parkside master bathroom triple the cost.
A majority of projects will fall somewhere in the middle, not every bathroom will have custom carpentry, marble, and layout changes. But, most of our clients have a few special features they're particularly excited about that end up bring the costs of from just a plain straightforward remodel.
Hopefully this helps bring some clarity in estimating what the cost of your bathroom remodel might be. Keep in mind that one of the best ways to remodel your bathroom within your budget is to have a local contractor involved as early as possible!
Designing your project to meet your budget is more seamless and less stressful than realizing your dream design is more than you want to spend. As always, don't hesitate to give us a call or send an email with any questions about how much your bathroom renovation might cost.