Whether you're planning a master bathroom remodel or renovating a hall bath or powder room, there's no denying the significance of a beautiful and well-functioning new bathroom in your home. Getting from Point A to Point B, however, relies on careful planning and preparation to make the most of your investment. As you prepare for your bathroom upgrade in Sarasota, one of the first questions on your mind is likely to be, “How much will my project cost?” The answer, of course, is a bit complicated and varies from project to project. Budgeting for a remodel requires finding a balance between the realistic costs associated with home improvement and what you can afford.
As your budget will impact nearly every aspect of the project, it’s important to conduct some research and establish preliminary figures to use as a starting point for developing your scope of work.
What Is the Cost for a Bathroom Remodel in Sarasota?
Every home is slightly different, as is every homeowner, which means each bathroom remodel will also look different. The average cost to upgrade a bathroom in West Florida depends on several factors, including home type, square footage, material selection, the complexity of the work, and other circumstances unique to your property or project. Sprucing up a small powder room is a significantly less complicated, and less costly, job than fully gutting and reconfiguring a large master bath. There are also numerous types of projects that fall between these two extremes.
To help you start developing a preliminary budget for your project, it’s a good idea to research recent remodels of comparable scope and size in your area. According to data from Remodeling magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, here is a look at the average costs for different levels of bathroom remodeling:
Cost of Minor Bathroom Remodel
A minor bathroom remodels at the midrange level involves updating an existing 5’-by-7’ bathroom. New fixtures are added, including a porcelain tub surrounded by ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile. For this price range, you can also install a new, pressure-balanced shower control, along with a standard white toilet and replacement flooring. Additional storage options are considered. Also included are a new vanity counter, recessed medicine cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint for your walls, ceiling, and trim.
Average Cost: $21,000 to $25,000
Cost of Major Bathroom Remodel
If your bathroom needs a more dramatic transformation, consider a major upscale bathroom remodel. The scope of work at this tie generally involves remodeling and expanding an existing 35-square-foot bathroom with an additional 100 square feet. Rather than using basic or midrange level fixtures and finishes, you can select upscale options to give your bathroom a distinctly luxurious feel.
This includes items like custom cabinetry; imported glass, ceramic, or porcelain tiles; natural stone for the floor and shower surround; and other high-end materials and accessories. For example, consider installing a 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls, a recessed shower caddy, body-spray fixtures, and a frameless glass enclosure. The bathroom would also have a soaking tub with high-end faucets, a stone countertop with two sinks, two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting, a compartmentalized toilet area, custom cabinetry, and in-floor heating. Finish off your lavish new bathroom with customized general and spotlighting.
Average Cost: $61,000 to $68,000+
Cost of Universal Design Bathroom Remodel
In the world of bathroom remodeling, universal design refers to upgrading a space so it is functional and comfortable for users of varying ages and abilities. Typically, you’ll want to consider applying a universal design to your bathroom if you plan to age in place in West Florida.
This type of project focuses on redesigning a standard-size bathroom to be wheelchair-accessible, which includes widening the door and installing flat-panel electrical switches at a sitting level. The toilet is also replaced with a comfort-height fixture with an elongated bowl, while your existing bathtub is swapped for a curb-free walk-in shower with a folding seat and adjustable showerhead. Other modifications include infrared ceiling light, night light, and several grab bars that can support up to 250 pounds. Additionally, storage will be reconfigured so it is accessible from a seated position.
Average Cost: $28,000 - $33,000+
Cost of a Bathroom Addition
In some cases, your issue may not be the quality of your existing bathrooms, but rather the quantity. Perhaps your children are growing older and needing their own space or you want an extra guest bathroom for a live-in caretaker or your relatives who come to visit. No matter the reason, adding on an extra bathroom benefits everyone in the household. The cost for a bathroom addition also ranges dramatically based on the size of the new space and the quality of finishes and fixtures you select.
Average Cost: $40,000 - $80,000+
Is Remodeling Your Bathroom Worth It?
Bathrooms are one of the key features in any home. Families use them every day for some of the most private and personal activities, such as showering, dressing for the day, and preparing for bed. Cultivating a comfortable, inviting atmosphere in your household’s main bathrooms is an effective way to improve your quality of life and get the most enjoyment from your home in Sarasota.
In addition to the long-term intangible benefits of an updated bathroom, there is also a real return on your investment. The average ROI for a bathroom remodel ranges from about 60% to 70%. For a bathroom addition, you can recoup about 55% to 60% of costs in potential resale value. While these numbers depend on the local market and housing trends at the time of sale, you can rest assured that upgrading a bathroom offers a tangible ROI while also enhancing the comfort of your daily life.
How to Pay for Bathroom Remodel in West Florida
There are numerous ways to pay for home improvement in Sarasota County. If you use personal savings for part or all of the remodel, that’s ideal. However, depending on your personal and financial situation, you can also look into taking out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Both options use the value of your home as collateral, but HELOCs offer a revolving line of credit while loans are paid out in a lump sum.
Other financing options include unsecured home improvement loans, mortgage refinances, and credit cards, all of which should be pursued only if the others are unviable. You may also qualify for a government loan to help finance your bathroom remodel. There are also various types of home renovation loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Section 504 Home Repair program run by the Rural Development branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Choosing a Design-Build Contractor for Your Remodel
If you’ve decided the design-build process is right for your bathroom remodel in Florida, it’s time to choose a design-build contractor. Some questions to ask yourself when vetting potential home remodelers for your project include:
- Are they skilled in both design and construction?
- Are they properly licensed for the State of Florida?
- Can they show you examples of past projects similar to yours?
- Have you researched the company and its reputation?
- Have you heard from past clients about their level of satisfaction with a particular remodeler?
- Are you compatible with the company when it comes to overall vision and communication methods, style preferences, etc.?
Remodeling Your Bathroom in Sarasota
If you’re ready to start developing a plan for your bathroom remodel in West Florida, it’s time to find a design-build remodeler to come alongside you. Gilbert Design Build is a full-service remodeling firm that specializes in bathrooms, along with kitchens, and other select remodeling projects in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Our team is highly passionate about remodeling Sarasota homes and dedicated to providing excellent customer service and craftsmanship for each project, whether large or small.
