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The Hidden Costs Of A Bathroom Remodel

The holidays are right around the corner, and perhaps you would like to have your bathroom remodeled before your holiday guests arrive. Well before you even think reaching for that demo sledge hammer there are some things you need to know. A bathroom remodel, is rarely a simple feat, especially if you are trying to do it yourself. There are always hidden costs, which can make or break your remodel. Here are the hidden costs of a bathroom remodel.  

Obtaining Proper Permits

That’s right, your bathroom remodel may require a permit. Different cities have different laws regarding building permits. It usually depends on the extent of work to be done. If you are tearing open walls, there is a good chance a permit will be required. The cost of your permit will vary depending on the city you live in. Building permits typically run between $380 to $1,800, with some larger cities charging as much as $7,500. Working with a contractor can help you prepare an appropriate budget that includes permits.  

Disposing Of Debris

If demolition is involved in your bathroom remodel, you will need to get rid of the debris. In which case you will need to rent a dumpster. A dumpster is fine for most debris, however if you run into obstacles like lead or asbestos, those contaminants will need to be properly removed, which adds on an additional cost. For example, the cost to remove asbestos ranges from $20-$65 per square foot. So, depending on the size of the area that needs to be removed it could cost a couple hundred bucks to several thousand dollars. The average price for asbestos removal is around $2,000.    The discovery of something like asbestos is definitely an unwelcome surprise that can make your bathroom remodel more expensive. Again, working with a contractor can help you plan out your budget with a little wiggle room for surprises.   

Bring Things Up To Code

If your home hasn’t been remodeled in a while there could be a lot of things that are out of date. Building codes change frequently, so if it has been a while, you may have to spend some extra time, and money bringing things up to code. Code violations can be costly, and even affect your ability to resell your home.  

Fixing Previous Mistakes

Let’s say the previous owner was a bit of a weekend warrior. This can pose a problem if the work was not completed correctly. Again, this affects your ability to bring your home up to code. If you uncover someone else’s shotty work during your bathroom remodel, you may be forced to correct it, which can add additional costs to your budget.    

Failure to Plan Your Plumbing

If you are doing an extensive bathroom remodel, you need to be prepared to run the proper plumbing. Failure to do so can lead to plumbing problems down the road. This isn’t an area you want to skimp on costs. For example, it you are adding on a new bathroom, you will need to take into consideration your water heaters ability to keep up with demand. You simply cannot expect your water heater to produce more hot water than it is capable of. Failure to take into consideration the capacity of your water heater, could lead to you taking cold showers.   

Make Sure There Is Enough Power

Power like plumbing is often an afterthought for many homeowners. They can’t really see it, so they don’t really consider it, until they end up tripping the circuit. Overloading outlets can put too much pressure on your circuits. Make sure you have proper wiring, a dedicated 20-amp circuit, and plenty of outlets that are conveniently placed.    Working with professionals for your bathroom remodel is important to insure that the job will be done right the first time, and with your safety in mind. A properly trained professional, who is licensed and insured, can end up saving you time and money on your remodel in the long run. Plus you can rest assured that your home will be up to code. To learn more or to schedule an appointment contact Lesco Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling today! 

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