What Makes a Bathroom Incredible?

Heated tile floors? High-quality faucets? A beautiful, highly organized vanity? The answer is as individual as our food, movie, or music preferences! When considering a bathroom remodel, it's essential to tailor the design to your unique needs and tastes. 

Oh, and budget! Needs, tastes, and budget! As important as it is to tailor the design to your needs and tastes, it’s equally important to tailor the design and scope of the project to your budget.

So, how much does a bathroom remodel cost in the New Hampshire Seacoast in 2024? How much does an average bathroom remodel cost? How much does a luxury bathroom cost? How much does a budget-conscious bathroom cost? How much should I expect to spend on a bathroom remodel?

Great questions! Let's explore the journey of three bathroom remodels to give you a better understanding of what a bathroom remodel will cost in 2024.

Case Study: Three Bathroom remodels

(Names changed to protect our client’s identities)

Jeff & Greg's Luxurious Farmhouse Bathroom Remodel

Jeff and Greg own a stunning 200-year-old farmhouse. As hardworking business owners, they dedicated years to growing their business. Meanwhile, their bathroom fell into disrepair. Finally, they decided to reward themselves with a bathroom remodel, aiming to create an incredible space to relax and enjoy the life they created for themselves.

Jeff and Greg spared no expense! They chose a luxurious air tub under a gorgeous marble slab, with matching marble tile surround above the tub and a rainfall shower. The floor was also marble and heated for comfort. A wall of glass tile accented a beautiful vanity, complete with a medicine cabinet featuring built-in lights and a defogging heater. High-quality faucets completed the lavish look.

Jeff and Greg invested close to $150,000 in this bathroom remodel, transforming it into a luxurious retreat. The result? An incredible space to unwind and enjoy the fruits of their labor!

Mike & Amy's Functional Family Bathroom Remodel

Mike and Amy adore their charming old home, but their bathroom was a different story. Remodeled in the 90s with poor product selections and improper ventilation, it had become moldy and outdated. They needed a bathroom remodel that was safe, clean, and durable, but would also leave them with enough money for their children’s college funds.

The remodel involved completely gutting the room, properly venting the fan, and installing new drywall. The old bathtub was replaced with a tiled shower stall, complemented by custom shower glass. They opted for a heated porcelain tile floor for added comfort. Amy selected a solid wood vanity with a quartz vanity top and an under-mount sink. Quality-grade faucets provided durability and aesthetic appeal at a reasonable price.

Mike and Amy’s bathroom remodel required an investment of $67,000. This investment gave them a beautiful, safe, and durable space without dipping into their children's college savings.

Amanda's Practical Bathroom Remodel for Aging Parents

Amanda recently acquired her parents’ farm, a home full of sentimental value but in need of updates. With a small kitchen, two outdated bathrooms, and significant exterior work, she needed to prioritize her projects. Her goal was to create a safe, functional bathroom for her aging parents while staying within a limited budget.

Amanda's remodel included removing the tiny shower stall and installing a larger fiberglass shower with grab bars. A comfortable toilet and reasonably priced tile flooring from a box store provided both safety and style. The vanity and top, also from the box store, kept costs down. She chose quality-grade faucets recommended by her plumber for the shower and vanity.

For right around $40,000, Amanda achieved a practical, safe bathroom for her parents and still had funds to tackle other home projects!

What Factors Influence the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?

Several factors influence the cost of a bathroom remodel. Here are the primary considerations:

Size and Layout:

Larger bathrooms require more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost. Complex layouts may also require additional work.

Materials:

High-end materials like marble and custom fixtures will significantly raise costs, whereas quality-grade or budget-friendly options can help manage expenses.

For an in-depth dive into the differences between building materials, check out the article here: What is the difference between builder-grade, quality-grade, and high-end building products?

Labor:

The quality and experience of your bathroom remodeling contractor can impact labor costs. Skilled professionals may charge more, but their expertise ensures a higher-quality result.

Scope of Work:

The extent of the remodel, whether it's a complete overhaul or a partial update, will affect the price. More extensive work requires more time and resources.

Geographic Location:

Costs can vary based on the region. The cost of a bathroom remodel will be similar across the New Hampshire Seacoast and southern Maine from Exeter, NH to York, ME. However, prices may differ from other areas due to local market conditions.

How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

The duration of a bathroom remodel depends on the project's complexity and scope. Here are the typical timelines for different types of remodels:

High-End Bathroom Remodels (Like Jeff & Greg's):

A luxurious bathroom remodel with extensive custom work and high-end materials can take between 6-8 weeks.

Average Bathroom Remodels (Like Mike and Amy's):

A quality-grade bathroom remodel balancing quality and cost typically takes around 4-5 weeks.

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Remodels (Like Amanda's):

A functional, budget-conscious remodel designed for practicality can be completed in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Finding the Right Bathroom Remodel for You

So, what are your wants, needs, and desires for your bathroom remodel? Are you looking for a magazine-worthy, luxury bathroom like Jeff & Greg's with a $150,000+ investment? Or do you need a more moderately priced, quality-grade bathroom like Mike and Amy's, balancing quality and cost within a $55,000 to $90,000 range? Maybe you need a functional, budget-friendly space like Amanda's, keeping the investment between $40,000 and $50,000.

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

When planning your bathroom remodel, you’ll want to consider these factors:

Budget:

Determine how much you're willing to invest. High-end remodels offer luxury but come with a hefty price tag. Quality-grade remodels balance quality and cost, while budget-friendly options focus on functionality and affordability.

Needs and Preferences:

Identify your must-haves. Do you need heated floors, custom vanities, or luxurious fixtures? Or are you looking for practical updates that enhance safety and usability?

Long-term Value:

Consider the long-term benefits of your investment. High-quality materials and professional craftsmanship can increase your home's value and ensure lasting satisfaction.

Hiring a Professional Contractor:

Working with an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor ensures that your project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. They can help you navigate the complexities of design, material selection, and construction.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Selecting the right contractor is crucial for a successful bathroom remodel. Here are some tips:

Research and Reviews:

Look for contractors with positive reviews and a portfolio of completed projects. Personal recommendations can also be valuable.

Licensing and Insurance:

In New Hampshire and Maine, there is no licensing requirement for general contractors. However, plumbing and electrical contractors must be licensed. A reputable general contractor will ensure that any plumbing and electrical work is performed by licensed professionals, adhering to local regulations and safety standards.

Detailed Quotes:

Ensure the contractor provides a clear, detailed scope of work for your project. This should include the materials, labor, design details, timeline, and any additional costs. A detailed quote helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you know exactly what to expect throughout the remodeling process.

Communication:

Choose a contractor who communicates clearly and listens to your needs. A good rapport ensures a smoother remodeling process.

Final Thoughts

A bathroom remodel is a significant investment, but it can transform your home and enhance your daily life. Whether you dream of a luxurious spa-like retreat, a functional family bathroom, or a practical space for aging parents, careful planning and the right contractor can bring your vision to life.

Ready to start your bathroom remodeling journey? Contact our expert team of bathroom remodeling contractors in the New Hampshire Seacoast today! We’re here to help you create the perfect bathroom to meet your needs and exceed your expectations!