Renovating a bathroom or adding a new bathroom to your home can be very expensive which is why it is important to be well informed before making a decision.
There are a number of factors which affect bathroom installation costs including the location of existing plumbing and electrical installations, the type of fixtures desired and the type materials, like tiles, which are used for flooring and finishing.
How Much will Plumbing Cost?
Plumbing should always be done by a licensed professional since improperly sealed pipes or fixtures can result in leaks and subsequent damage to the home. The cost of plumbing varies depending on how much of the existing plumbing will be used. If fixtures like the bathtub or toilet are being relocated, the plumber will have to move or add to the pipes already in place. In new bathroom installations, the plumber will have to tie new water and drain lines into the home’s existing plumbing which will naturally be more expensive than using existing plumbing.
What Electrical Work is Needed?
New bathrooms usually require electrical work to accommodate new fixtures and lighting. A jetted tub requires new wiring and electrical connections and moving or adding light fixtures also adds to bathroom installation costs. Bathroom electrical outlets must be GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlets to prevent electrical shorts if water comes in contact with the wiring. Older homes may not have GFI outlets, but electricians will install them during renovations and make any other changes required by current building codes.
Are Fixtures Expensive?
Fixtures are an area where homeowners have more control over bathroom installation costs. There are very wide variations in the cost of toilets, bathtubs, lavatories and shower enclosures. Some toilets actually have electronic sensors that raise and lower the seat and these are expensive to purchase and install. Jetted and soaker tubs carry higher price tags than standard fiberglass tubs. Even the style and finish of faucets and taps affects prices. The choice of fixtures for a new bathroom can have a huge impact on the overall bathroom installation costs.
How Much will Finishing Materials Add to Costs?
As with fixtures, the choice of finishing materials has a tremendous impact on costs. Granite or marble countertops are more expensive to buy and to install than laminate countertops. Porcelain tiles are less expensive than stone or glass tiles. One way to get a high end look at a lower cost is to use a small amount of expensive materials, like glass tiles, as a decorating accent with less expensive porcelain tiles. This looks great but costs much less than using glass tiles throughout the bathroom.
The best way to find out how much your dream bathroom will cost is to discuss your options with a number of bathroom installation specialists. This is something that we can help with as we have the UK’s leading bathroom specialists available to offer their best quote. Simply take a minute to fill out our free quote form and we will arrange for no more than five companies to get in contact. You have nothing to lose as there is no obligation to accept, and you may find that your bespoke bathroom installation costs will be more affordable than you first thought.
