In the articles, Bathroom Remodeling Ideas and Bathroom Flooring Remodeling Ideas, we discussed replacing the toilet, vanity, sink, mirror, vanity light, medicine cabinet, accessories and flooring to achieve an upgraded bath space on a budget. If you’d like to go further with your bath remodel, here’s what you should know about replacing a tub and shower. (All costs are based on California prices. Your costs may vary.)
TUB AND SHOWER
Here's where you can start getting into some real expense. Replacing a tub or shower usually means tearing out any existing tile-work or other wall coverings in order to remove the tub. You can easily get into the thousands of dollars. But if you're going to do it, you might as well do it well.
Get the best tub you can find, and consider a whirlpool bath, if you have the space. This may involve new electrical wiring for the motor, and an access panel built in to a wall somewhere to access the motor for potential service in the future.
With the wall coverings removed, you might as well think about new plumbing for those extra showerheads, and maybe a separate tub wand for washing your hair or rinsing your back.
You can get really expensive with fancy faucet and shower control fixtures, but you don't have to. Go with the Hans Groehe if you must, but a Delta or Moen will work just as well if you see a design you like.
SHOWER TILE
If you're going to go to the expense of a new tub/shower, look at some very nice tile for the walls. Think beyond the 4x4 ceramic tiles; they're very passe. Spend time looking at examples of showers with 8x10 or 12x12 travertine or other more exotic tiles. Also consider strategically placing three or four very fancy decorative tiles ( or a row of decorative liner tile—approximately 3x8) in the tile pattern. They cost almost nothing extra and really add some pizzazz.
If you have an old window in your shower or tub, now is the time to replace it. It's going to add to the cost, but what is the sense of putting brand new tile around an old window you're going to want to replace in a few years?
CONCLUSION
Though other bath upgrades can be done on a budget, a new tub and shower will be expensive. With a nice tub and a sharp tile job, you could be facing between $5,000 and $10,000 or more depending on a lot of factors. Altogether, a completely new bath including the toilet, vanity, sink, mirror, accessories, flooring, etc. will likely be between $10,000 and $20,000 (or more for a larger bathroom and a separate shower).
I hope this guide helps you with your plans and ideas. There are so many other things to consider that can't be covered in this short article such as color schemes, ceiling lighting and exhaust fans.
Do your homework, and if you're going to hire a professional, you simply cannot get too many references.
Good luck!
For more extensive remodeling, including toilet, vanity, sink, mirror, vanity light, medicine cabinet, accessories, and flooring replacement, please see the articles Bathroom Remodeling Ideas and Bathroom Flooring Remodeling Ideas.
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