7 Hidden Fees That Bloat Your Bathroom Remodel Cost

When Susan decided to remodel her outdated, 1990s bathroom, she thought she had planned for every expense. She budgeted for new tiles, fixtures, labor costs and even a 10% contingency fund. But when the contractor presented the final bill, Susan was shocked to see it was nearly $5,000 over her $15,000 budget!

Like Susan, many homeowners are surprised by the hidden fees and costs that come with remodeling a bathroom. Materials and labor are just the tip of the iceberg. Understanding all the potential expenses involved can prevent major budget overages down the road.

Overview of Typical Bathroom Remodel Costs

The size of your bathroom and the scale of your remodel will determine the total budget. Here are rough estimates for small, medium and large bathroom remodels:

• Small bathroom (5x7 feet): $6,000 - $12,000
• Medium bathroom (8x10 feet): $12,000 - $25,000
• Large, luxury bathroom: $25,000 - $50,000+

In general, you can expect to spend 50-75% of your total budget on materials like tiles, vanities and fixtures. Labor will be another 25-40% of costs. The remaining fees include permits, contractor overhead, dump fees and more.

7 Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

1. Contractor Markups on Materials

The tiles, vanity and hardware you select will be a major line item. But most homeowners don't realize that contractors will tack on an additional 20-50% markup on these materials. They get wholesale discounts from suppliers and pad their profits.

You can avoid these hidden markups by supplying your own materials purchased at retail prices. Take advantage of sales at home improvement stores. Just make sure your contractor approves the brands and quality ahead of time.

2. Permits and Inspections

Most bathroom renovations require obtaining permits for plumbing, electrical and structural work. Permit costs range from $200 for a minor remodel to $800 or more for a full gut job. You'll also need to pay for city inspectors to come out and approve the work at various stages.

Some contractors may try to dodge permits to save time and money. But unpermitted work that fails inspection can delay your project or even require demolition if not up to code.

3. Design and Architect Fees

Hiring an architect or designer to draw up plans and layouts for your new bathroom runs 10-20% of the total budget. For a $20,000 remodel, you may pay $2,000-$4,000 just for the designs.

You can avoid these fees by creating your own layouts or using free floor plan software. But professional expertise is recommended for complex projects like moving walls or plumbing.

4. Demolition and Dump Fees

Gutting your old bathroom can cost $1,000 to $3,000 for labor, plus additional dump fees to haul away debris. Dump fees range from $300 for a small bathroom to $800 or more for a full demolition.

Consider salvaging fixtures and tiles yourself to save on dump runs. And ask if your contractor charges by the load or has a flat demo rate.

5. Unexpected Repairs

Once walls are opened up, there are often problems lurking behind them. Rotted framing, faulty plumbing, or dangerous electrical may be revealed. Addressing these issues can quickly run up costs.

Having a contingency fund for repairs is advisable. Prioritize critical safety issues first if the budget is tight.

6. Change Order Fees

Modifying plans after demolition often means paying change order fees. Your contractor may charge an extra 10-15% per change order on top of the actual labor and material costs.

Limit changes once the work begins. Have contingencies like layout options and alternate finishes already built into the contract.

7. Contingency Costs

Even with diligent planning, most bathroom remodels involve at least some unexpected hiccups. Experts recommend budgeting an extra 10% as a contingency fund for cost overruns.

While tempting to allocate these funds for upgrades, avoid spending your entire contingency. Save it to cover unplanned expenses that pop up.

Tips to Avoid Hidden Fees

With careful planning and communication, you can keep your bathroom remodel from veering off budget due to hidden costs:

• Have your contractor detail all expenses in a clear, written contract upfront.
• Supply fixtures and finishes yourself at retail prices to avoid markups.
• Research permit requirements and inspectors in your area.
• Consider DIY design plans or software to skip architect fees.
• Get multiple bids and check references to avoid contractor overcharging.
• Ask about flat-rate demolition pricing rather than load fees.
• Build contingencies for repairs and changes into contract.
• Save at least 10% of total budget for contingency reserve.

With some diligent planning and research, you can tackle a bathroom remodel without the "hidden" fees sending your budget into a tailspin. Understanding all potential costs involved allows you to set realistic expectations and avoid budget-busting surprises down the road.

For a free bathroom remodel quote from our top-rated local contractors, contact us today and start your dream remodel off on the right foot!