Budget, time frame set parameters for remodel project

DEAR DESIGNER: My guest bathroom needs a face-lift. I’ve called around to see what a bathroom remodel will cost. I’m getting answers all over the board. How much should I expect to pay to remodel my small guest bathroom? — Melissa.

DEAR MELISSA: The responses you are getting from local remodeling contractors and designers are varied for several reasons. There is a wide price range for fixtures, vanities and surfaces. Also, every contractor/designer charges differently for his or her services.

To begin, determine your personal budget. This will help you decide how extensive your remodel will be. Once you know what your budget will allow, you can schedule interviews with local designers and/or contractors to get prices that are hopefully closer in range.

I will give you some typical numbers to expect; just remember that numerous factors can rapidly change these figures.

If your budget is tight and you have a limited time frame, you may be limited to basic decorating. If your budget allows $1,500 to $3,000, you can have a designer-assisted "face-lift" for your bathroom.

A decorator can help you select a new paint color, faux finish or wallpaper for your walls, artwork, towels, accessories, and a custom drapery for your shower. Decorators are brilliant at making a large impact on a tight budget. It’s all about knowing where to distribute the funds. You will not need a contractor for this type of remodel.

With a larger time frame and budget, your remodel can be more entailed. By keeping your current plumbing fixtures, adding a trendy tile around your tub, new flooring, a large framed mirror over your vanity, a light fixture, along with all the above mentioned superficial decorations, you can have an upgraded bathroom that has a custom look and feel. This type of remodel may cost you anywhere between $4,500 to $7,000, depending on the cost of materials used.

Taking your remodel to the next level, you can make all of the above mentioned changes while also adding a new vanity and plumbing fixtures, replacing your shower with a fully tiled custom shower complete with frameless shower doors, and tile the dado (lower part of the wall under the chair rail) around the room. This more extensive remodel can be done for $7,000 to $9,500.

Small bathroom remodels, like any remodel, can easily grow in scope and cost. There are many great things that can be added if you dare. Ceilings can be vaulted, rain showers and steam showers can be added, walls can be expanded and plumbing fixtures can amaze you.

Budgets and nerves get stretched when unanticipated things happen. I once read that most remodels end up costing 30 percent more than the anticipated budget. I have found this to be true in many, but not all, cases. If you are realistic about your budget and plan a little extra to handle the unexpected, you are sure to be happy with the end results.

Finally, after setting your budget and time-frame expectations, get three bids or hire a designer to oversee the project. Be sure to share your budget and time-frame concerns with your designer/contractor. Open communication will help keep your project in budget and on time.

Cindy Payne is a certified interior designer with more than 25 years of experience, as well as a licensed contractor. E-mail questions to her at deardesigner@projectdesigninteriors.com or send them to her at Project Design Interiors, 2620 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 189, Las Vegas, NV 89109. She can be reached online at www.projectdesigninteriors.com.