Bathroom renovations for all budgets
Get back up to 71 cents for every $1 you spend. Here are your best bets
Why are mortgages so expensive in Canada?
Created By
Ratehub.ca
You can recoup as much as 65 to 71 cents for every $1 you spend on a bathroom reno. Good news, considering last year Canadians spent an average of $23,300 on a large bathroom remodel, according to Houzz. But not all updates are created equal. “Don’t rip out a bathtub or enlarge a bathroom by removing a bedroom if you plan on moving in five years or less,” says Pervan. Fewer bedrooms and a lack of small-child bathing options make a home unappealing to young families. Instead, focus on creating a “spa-like” atmosphere with a soothing colour palette, clean, modern lines and upscale-look finishes.
Glass doors
Glass is a custom fit, custom ordered material which often stops renovators from adding it to the material list. Yet, as a building material, it’s relatively cheap, explains Pervan. Expect to pay under $2,000 for the installation of a custom-fit door, including hardware, for a standard-sized tub opening. “Yes, it’s pricier than a $50 shower curtain rod, but it really adds that spa-like, higher-end feel to a bathroom,” says Pervan.
Pro tip: Full frameless looks amazing—like floating glass—but you’ll pay a premium. Instead, consider a thinner glass door, installed by a pro, as the best compromise between off-the-shelf cheaper products and high-end custom
Tile
It pays to hire a pro when it comes to a bathroom upgrade, as long as they’re willing to pass on some of their material discounts. For example, the price of one brand of glossy-glass subway tile is $8.25/square foot for DIYers, while accredited pros can get the same tile for less than $2/sq. ft.
Pro tip: Bathrooms are, for the most part, smaller rooms, so splashing out on a really good, long-lasting tile can add some luxury and increase the perceived value of your home.If marble is outrageous, consider a porcelain tile which can mimic the look of marble, but at a fraction of the price
[ Splurge! ] Self-cleaning toilet
Tired of the big yellow gloves and the toilet bowl brush? Splash out with an American Standard self-cleaning toilet. It’ll set you back about $1,000 (plus installation) and the $20 cartridge lasts just under two months.
Top basement & garage upgrades »
Share this article Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Reddit Share on Email
Related Articles
How to plan for retirement when you have no pension
Practical advice on how to build your retirement savings for employees at mid-career, the self-employed, single parents and more.
Canada’s inflation rate increased to 2% in October
Canada’s inflation rate rose to 2% last month, up from 1.6% in September, but a December interest-rate cut is...
Inflation is on target in Canada, so why is food (and other stuff) still so expensive?
Why Canadians are still feeling the squeeze of high food costs, and what to do about it.
Estate planning for singles—is a trust company the answer?
Canadians with no children or siblings must consider estate planning alternatives. Here’s why trust companies can be a good...
The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada for 2024
Whether you want the highest interest rate or no service fees, these savings accounts will meet your needs.
The best GIC rates in Canada for 2024
Find the best GIC rates in Canada. Plus, everything you need to know about how they work.
Buying ETFs in Canada Tool: The MoneySense ETF Screener
Which ETFs should you invest in? Which ones best suit your risk tolerance? What about personal ethics? Check out...
Making sense of the markets this week: November 17, 2024
The Trump effect and Trumponomics, Shopify’s huge earnings beat, it’s sunny days for Suncor shareholders and more.
MoneySense at the MoneyShow: Capital gains and ETF sessions
Here’s how to get your free ticket to attend two MoneyShow virtual expos.