If you’re tired of looking at your outdated, 70’s-style bathroom and dreaming of something fresh, you’re probably excited to get started. But let’s be real— a bathroom renovation can be expensive, and no one wants to blow their budget halfway through. Trust me, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control if you don’t plan properly.
The good news? You can avoid those expensive mistakes with a little insider knowledge and smart planning. Whether you’re planning to DIY or hire a professional, I’m here to share some key details and common mistakes that’ll help you stay on track—and on budget.
The Essentials of Proper Bathroom Renovation Budget Planning
Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It)
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the cost of a bathroom renovation. It’s easy to overlook hidden costs like plumbing upgrades or necessary permits.
Before starting, create a detailed budget that accounts for everything—from materials and labor to any unexpected issues (like water damage behind walls). – That or, sign up for our FREE RENO PREP DOWNLOAD and get on our email list to know when we launch bathroom budget and design resources that will save you time and $$$.
Pro tip: Add a 10-20% buffer to your budget to cover those surprises!
Let’s Talk Realistic Bathroom Renovation Budgets for a Minute
If you’re in Vancouver, Canada, the average bathroom renovation budget might surprise you. Even a simple cosmetic refresh—updating materials and fixtures without changing the layout—commonly costs between $15,000 to $30,000.
But if you’re planning a full remodel with layout changes, expect to spend anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000+.
Here’s a list of expenses to consider for your bathroom renovation:
- Design (if you’re working with a professional)
- Permit Fees
- Pre-Construction Fees from your contractor
- Asbestos Testing and Removal
- Demolition and Disposal
- Subfloor Replacement or remediation
- Pipe or Electrical wiring updates
- Soundproofing/ Insulation
- Plumbing Costs: products, rough-in, installation
- Electrical Work: rough-in, in-floor heating, lighting, bath fans, digital shower controls
- Drywall & Paint
- Tiling: floor, walls, ceilings (for steam showers), niches, window ledges, tile baseboards
- Vanities and Storage: including countertops, sinks, faucets, and mirrors
- Doors & Door Hardware
Remember: Even the smallest details add up. A comprehensive plan will save you a lot of headaches—and unexpected costs—later.
How to properly set up this plan AKA a scope of work is one of the things I teach you in my Bathroom Course that is launching soon!
Key Details That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
Proper Ventilation
Don’t overlook the importance of a good bathroom fan. If your existing one sounds like an airplane taking off, it’s time to upgrade. I recommend a quiet, low-decibel option like this whisper-quiet fan—just make sure you get the right size for your bathroom.
Pro tip: Install a timer for the fan so it runs long enough to ventilate the room properly but doesn’t stay on all day.
Lighting Matters More Than You Think
You don’t want to be blinded by bright lights first thing in the morning, right? I always suggest two lighting levels on separate switches. For your vanity, choose pendants or sconces—side lighting works much better for makeup or shaving than overhead lights.
Combine this with pot lights, but always install dimmers. Trust me, being able to control brightness makes all the difference—especially in the shower. (Who enjoys having a spotlight above their head while they’re trying to relax?)
Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Not Hiring Qualified Trades
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is hiring the wrong people for the job. Start by asking for referrals—there’s nothing better than trusted recommendations.
If that’s not an option, check credentials and make sure the tradespeople have insurance. Ask to see their previous work and confirm that they specialize in bathroom renovations. The last thing you want is subpar work that costs you more to fix later.
Diving In Without a Complete Design and Quote
Don’t start ripping out tiles or knocking down walls without a clear plan. Make sure you have a complete design and a detailed quote before starting.
This includes knowing exactly what materials you’ll be using and where everything will go. Ordering your products in advance helps avoid delays and keeps your bathroom renovation on schedule.
Not Protecting Surfaces During the Reno
This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial—especially if you’re DIYing the renovation. After your tiles are laid or your shower base is installed, protect those surfaces.
Floors and shower bases can scratch easily when tradespeople walk in and out with tools and boots. Good contractors will use proper floor protection, but if you’re doing it yourself, make sure to cover up. You don’t want to damage your new finishes!
Neglecting Clear Communication
If there’s one thing that can make or break your bathroom renovation budget, it’s clear communication. When you and your contractor are on the same page from day one, everything goes much smoother.
Have a complete design plan in place, covering everything from layout changes to product selections. If you’re moving things around, detailed drawings aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.
Pro tip: Whenever I design bathrooms, I always provide a scope of work. This document lays out exactly what’s being removed, what’s staying, and the goals for the space. It’s concise, but it keeps everyone in the loop from the very beginning. Believe me, whenever this part is skipped, something always ends up getting demoed that shouldn’t!
The other two critical details for communicating the design plan are:
Design Drawings: Detailed plans and elevations that show exactly what goes where.
Complete Specifications Document: This lists every single material that needs to be ordered, down to the floor transition strip and grout color. This helps you avoid stressful decisions during construction and ensures products can be ordered in advance to reduce delays.
Ready to Nail Your Bathroom Renovation?
Sticking to your bathroom renovation budget comes down to careful planning and clear communication. Whether you’re doing a quick refresh or a full remodel, having a solid plan in place will help you avoid costly surprises. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone!
Since you’re reading this, I know you’re serious about getting your bathroom reno right the first time. That’s exactly why I created my Bathroom Course. We are working on the finishing touches, so if you are interested, sign up for the waitlist so we can let you know when it launches.
It’s packed with everything you need—from product knowledge and renovation processes to templates that keep you organized, a budget calculator, and a detailed list of mistakes to avoid. It’s all based on over a decade of real-world design experience.
