While some clients have the luxury of approaching a Chicago bathroom remodel with an unlimited budget, the large majority of our clients come to us with a budget in mind. This budget may be more or less expensive, which will determine which options and upgrades available. In most cases, there are four main factors that determine whether your bathroom remodel will be more or less expensive.

These are:

• The amount of structural and/or plumbing work that needs to be done.
• The quality of your cabinets
• Countertop and tile selections
• Your plumbing fixtures

If your goal is to have a less expensive bathroom remodel, let this be known at the outset of your consultation with various kitchen designers so they can submit a realistic estimate.

Factors That Will Make Your Chicago Bathroom Remodel More or Less Expensive

Let's evaluate the above factors in a little more detail.

The construction work required. If you have a relatively modern home, and you are simply updating the existing bathroom footprint, your construction costs will be significantly less than a homeowner who is remodeling a decades-old bathroom that is being expanded, getting a new layout and/or that needs to have its major, internal plumbing works replaced. Even an owner of a new home may need more extensive demolition/construction if she is expanding or changing the layout of the bathroom space. If you feel structural changes will be necessary, bring this up right away so the design team can take a look, or inquire further, before finishing your bid.

Custom versus semi-custom cabinetry. There is quite a difference between custom and semi-custom cabinetry. When you can afford it, we recommend custom cabinetry as it is the highest-quality and most durable option. However, semi-custom cabinets may be all you need to get the luxurious look you want with a more affordable price tag. Semi-custom options come with the same types of customizable accents - like slide-out shelves, specialized toiletry organizers, etc. - as their custom counterparts. Ask for two different estimates so you can see a cost comparison to determine whether or not you even need custom cabinetry. We very rarely recommend stock options.

Countertops and tile work. The next big price tag item will be your countertops and shower/floor tile selections. Even within the same "family" of stone - granite, marble, etc. - you can experience notable price differences. This granite slab can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than that one. This 18x18 marble tile will be more expensive than a seemingly similar sample. It's all dependent on supply and demand. Your kitchen designer will be able to break your options into multiple price points for you.

Plumbing fixtures. Those faucets can be more expensive than you think. However, just because you saw an amazing version in a high-end magazine doesn't mean you can't find a comparably attractive - and high-quality - alternative from a more standard supplier.

Schedule a consultation with Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to build a stunning Chicago bathroom remodel that is within your price point.