What's the Price of Your Sanity?

Planning a bathroom renovation? Here's where you should invest. You'll either pay now or pay (more) later!

FITTINGS

Aesthetic considerations aside, high-end plumbing components carry a higher price tag for a reason. Refined materials, precise engineering and superior construction provide an elevated user experience and longevity to save you the headache of replacement in two years time. Plus, cheap faucets are the surest way to compromise visual cohesion.

Investment: Expect the base price of a quality sink faucet to land in the $1500-$3000 range.

LABOR

You should always obtain multiple quotes for labor, including from general contractors if you're engaging them to manage your project. Low bids with unrealistic timelines will inevitably lead to shoddy work, project delays, and cost overruns. In addition to obaining references, when interviewing prospective contractors, ask about communication protocols, site management and if they’ll faciliate tours of their completed projects. Late stage surprises can derail a project, but due diligence on the front end is never time wasted.

Investment: Quality contracting costs vary depending on project scope, location, level of customization, and GC capabilities. Our trusted construction partners range from $850/sq ft in the South and Southwest to $1200-$1500+ in the Northeast and on the West Coast.

LIGHTING

No one enjoys a morning routine plagued by shadows. A successful lighting scheme is intentional and strategic, and should be planned in conjunction with finish and fitting selections for seamless architectural integration. Always use dimmers and consider layering both direct and indirect sources to enhance mood. In the bathroom below, which doubles as a pass through dressing area connecting the primary bedroom with the library, a blend of wall sconces, recessed fixtures and cove lighting highlight luxurious materials while also creating a sense of volume by emphasizing the room's extents.

Investment: We allocate $12-15/per square foot for optimal lighting budgets.

VENTILATION

Musty odor that lingers long after your shower concludes is a tell-tale sign of heightened humidity. Skip non-essential fan features like integrated lights and bluetooth speakers. Instead, opt for humidity sensors and be sure to plan for adequate extraction based on the size of your bathroom. You’ll want a fan that provides at minimum 1 CFM per square foot of space. Avoid venting to any location other than outside to avoid proliferation of latent mold in attics and crawl spaces.

Investment: Workhorse fans run between $200-$300.

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