Based on a 5 ft. x 10 ft. bathroom in a house (condominium
renovations cost approximately 30% more), it will cost $10k - $16k
for design, planning, supply, and installation. Below are some general
points to consider when planning your renovation.
demolition and removal of all items within the space
including drywall can be “free” if you do it yourself.
Before demolishing walls, be sure that you are aware of
any harmful materials within the walls such as asbestos. Asbestos was
used as an inexpensive fire-retardant material, thermal and acoustic
insulator in homes from the early 1940s to mid 1970s. (never handle
asbestos, leave it to the professionals!) Don’t forget to consider that
there is a cost for dumping materials. The easiest way to get rid of
waste is to rent a container. The average bathroom will require a 10
cubic yard container which is about 12 feet by 8 feet and costs on
average $400 (maximum weight of 3,000 lbs). To have a professional
demolish and remove the waste, it will cost an average of $1,500.
electrical and Plumbing These subtrades are expensive
and generally charge around $65 to $100 per hour
(average cost can be about $4,000 to supply, upgrade
and install the provided materials). The type and amount of fixtures
required will vary your cost. pot lights will cost about $250 each to
supply and install.
drywall and Cement Board For bathroom renovations,
it is imperative that you install a product such as Durock as
an added moisture barrier in the areas where water will
be in contact with tiles. Average cost for materials and labour should
be around $1,500.
tile When working in a small space, you can certainly save
money on tile by finding it in the clearance area for as little
as $1 per sq. ft. with an average of $5 per sq. ft. for most
good looking porcelain. Marble mosaics cost between $10 to $30
per square foot and sometimes more. Installation costs will vary from
$3 to $15 per sq. ft. depending on the type of tile and the detail in
the tile pattern.
your Vanity will house your sink, faucet and stored items.
It will determine the style of your bathroom. custom
vanities, whether painted or wood, will cost you at least
$2,000 without installation. CoSt SaVing tiP To save money
consider a standard sized box (available in 6” increments from 18”
and up) with upgraded doors. This will cost you between $800 and
$1,500 including installation.
Stone is standard these days for the majority of projects.
quartz, marble and granite will range from $50 to $120
per sq. ft. for the material and installation.
general labour There are miscellaneous costs such
as painting and general labour involved in a bathroom
renovation. Set aside approximately $1,500 for those
expenses and, of course, keep in mind that proper planning will save
you money in the long run. - Text by Evelyn Eshun
DESIGN THERAPY
with Paul Semkuley
In today’s fast paced world,
parents with children are living
their lives differently than those
of my generation. In my day, we
had a separate living room for
my parents to entertain and host
their friends and colleagues.
This room was filled with silk and
satin covered chairs, full and
grand draperies and wood that
glistened and shined, making it
possible to see your reflection
in it. We were forbidden to
play in this room. Today, there
is an abundance of beautiful,
innovative and functional
products to make your living
spaces pleasing to the eye, yet
durable for all ages.
here is a list of some of my
favourite items to include in
your family friendly home:
#1 A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
Coffee taBle PutS a
WHole neW tWiSt on
tHe tV trayS tHat i
rememBer. These stylish
sleek tables suit many homes.
Their resistant finish makes them
easy-to-clean and perfect for
kids to colour, play or eat on.
#2 WindoW CoVeringS
HaVe Come a long
Way from tHe SimPle
Slat aluminum BlindS.
honeycomb shades are a great
option. They do not collect dust
and are made from fabrics that
are easy-to-clean. They can also
come with a remote cordless
operation system making them
a safer alternative to traditional
hanging chains.
#3 WALL-TO-WALL
CarPeting iS not aS
Common aS it uSed to
Be. Innovative carpet squares
allow you to easily assemble
60
CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM
wall-to-wall custom rugs, or
runners in any shape or size.
This product is durable and is
available in a myriad of colours
and patterns. If a spill or mess
happens, replace the square,
not the whole carpet.
#4 draWing on tHe
WallS iS a tHing of tHe
PaSt. Try magnetic wallpaper.
It is considered a “green”
product as the magnetic coating
is made from non-toxic natural
magnetic minerals used in
dietary supplements.
#5 uSing duraBle
faBriCS iS key to
tHe longeVity of
your uPHolStered
furniture. choose a tight
weave fabric with no nap to
ensure a snag-free surface. In
addition to using a durable
fabric, consider adding slip
covers to your furniture. If it gets
dirty, it can easily be washed at
home or sent to the cleaners.
- Text paul Semkuley