Fresno Bathroom Remodeling Budgeting and Planning- 6 Steps to Know

Creating a beautiful new bathroom in your Fresno home can do wonders; it effectively adds value to your home while making the space more functional and attractive for your family’s use, but fantastic results don’t just happen on their own—and they don’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and each step along the way is important if you want to achieve outstanding results. 

As you are planning a bathroom renovation in Fresno, California, the logical place to start is identifying priorities and setting a budget for the project. Let’s take a look at 5 steps to know when planning your fantastic Fresno bathroom remodel—and the way that we approach those steps at Imagine Remodeling. 

The cost of remodeling your bathroom can get out of hand quickly if you don’t establish parameters from the beginning. However, it's possible to accomplish a bathroom renovation that satisfies your needs and desires without breaking the bank. Accomplishing this requires knowing what to expect, the average remodels cost breakdown, and where you are willing to compromise.

Related: Free Remodeling Cost Guide

Step 1 - Understand Your Goals and Desires when Creating a Bathroom Remodel Plan

Your Fresno home should reflect your personality and meet your expectations for comfort, convenience, and style. The only way you get the results you want for your new bathroom is to sit down face-to-face with a remodeling specialist who will listen to your desires and ideas—and then let you know about current design trends and options that can help you fulfill your wishes for the perfect bathroom for you.

Here are some things to think about when planning your ideal bathroom:

What is your style?   Are you casual or formal - minimalist or unique? If you are the type of person who likes multiple style choices, then eclectic it is.  Knowing your style will help you to choose the cabinetry, lighting, faucets, flooring, and colors for your new bathroom.

How will you utilize the space?  Are you looking for a getaway or a private retreat? Bathrooms are becoming larger and larger these days with increased functionality.

What designs inspire you online?  You will want to leaf through bathroom design magazines for ideas or surf the internet. Sites like Pinterest, Houzz, and HGTV are excellent design inspiration resources.

Step 2 - Presenting the Proposal and Setting Expectations

Using the information we gather from our first meeting together, we’ll draw up a proposal for what it will take to deliver the results you want. We’ll talk together about the conceptual floor plan and walk you through the scope of the project so that you understand what needs to happen. We’ll clarify things that aren’t clear, and we’ll also make sure that you understand the assumptions for completing the project to your expectations. Nobody wants big surprises in the middle of a project, so we want you to be comfortable with the process and make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to expectations.

From there, it is important to choose the proper layout, space planning, and budget for your project. we’ll take photos of your current bathroom and also get precise measurements of the space. That ensures that we have accurate information for creating your budget and for allotting the right time for your schedule.

Step 3 - Designing Your Dream Bathroom

You’ve heard the old adage that “An idea without a plan is just a wish.” That’s particularly true when it comes to remodeling your Fresno bathroom. What happens in steps one and two is more or less a gathering of ideas and wishes. In step three, your wishes and ideas get put into a specific plan (a design plan) that captures the details that are necessary to turn your dreams into reality. We’ll create a floor plan and a 3D rendering that shows how everything comes together to create the bathroom you want. Once that plan is in place, we’ll provide you with a design contract price that’s based on the specific requirements for your project. Your final pricing will be determined by the scope of the project and also by the specific design and the selections you make for both the design and the finishes (the materials used to complete your project). Click here for some tips on how to budget for your bathroom renovation.

Things to Consider:

• Will the tub and shower be separate?
• Would you like to age in place?
• How much storage space will you need?
• Do you want the commode in a separate area?   Whirlpool tub or Sauna?
• What about built-in speakers?
• Plan for plenty of lighting and adequate ventilation
• What is your Color Palate?  (neutral colors recommended)
• Do you desire natural light sources? (windows, skylight)
• Would you like a linen closet space?

Although you may be anxious to get your project started, determining the priorities of your remodel ensures that there is a proper plan, free of mistakes, for your bathroom. Your bathroom can be more than just a room that takes care of a function. It can meet several needs of your lifestyle. As you fill this space, the key is to figure out what is most important to you.

Step 4 - Agreement and Procurement

At this point in the process, you’ll have made your final decisions about the design and selected the materials (flooring, countertops, tile, fixtures, etc.), and the final budget is set. After you sign the construction agreement, we’ll procure all of the necessary materials and store them in our warehouse, where everything will be confirmed and labeled with your specific job number. The fun is about to begin!

What Could the Cost be of Your Bathroom Renovation?

The cost of your Fresno bathroom renovation can vary depending on several factors, including the size and scope of the project, the quality of materials, and the types of fixtures, features, and finishes you choose.

In order to remodel your bathroom, you will need to perform a set of simple modifications, which may include installing a tub with a tile surround, adding or replacing a toilet, bringing in a new sink, adding a medicine cabinet, and changing your flooring and wall treatments. Overall, you want to create a bathroom in the style of your choice that is aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and functional. 

The average cost for a full Fresno hall bathroom remodel is about $28,000, including all labor and materials. A full en suite primary bathroom (5 pieces) starts at approximately $40,000 and can run significantly higher based on material selections. While the cost of materials is relatively consistent no matter where you live—unless you’re using a regionally specific product—the labor cost can vary by location and time of year. Typically, bathroom remodels labor costs comprise about 30% to 35% of your total project price.

Another chunk of your budget goes toward the bathroom demolition cost, which in Fresno, California, is about $1,800 to $3,500. The price can also be a bit higher if you create a new footprint, remove a load-bearing wall, install new drywall in the entire space, break a water pipe, or reroute electrical lines.

When designing and budgeting for your bathroom remodel, some of the materials for you to consider include fixtures, such as toilets and sinks; showers; vanities and countertops; flooring; and lighting. You can choose economy grade or basic products to help you save money on your bathroom renovation, or go with high-end, customized selections to personalize your luxury bathroom better. Either way, the materials you choose give you the most latitude for controlling your bathroom remodel costs. For example, the cost of an economy or mid-grade toilet is about $100 to $600, while a custom-built or high-end model runs closer to $1,000 or more.

Step 5 - The Physical Work Begins

Beginning the actual work (deconstruction and construction) on your bathroom is exciting—but it can be a bit stressful if it's not managed properly. There are no two ways about it; remodeling is a bit of a disruptive process. We're sensitive to your schedule, and to the physical demands, the process places on your family. We make every attempt to make the process as stress-free as possible. We arrive each day with specific goals to achieve (goals we’ve already shared with you). So you’ll know what to expect. We also work to mitigate construction discomfort. That’s why we utilize a Build Clean dust control system on every project to maintain a safe, clean environment. 

Commonly Asked Questions to Help You in Your Renovation Journey

How Can I Save Money on My Bathroom Renovation?

Two of the most effective ways to save money on your bathroom renovation are to maintain the existing layout and to choose economy rather than luxury materials, fixtures, and finishes. You can also ensure your project stays within budget by prioritizing improvements and not making changes once the work is underway, as change orders increase costs and cause delays. If you can’t fit everything you want into your budget, focus on the main eyesores or the features that undermine the space's function. You can always tackle additional projects at a later date.

Other inexpensive bathrooms remodel ideas include:

• Dressing up an existing mirror with a modern frame rather than purchasing a new hanging mirror
• Replacing only parts of your toilet—such as the lid and seat—rather than getting a whole new structure
• Sourcing salvaged and refurbished pieces at flea markets, antique stores, and auctions
• Considering alternatives to tiling your walls, such as beadboard, reclaimed wood panels, or board and batten
• Use paint to freshen up your bathroom and add a vibrant pop of color that upgrades the overall style of the space

What Could be Additional Costs in a Bathroom Remodel Budget?

Depending on the project's scope and whether you're planning a major restructuring or a bathroom expansion, you should also factor in fees for hiring an architect or architectural drafter. Additionally, you need to budget for a contractor or at least specialized professionals—such as plumbers and electricians—if you plan to handle most of the construction yourself. Average plumber costs associated with a bathroom remodel range from about $1,000 to $2,000. If you’re working with a design-build contractor, however, they typically oversee the entirety of the project, which includes drafting designs, guiding you through making material selections, and bringing on subcontractors with specialized skills to handle various aspects of the renovation.  

Your general contractor also takes care of acquiring building permits for the project, which is another extra cost to consider in your budget. Local building permits typically cost about $500 to $1,500, and your contractor includes the fee in your overall project price.

For a Bathroom Renovations in Fresno, Which is Better? DIY or Contractor?

Since a large portion of your bathroom renovation budget goes to labor, you can also cut costs by making it a do-it-yourself project. The downside of going it alone is that you have no insurance and have to cover the costs if something goes wrong. Suppose your bathroom remodel in Fresno entails more than touching up paint, re-flooring, or other simple cosmetic upgrades. In that case, you still need to hire a professional for any job you aren’t comfortable doing on your own, such as electrical and plumbing work.

In many cases, you are better off hiring a licensed general contractor to oversee the project. Not only does that ensure the quality of the work and the added value to your Fresno home, but you also are more likely to have your bathroom renovation completed on time and on budget. Imagine Remodeling has the experience and skills to help you plan, custom design, and execute your bathroom, transforming the space to suit your personalized needs and preferences.