Bathrooms are small rooms with a high density of expensive work. Per square foot they are often the costliest room in the house, because almost every trade is involved in a space the size of a parking spot.
Why small rooms cost so much
- Plumbing, electrical, tile, waterproofing, ventilation and carpentry all appear in a very small area, and they must be sequenced carefully.
- Waterproofing is unforgiving. Doing it properly costs more than doing it quickly, and doing it quickly is the most common cause of failure a few years later.
- Tile labour scales with complexity, not just area. Small format tile, intricate patterns and niches all add hours.
Where the money goes
- Keeping the existing layout is by far the biggest saving available. Moving a toilet or shower drain means opening the slab in most South Florida homes.
- Fixtures and tile span an enormous price range, which makes them the easiest lever for controlling total cost.
- Frameless glass, custom vanities and heated features are the usual additions that move a mid-range budget upmarket.
Worth spending on
- Waterproofing and substrate preparation. Invisible, and the thing most likely to cause an expensive failure if skimped.
- Ventilation. South Florida humidity punishes underventilated bathrooms.
- Quality valves and rough plumbing, which are buried in the wall and painful to revisit.
Related services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
If plumbing, electrical or structure changes, yes. Replacing a vanity or retiling without moving anything generally does not.
How long does a bathroom take?
A remodel that keeps the layout is usually a matter of weeks. Relocating fixtures extends it.
Is it worth doing two bathrooms at once?
Often yes. Mobilisation, permitting and trade scheduling are partly shared, so the second room usually costs less than the first.
More guides for South Florida homeowners
- How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Broward County?
- How Long Does a Home Renovation Take in South Florida?
Planning a project in Cooper City or anywhere in South Florida? A. Luzon Construction is licensed, insured and CRC-certified (CRC1334726). Call (954) 833-7933 for a free, detailed estimate, or book a consultation online.
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