With all of the remodel projects I work on, we are trying to squeeze the most value out of the construction. And while I love well-designed, complicated details and big changes that get us to our end results, those are not always the most well-priced solutions.
Okay, the contractors I work with might say that nothing is ever simple or straightforward on one of my projects, and I might be a little picky with how our design goals are achieved. :-)
However, I do try to keep their job in mind when designing. I know that if I can keep big construction changes to the minimum, if I can design in a little lee-way with dimensions or details, then it might be more simple for them to build.
And more simple usually means less costly.
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Here are some ideas to keep in mind if you’re wanting to watch the budget for your remodel.
Keep plumbing in the same general vicinity as it exists, especially if you have a concrete slab.
Think through the venting path needed for a kitchen range hood.
Be mindful of loadbearing walls.
Use a tub instead of building out a new shower with a glass enclosure.
Consider a pre-made bathroom vanity instead of typical bathroom cabinetry.
1) Keep plumbing drains in same general vicinity as the existing plumbing.
If you have a concrete slab it is more cost effective if you don’t have to move drains much. A little shift here and there is not so bad, but moving toilet across the room can be a more difficult and time consuming task, so it will cost more.
Here are two drains in one of my remodels now. We are shifting these a bit, the tub is turning into a shower and the sewer drain is moving a bit so we can turn the toilet another direction. I worked on these plans though, with the idea of trying to keep these from moving around too much.
2) Think through the venting path needed for a kitchen hood.
I know there are some areas in this country that don’t require any kind of venting at a cooktop or range, but I think they are really necessary for air quality in a home. We are required to have them here and I try to keep the venting path in mind when I’m laying out a plan for a kitchen remodel.
In this kitchen remodel, below, we moved the cooking area from the island, where the cooktop had a downdraft, to the back wall to get a beautiful focal point and to have a big range. Although there was a second floor above, there was a path through some cabinetry upstairs that allowed us to vent to the roof.
Before - Kitchen Remodel
After, at the end of construction - The 60” range against the wall made a big statement in this kitchen.
3) Be mindful of loadbearing walls and columns.
In this area, builders often used columns for support in the open areas of homes. Sometimes the placement is not so desirable or there are just too many that interrupt a space. Homeowners usually want to get rid of some or all of the columns and open up the space more. There are ways to restructure to be able to do this safely. just make sure you talk to qualified contractors and professionals to get the right advice for your project.
Sure, we can often rework a space and do so often. It does cost money though, that is hidden in the walls and ceilings.
There are lots of columns surrounding this kitchen.
I do love the new open look that was affected on this project with removing center columns and the wall on the back side of the dining room. Not to be wishy-washy, I’m just sharing items that tend to add cost! I’m not saying they’re not worth it. :-)
BEFORE - Lots of columns and a wall break up this large space.
AFTER - Removing the center columns and the back wall opened up this dining space to the family room and kitchen.
4) Use a tub instead of building out a new shower with a glass enclosure.
It is very popular to pull out old tubs and replace them with new shower stalls. As long as one tub is left in the house, it is usually fine for resale. Often people don’t realize, however, is that keeping a tub or replacing one and then just redoing the tile above it is a less expensive option than building a whole new shower. Especially when you add on a glass enclosure, it can make a cost difference.
Sure, you can do a pre-made shower base that makes the installation somewhat easier, but not many people prefer those. If they are going with a new shower, they want a fully tiled shower, typically.
A new shower can be so much more desirable, but if it is a guest bath that isn’t used by older people, a tub might be all you really need. Then you can do a pretty shower curtain too!
Secondary bathroom with a new tub instead of only a shower in a past paroject of mine.
A guest bath with a new tub in lieu of a full walk-in shower from one of my projects.
5) Consider a pre-made vanity instead of standard cabinetry.
You can possibly get more savings if you go with a pre-made vanity, available from lots of different vendors. Big box retailers like Pottery Barn have them, but other brands like Signature Hardware and James Martin carry them too. They usually come with or without a countertop and sink, thereby helping with overall cost and number of trades needed for an installation.
If you have existing cabinets and want to paint those, get new counters, faucet and sink, it might behoove you to price out an all-in-one vanity. It’s less trouble, involves fewer trades, and often they have nice details and finishes you wouldn’t get on a standard cabinet.
Furniture brands like Worlds Away, Woodbridge, or Ambella Home even offer bathroom vanities for more elevated looks.
I just saw these vanities in the James Martin booth at KBIS. So many nice storage details come with their vanities. They have some with unique, interesting finishes too.
I’ve gathered some links here for you to peruse. Once you consider the total pricing for everything included, you might find these of better value or with more features for the money.
Save some money for the last layers!
While everyone loves a good floor plan and to get done with all the structural work and the hard finishes, those last layers can make the project really special.
Specialty lighting, wallcoverings, window treatments, etc. can really layer in the personality and make your home feel unique and complete. You want to be able to feel like you made a big impact with all your changes and if they are all hidden behind the walls and in the structure of the home, you might feel a little disappointed in the outcome.
Don’t forget to save some money for those fun last layers.
KBIS 2025!
I’m in Vegas for KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Show this week. Check back to see all my finds and note all the trends coming in the next year or so. You can follow me on Instagram too, where I share a lot in my stories.
This blogpost was thoughtfully written by me, Carla Aston, and not by AI, ghostwriters, or guest posters.
Check out my two popular design guides, linked below, to help you design your next remodel!
