Project Start Date: Dec. 5, 2023 Project Completion Date: Feb. 2, 2024
This project was finished early. Click here for detailed cost and timeline breakdown.
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Master Bath Remodel on a Budget
This couple wanted to update their master bath on a budget. During the initial consult process I was worried that they were budgeting too conservatively and would wind up regretting that in design. They really wanted us to do the project and said they'd be OK if the budget increased but wanted to try their best to stick to it. To my surprise they did!
The made some design compromises... sticking with a curbed shower instead of barrier free and forgoing any open shelving or storage tower at the vanity. They also made very careful material selections, we searched hard for the best value fixtures and materials. And they saved some money my deciding to paint the bathroom themselves.
They also took great care of our team and had snacks and drinks laid out for us every day of the project!
This couple accomplished a lot on a conservative budget.
McManus Kitchen and Bath is a full service remodeling company with an in-house design team and showroom right here in Tallahassee, FL. Contact us to schedule a consult.
This project did not have any surprises. We actually finished a week earlier than expected.
Every project has a few things that really make it stand our or were special to the homeowner. Here are our favorites.
Walk in Shower with Curb
2 Sink Vanity and Quartz Counter
Recessed shower niche
Teak shower bench
This lower cost RTA vanity from JSI helped keep the budget in line with their needs.
During the estimate process we actually though maybe we were not the right fit for this client. They were very focused on keeping the budget low and while we are accomodating the level of service we provide usually means we are not a good choice for budget projects.
However they assured us that they loved our approach and wanted us to do the project. They wanted the level of quality and service we provided and were planning to save money by be careful with their material selections.
I was worried their budget was too tight and they would be frustrated with the lack of material options in design. But to their credit they stuck to their budget and were able to create a beautiful bath at the budget they planned.
The bathroom was outdated and had large spa tub they never used. The shower was never build properly so they had some issues with water leaking out of the shower.
We removed the corner tub and installed a large, walk in shower. Often when we do this we make the shower barrier free, also known as 'curbless'. In this case they optioed for a curbed shower to keep the budget down.
We were also able to install a larger vanity and we updated the lighting and venitallation.
We started this project in early December which meant the proejct would span the Christmas holiday. We close down from Christmas to New Years to give staff time off with their families.
The client was aware of this and wanted to start the proecet in December so they could be done sooner. We started December 5th and finished a week early on February 2nd.
Our Process: We start each project with a Design and Budget Consult to create the initial estimate. Then we collect a 5% Design retainer to complete the design, select all the materials and get exact labor costs. At the end of the design process we present a fixed price proposal for the project.
This was the estimate we presented at the end of our design and budget consult. It include a mix of Good and Better selections.
the total cost at the end of the design process. About 8% more than the initial estimate.
Material selection were higher by about $1000. Still this was a very tight budget for this size remodel. We've done similar project for $80,000 and more.
We put a lot of effort into design and planning to avoid unexpected change orders. On this project there were no change orders.
After all change orders, etc...
The top picture is a similar project that cost a little over $81,000. It does have a few extra features and some high end fixtures but it still shows what is possible if you stick to your budget plan.
Most project of this size would cost quite a bit more, this couple did a great job of sticking to their plan and keeping the project costs low.
They had to sacrifice a few design elements... they went with a curbed shower instead of barrier free and the opted not to add extra storage at the vanity. They also reused thier exsiting mirors and vanity lights. And they painted the bathroom themselves.
The top picture is a similar project that cost a little over $81,000. It does have a few extra features and some high end fixtures but it still shows what is possible if you stick to your budget plan.
