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Bathroom Remodeling in Phelan, CA: What Influences Your Investment?

Writer: Oliver Owens
Oliver Owens
Oct 20
8 min read

You know, looking at a bathroom and thinking about its size, you might have the sense of, "How complex could this possibly be?"

Bathroom Remodeling

Then you start thinking about moving the shower. The vanity needs to be replaced and enlarged.


Lighting isn't quite right, and storage is practically nonexistant, and you suddenly

realized this small bathroom includes a lot of elements.


That's why homeowners considering bathroom remodeling in Phelan, CA can easily

discover dramatically varying bathroom remodeling costs, even for homes including

bathrooms of a seemingly identical size.


While it is true enough square footage generally informs square footage of

construction, size is only part of a much more complex equation.


At Eagle Mountain General Construction, Inc., we approach bathroom remodeling to

meet the needs of the homeowner first.


Some projects need only light revision, but others actually require complete dismantling

and reconstruction.


Understanding the difference helps homeowners establish a much more realistic

bathroom remodeling budget.


Start With What You Want To Change


Before getting much further along in the process, shift your thinking just slightly.

Instead of wondering about costs of bathroom remodeling, you should seriously

consider what you want to change about your bathroom.


Maybe the problem really is that you dislike the way it looks; however, the functionality

might be just fine.


That's an entirely different issue than starting to tear out tile and reveal plumbing issues

because the vanity location isn't ideal, the storage seems laughable, the shower is

cramped and the only thing more uncomfortable than the cold water is the morning

rush.


Try taking some specific mental notes as you walk into your bathroom. Does everyone

seem to be fighting for space? Is the shower door opening into another object or tight

against another surface? Do towels hang on doorknobs because there doesn't appear

to be any other available storage?


Are toiletries crowding your counter space and vanities simply not providing enough

storage?


All of these concerns have very real solutions, and that's what Eagle Mountain's


We start with an honest assessment of what you're actually facing and end up with a

total bathroom remodeling project perfectly suited to your needs and preferences,

rather than starting with what we'd like your bathroom to be.


A Layout Revision Isn't Always Necessary


In many cases, one of the best ways to limit bathroom remodeling cost is to make an

effort to maintain your existing layout as much as possible.


That doesn't always mean we're leaving it just as it is, of course, but being able to keep

your toilet, sink, and shower in their relatively present positions helps tremendously

with both budget and overall project complexity.


It does mean a complete replacement of your vanity, shower, tub, tile, floor, fixtures,

mirrors, lighting, cabinets, and vanity, if you prefer. The only real difference between a

remodel preserving most of your bathroom layout and one that makes significant

changes is the presence of plumbing.


Moving major plumbing fixtures requires considerably more effort than most

homeowners would expect, and sometimes it's worth doing. If your vanity placement is

making it impossible to actually get to the sink or your tub shower combo feels crowded no matter how you stand, you might consider having your bathroom pipes moved as

part of your bathroom remodeling in Phelan, CA.


That choice likely depends on more than just how much you want your remodeling

budget to change.


A Showerspace That Fits Your Needs And Your Budget


Showers really aren't as simple as you might assume.


Even when finished, they include waterproofing, drainage, plumbing, tile, and fixtures,

plus a certain amount of design and finishing touches, depending on how large and

luxurious you want it to be.


A full bathroom shower will feature a tile surround, whereas a more modest option only

requires a shower curtain or glass enclosure. Standard sizes also tend to lean more

towards functionality than extravagance in both tile size and overall dimensions, but a

more spacious or indulgent shower installation featuring multiple showerheads, a niche

for holding toiletries, a seat, or more decorative tile would definitely increase cost of

bathroom remodeling.


That's a consideration that should apply to every aspect of your remodeling project.

Figure out what changes are most important to you and your family and what you'd be

willing to leave just as it is.


Bathroom Cabinets And Countertops


Did you know a vanity can be both simple and custom at the same time? That

about.


Consider what you need to store in your bathroom before you settle on a cabinet

configuration. While a beautiful vanity may seem like a luxury, one with no storage

space will actually end up being quite the hassle, now, won't it?


A countertop is a fixture that typically doesn't extend across an entire bathroom, but

material choice and thickness will definitely influence both cost of remodeling a

bathroom and final appearance.


Granite, Quartz, marble, and porcelain countertops are all excellent options, offered by


Instead of choosing a material based on how pretty the finish is, base it on general

maintenance, likelihood of staining or scratching, potential exposure to humidity, and

overall suitability to the items that will be placed on it. After all, it will likely withstand

significantly more abuse than an average person might give it credit for.


Bathroom Lighting And Electrical Work


Lighting can be the single most overlooked element of home remodeling in general.

Especially bathroom remodeling, since an overhead light doesn't always provide nearly

enough illumination for getting ready in the morning. Again, it all comes back to your

specific needs and wants.


A vanity light or two, some accent lighting for your bathroom mirror, and perhaps even

a warmer, dimmer option for evening hours might be exactly what you're looking for.


Or maybe natural light is most important to you, for whatever reason. Location,

orientation, and privacy will influence whether that's a realistic option.


Lastly, electrical work has the potential to substantially alter the overall scope and

complexity of your project.


If moving an outlet or switch involves shifting a major circuit, it will definitely influence

cost of bathroom remodeling, at the very least.


Now is a very good time to reconsider how much natural light enters the room.


Once again, your options are greatly influenced by the condition and position of existing

walls.


What Is Discovered During Demolition?


No matter how thoroughly you may think you've examined the current state of your

bathroom, there's always a possibility of discovering that existing conditions weren't as

favorable as they appeared.


The upside to that particular prospect is that it's much more cost efficient to deal with

an issue as you're opening it up than it would be to finish the renovation, only to

discover the wall behind your vanity is damp.


A reputable remodeling contractor should be able to explain exactly what he's found

and inform you why any additions to your remodeling budget should be necessary,

rather than presenting you with a number without clarification.


Will A Building Permit Be Necessary?


Permitting usually isn't thought about until later. Perhaps not even until the day it

actually needs to be filed.


However, San Bernardino County informs residents that a building permit is required

for residential alteration work and that plans and supporting documents may be

necessary before actual construction begins. The county notes, specifically, that single

family remodeling falls under the category of residential alteration work, meaning

building permits may be required for your remodel job.


review their guidelines and ensure they choose the correct application for their

remodeling project.


The specifics will always be informed by the type of work being done, so make sure any

plumbing, electrical, structural work or alterations fall under whatever permit you

choose, for maximum budget control.


Specify In Writing


A bathroom is filled with enough elements that conversations may begin to blur

together as soon as tile is installed.


Which tile? Which vanity? Counter depth? Who supplies fixtures and vanity for

bathroom remodeling in Phelan, CA?


Demolition or not? Disposal? Painting? Permits?


The California Contractors State License Board recommends that if your project

involves more than $500, a written contract is necessary to ensure your agreement

covers the work, material, costs, expenses, schedule, permits, and any alterations

agreed upon throughout the duration of your remodeling project.


Even if everyone meets and thinks they've discussed everything, it's really best to

formalize those discussions in writing anyway.


Not Just A Bathroom Project


While it may begin as a relatively small endeavor, bathroom remodeling could very well

evolve into a much larger discussion regarding the rest of your home.


Maybe the floor in the hallway leading to your bathroom needs repair as well. Perhaps

the bedroom across the way could use more storage space or you've been meaning to

do something about that kitchen but haven't gathered quite enough momentum to

discuss it yet.


If you find yourself identifying with any aspect of this particular scenario, Eagle

Mountain General Construction, Inc. recommends reviewing our recent article


See how much you can accomplish when you look at a few areas of your house at the

same time without turning any of those potential remodeling projects into the next big

"Maybe I'll think about it this weekend."


Frequently Asked Questions


How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in Phelan, CA?


Any number of different factors influence cost of bathroom remodeling in Phelan, CA.


Layout changes, plumbing, shower size, tile size and choice of material, cabinetry,

countertops, lighting and fixtures all play a part, as do permits, existing conditions and

finish choices.


Is plumbing alteration worth it, considering extra remodeling costs?


It can be, if it really is the cause of an otherwise unbearable bathroom layout.


If you have to invest in new tile, vanity, or fixtures anyway and the result is simply an

upscale bathroom of a fundamentally inconvenient size and layout, shifting the

plumbing to make space seem larger can be the best option.


How long does bathroom remodeling take?


Timeline really depends on the scope of the project, availability of materials, need for

permits, custom work, and any discovery during demolition that may add to the original

project.


Can I use cabinets in small bathrooms?


The short answer is: Yes, but they usually need to be custom or semi custom in order to

maximize vertical storage space in very small bathrooms or unusually shaped spaces.


How should I choose my contractor?


Look at licensing, check out a finished project, and compare not only remodeling cost

but overall project scope to ensure someone isn't attempting to cut expenses by

shifting as much renovation to you as possible.


Review the CSLB homeowner checklist before signing a contract as a California

homeowner.


Invest In Your Priorities


You really don't need to include every aspect of bathroom remodeling your Pinterest

board includes.


Your project doesn't have include high end materials simply because they're available.


The only things that matter are things you actually want or need.


Maybe you'd prefer a more spacious shower. Or you might want more storage than

you've been able to install in the past, in conjunction with some improved lighting and

simplified clean up to make your bathroom truly feel relaxing.


Start with what you want and continue with what you really need.


It might not sound like the most thrilling way to begin bathroom remodeling, but a

budget isn't really a bad thing when it actually reflects wants and needs.


Homeowners considering bathroom remodeling in Phelan, CA should visit Eagle

Construction directly with any questions about your bathroom remodeling needs and

options.

 
 
 

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