Bathroom Renovation vs. Remodeling: What Is the Difference?

For many people, perhaps you included, the bathroom is the centrepiece of a home – not the kitchen, dining, or the family room. As such, it should not come as a surprise that you are contemplating hiring a contractor to “renovate” or “remodel”. As you search for the right company to do the job, you came across these two terms that seem to be used interchangeably. Although trivial, differentiating them lets you have an easier time understanding your needs and how the pros can help.

At any rate, both “bathroom renovation” and “bathroom remodeling” involves work being done. However, they do vary with regards to purpose, type of construction or scope of work, and cost.

Granted that the work entailed in a bathroom may not necessarily be a matter of preference but rather a necessity, there is also another consideration. If you are selling your property, not only do you want to fix anything that is not working properly. You also have the choice of having work done to purposely raise real estate property value.

Understanding the Differences

What is it that you want to achieve by hiring a contractor to work on your bathroom?

Do you need a bathroom renovation or bathroom remodeling?

By understanding the difference, you can begin making plans and talk to the right people. More importantly, you can set reasonable expectations, an appropriate budget, and a workable schedule that minimizes the impact on lifestyle.

Definition of Terms:

Renovate. to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)

Remodel. to alter the structure of

Source: Merriam-Webster

Bathroom Renovation

If the purpose is primarily restorative, then you need to hire a bathroom contractor as opposed to a general contractor. The scope of work includes:

• Installing new or replacing bathroom fixtures and accessories, such as sinks, vanities, toilets, showers, and more.
• Repainting or repairing walls, cabinets, flooring, and more.

Renovation projects are usually small-scale. It can be as simple as drilling a few holes to install a towel bar. On the other hand, it could also entail tearing down the entire bathroom to replace or upgrade fixtures, lights, and flooring. Regardless of the changes, the one thing that remains is the original functionality or intention.

For old properties, a bathroom renovation may be required even if the old fixtures are still in prime condition. One reason is to ensure that electrical and plumbing conform to new building codes.

By and large, a renovation project usually is about reviving as opposed to changing entirely. Giving the bathroom a fresh or new look is also one way to increase the value of a property.

Bathroom Remodeling

Remodeling is different in that you are making changes to how the bathroom looks. These modifications – altering the layout (structure) and design – gives it an entirely different appearance. More importantly, its intention is to change the functionality.

One example is relocating an existing fixture to add a new feature such as a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, bathtub, and anything else under the sun. In many cases, cabinets are taken down to create more space in a bathroom remodeling project.

A bathroom remodeling project usually uses existing fixtures and accessories. However, it could also include cosmetic changes such as installing a new vanity, countertop, cabinets, and more.

Is It More Expensive to Renovate or Remodel?

In most cases, the work required in remodeling is much more complex and elaborate than renovating. If it involves changing the structure, wiring, plumbing, and other jobs, the cost of labour and materials can quickly add up. In this sense, you could say that it is costlier to remodel than to renovate a bathroom.

Remodeling projects are usually more complex, requiring more professionals – architects, plumbers, electricians, engineers, and more. Furthermore, you are most likely required to secure the necessary permits from pertinent agencies. A renovation, on the other hand, may or may not require permits.

Lastly, some of the work involved in renovating can be DIY (do-it-yourself). For example, painting the wall, hanging a new door, or installing trims. Electrical and plumbing works, on the contrary, is not allowed in most communities – which is why you need a licensed professional.

Remodel vs. Renovation: Should You?

Deciding what to do with the bathroom is no easy task. Consider some of the easiest tasks like installing towel bars. Drilling holes (for screws) and attaching may be easy. Shopping for one and choosing a design might prove to be confusing due to the huge number of choices.

• Bathroom fixtures, appliances, cabinets, hardware, and accessories
• Materials for flooring, walls, ceiling, light fixtures, and ventilation
• Permits
• Size of bathroom, age, and condition
• Contractor and consulting fees, labour, and others

Budget, for obvious reasons, is the limiting factor in the decision-making process, and so is the schedule. In other words, it may come down to how much money you can afford to spend, or the available time for the renovation or remodeling.

As a general rule, if it is to repair or upgrade an existing fixture, go for renovation. On the other hand, if you would like to overhaul or re-do the layout and overall design, or to change the functionality, then you want to go for a bathroom remodel.

To ease the burden of planning, one thing you can do is to have a free consultation with a professional bathroom renovation and remodeling contractor – no strings attached. Find out, too, how the home improvement endeavor benefits you greatly by raising your property value with a significant return on investment.