$14k sounds about right from what I’ve heard around here, especially if you’re doing a full gut. We just started our first reno and the sticker shock is real, but reading your post makes me feel a little less anxious about it. The labor costs are wild, but I get it—older homes are full of surprises behind the walls. We found some ancient wiring that had to go, so there went another chunk of the budget.
If you want to keep costs down (and be eco-friendly), reusing or refinishing existing tubs and vanities can help.
This is exactly what we’re trying. Our tub was in decent shape, so we went with a refinishing kit instead of replacing it, and honestly, it turned out better than expected (not perfect, but good enough for us). The fumes were rough for a couple days even with a low-VOC product, but it saved us a ton.
Heated toilet seats—never thought I’d care about those until now. After reading your take, I’m tempted to splurge. Winters here get brutal and anything that makes mornings easier is worth it.
I totally agree on the plumbing upgrades not being glamorous. We spent hours picking out tile and fixtures, but most of our budget is going into stuff nobody will ever see. Kind of frustrating at first, but you’re right—when things work well, you don’t notice… and that’s probably the best compliment for plumbing.
Thanks for sharing your experience—it’s reassuring to know these choices pay off long-term even if they’re not flashy.
You’re making smart calls—honestly, the “unseen” stuff like wiring and plumbing is what keeps a reno from turning into a money pit down the road. I always tell clients: pretty tile won’t matter if you’re dealing with leaks or electrical issues later. Heated toilet seats are one of those little luxuries that end up being totally worth it, especially in cold climates. And refinishing instead of replacing? That’s budget-savvy and eco-conscious. It’s not always perfect, but it’s real life, not a showroom. You’re on the right track—don’t let the sticker shock get you down.
pretty tile won’t matter if you’re dealing with leaks or electrical issues later
Couldn’t agree more—function before form, every time. But here’s what I’m wrestling with: did you find refinishing actually held up over time? I did a reglaze on my tub once, and it looked great for about two years, then started peeling. Maybe I just got a bad contractor?
Reglazing is kind of a gamble, honestly. I’ve had it done in a couple rentals—sometimes it holds up, sometimes it flakes faster than my willpower at a salad bar. The prep work is everything. If the contractor skimps on cleaning or doesn’t rough up the surface enough, it’ll peel for sure. I had one guy who swore by his “secret formula” and that tub still looked new after four years. Another time, different crew, and it started bubbling after 18 months.
If you’re planning to stay put, I’d lean toward a full replacement if the budget allows. For flips or rentals, reglaze can be worth it, but only if you find someone with solid reviews (and maybe a warranty). Otherwise, you’re just rolling the dice.
Yeah, I hear you on the gamble part. I went the reglaze route once to save cash, and it looked great for about two years before it started chipping around the drain. Prep really does make or break it. If you’re not planning to move soon, I’d say replacement is worth the extra upfront cost. But for a quick fix or rental, reglazing can stretch your budget pretty far if you get someone who knows their stuff. Just gotta weigh how long you want it to last.