We went through something similar a couple years back. Didn't go for the humidity-sensing fans either—honestly, I wasn't convinced they'd be worth the extra cost. Instead, we opted for a decent-quality exhaust fan with a timer switch, just like you mentioned. It was a pretty straightforward DIY install, and it definitely helped keep moisture under control.
Our remodel ended up costing around $8k, give or take. We didn't go super high-end, but we didn't skimp either. The biggest chunk went into tile work and plumbing fixtures—those things add up fast. We also had to replace some drywall behind the shower because of mold damage we didn't initially notice. Like you said, mold is sneaky as heck...we thought it was just surface stuff until we opened things up and saw how far it had spread behind the scenes.
One thing I'd recommend from experience: if you're already opening walls or floors, it's worth taking a little extra time to check insulation and waterproofing thoroughly. We found some insulation that had gotten damp over time, and replacing it made a noticeable difference in comfort and humidity control afterward. It's one of those things you don't really think about until you're already knee-deep in renovation dust.
Overall, I'd say our remodel was money well spent. Bathrooms are one of those areas where investing a bit more upfront can save headaches (and wallet aches) down the road. Plus, if you're ever thinking about resale value, buyers definitely appreciate a clean, updated bathroom without hidden surprises lurking behind the walls.
We just finished ours and ended up around $10k, but we had to redo some plumbing we weren't expecting. Curious if anyone else ran into surprise plumbing or electrical issues once they opened things up? Seems pretty common...
Yep, same here. Thought we'd be around $8k, but once the walls opened up, surprise—old wiring nightmare. Ended up closer to $11k after sorting that mess out. Seems pretty standard unfortunately...
Yeah, sounds about right. Older homes always hide surprises—wiring, plumbing, you name it. Had a client recently whose "simple" tile swap turned into a full subfloor replacement. Budget creep is real...
Haha, budget creep is definitely a sneaky one. Had a similar experience recently:
- Client wanted a quick vanity update—easy, right?
- Removed old vanity to find plumbing from the Jurassic era.
- Cue the plumber, drywall guy, and a whole lot more coffee than anticipated.
But hey, that's part of the charm with older homes. You uncover some headaches for sure, but also some pretty cool original features now and then. Plus, once it's all done and dusted, clients usually love telling that story about how their "simple" project turned epic. Hang in there... at least you're not alone in this!
