Updating the Smallest Room: Why The Price Per Square Foot Is The Highest
Modern Family Project
It's no secret that the smallest room in your home can be one of the most expensive when it comes to decorating and remodeling- but why? Let's explore why updating the smallest room in your home can cost more per square foot than other rooms and how to save on costs.
The price per square foot is the highest in the smallest room of the house: the powder room. The average cost to remodel a powder room is $9,600, while the average cost to build a new one is $15,000. That’s because there are so many fixtures and features that go into even the simplest of bathrooms, from plumbing and wiring to tiling and flooring. And then there are all the finishing touches like paint, trim, plumbing fixtures, and light fixtures.
So why is the price per square foot so high in the powder room? Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to this higher price tag.
What is the Smallest Room in Your Home?
When updating your home, you may be wondering which room will give you the biggest return on investment. The answer may surprise you - it's the smallest room in your home! The price per square foot is highest for small rooms, so even a small update can make a big impact.
When considering what updates to make in your home, keep in mind that potential buyers are looking at the overall picture. They're not just looking at one room, but at how all the rooms come together. A well-updated home will have a cohesive look and feel, and that starts with paying attention to detail in each and every room - even the smallest ones.
In addition, the powder room is your welcome mat for your guests. Your hospitality is conveyed by how well-designed your powder room. Whether you choose a relaxed experience or a formal experience, it is all in the details.
Feeling Naughytical
The Cost of Updating Per Square Foot
The cost of updating per square foot is the highest because the powder room is the smallest room in the house with just as many features to create the powder room experience.
The reason for this is that there are a lot of fixtures in a small space and each one needs to be replaced or updated. For example, a new toilet can cost hundreds of dollars, and a new vanity can cost even more. In addition, all of the plumbing needs to be updated to accommodate the new fixtures and fine finishes and decor to elevate the room. This can add thousands to the total cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Updating per Square Foot
There are a few key factors that affect the cost of updating per square foot of a powder room: the type of finishes, customization vs. prefabricated, and the type of materials being installed.
Trim Molding
Crown molding or panel trim to a powder room will add an average of $2,000 dollars. This is because these types of finishes require a highly skilled carpenter to complete them and the cost of materials can fluctuate depending on if you choose an MDF material or wood. But, the impact on the finished design is priceless.
Stone vs. Man-made
Stone has been seen as a luxury product that adds value to any home for hundreds of years. However, in the past couple of decades, manufacturers of man-made stone products have invested in cutting-edge technologies like porcelain and quartz now have a higher value than many stones.
I often recommend stone for a powder room, but not before showing my clients' the man-made version, too. There are a few reasons why someone may not prefer stone.
First, stone can easily stain and requires a commitment to yearly or bi-yearly sealing. Secondly, the stone is made by mother nature and it is possible that there will be high variance in color and veining in the tiles. If a client envisions a stone that has low variation in color and veins, then I strongly recommend we move to the porcelain version. It will alleviate the client's and the contractor's anxiety over unrealistic expectations.
Wallpaper
A powder room is a great space to incorporate wallpaper. It defines the aesthetic of the bathroom instantly. Whether it is a grasscloth lending a subtle texture to the room or an ornate botanical wallpaper to tantalize all your senses. Wallpaper is always a game changer in the powder room. Additionally, I find my clients are more adventurous with patterns when I propose wallpaper in the powder room. It is contained in a very small percentage of their home, so it is not as intimidating to most people.
Wallpaper can range from $500 hundred dollars to thousands. My advice with your investment for wallpaper is two things: number one, how much value do you correlate with the wallpaper? Are you committed to it for 5 years or you will update this wallpaper for the next two decades? In my last powder room, I chose a timeless white and black Waverly print and I updated around it twice. I loved that wallpaper!
Here is my powder room wallpaper for 20 years. For reference, I removed many decorative items before listing our home. I wanted them for myself. Couldn’t take the wallpaper with me, haha!
Number two, what is the value of your home? For example, I had a previous client to whom I proposed a beautiful Schumacher wallpaper for their highly finished powder room. I knew the investment aligned with the value of the home. The investment was over $6,000 for the wallpaper in a $3.5 million dollar home overlooking one of the most prestigious shores of La Jolla. I had no problem recommending this wallpaper to the homeowners.
Paint
In general, painting is not an investment killer. Of course, there are scenarios when a metallic painted ceiling in rich lacquer paint is going to be more than your average paint costs. Or a home calls for a painting technique outside of your traditional roller or sprayer that requires a higher level of skill, like a faux finish. So, do keep an open mind when thinking of paint costs if you desire an elevated design.
Customization
I have rarely met a powder room where I could source a prefabricated cabinet and counter. Many small powder room cabinet installations are wall-to-wall. So, it is necessary to design either a semi-custom or custom vanity to install it flush.
There are times when a pedestal sink works for the space. I appreciate a pedestal sink. I had one in my previous powder room and I preferred the look of the floorplan. I currently have one now in my new home. This summer it will be the first thing I replace when decorating my powder room. Due to my lack of storage space for toiletries, I will be installing a floating cabinet with drawers to hide extra guest towels and toilet paper.
Naughtycal Project vanity designed by Blackdoor Design by Tamra Coviello
Lighting
Let's talk lighting. First of all, bathrooms in general never have enough lighting, period! But, in this particular room investing in quality lighting is necessary. Wall sconces or pendant lighting on dimmers are a nice design element that creates a mood when entertaining guests. I love nothing more than entering someone's powder room at a party and they have set the dimmer low enough that it gives a glow to the room.
Finally, in your lighting plan ALWAYS make sure you have the right amount of general lighting in the right places for your overhead lighting.
Art and Mirrors
Some of my best art hangs in my clients' powder rooms. Yes, you heard right. It is the perfect place to show off your favorite piece or pieces. You have a captured audience who will appreciate the view.
Ditch the builder-grade mirror in your bathroom! It is doing nothing for the room. Depending on the style and formality you are wanting to achieve a framed mirror introducing a different metal is a nice touch. Or a unique shape lending interest to the room.
Updating the smallest room in your house can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With an understanding of why the price per square foot is so high and making investment decisions that will elevate your home's value you will not regret it. . Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional designer, making sure that you are aware of all factors involved in updating this important room will help ensure that the results are beautiful and worth every penny.
"Blackdoor Design by Tamra Coviello, LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.”
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Hello ,my name is Tamra Coviello
I founded Blackdoor Design by Tamra Coviello in 2018 after leaving the flooring industry as the Showroom Manager. Color is my passion and I am a Certified Maria Killam Color Expert. My work passion is creating custom designs for my clients while sourcing vegan and sustainable products for a Timeless Modern aesthetic.
I am the proud Mama to my children Kaitlin, 27 years old, and my son, Devin, 24 years old. My husband and I celebrating almost 30 years together and are parents also to our 3 Shih Tzus.
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