How much does a bathroom and kitchen renovation cost: what to consider and keys to optimizing your budget

Renovating a home’s bathroom and kitchen provides an aesthetic and functional impact on the home. The renovation favors a significant increase in property value, but costs have risen sharply in pesos year-over-year.

Prices for interior renovations have increased drastically, reflecting a year-on-year increase of almost 230%, according to the Argentine Chamber of Construction (CAC) Index, although there has been a recent decline and an estimated 18% accumulation in recent years. 4 months that correspond with a reduction in inflation.

Currently according to Maria del Mar Danuzzowho is in charge of commercial architecture at Familia Bercomat, costs can vary widely: “Bathroom remodeling prices range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on factors such as size and desired finishes.”

This range depends on whether internal piping changes are required, which are usually expensive due to the increase in different materials that depend on imported inputs such as copper, bronze, stainless steel or high-strength plastic.

When it comes to kitchens, costs can go up to $20,000, which presents a challenge for those looking to renovate them to incorporate the latest design, furniture, faucets, and appliances.

These costs include not only the purchase of materials, but also labor and other additional expenses such as taxes and permits.

A standard bathroom, regardless of work, can cost around $800,000 when basic elements such as toilets, bathtubs and ceramics are taken into account.

This bathroom remodel estimate includes a complete toilet combination (toilet with lid, bidet, pedestal sink, faucet, bathtub, and mirror). In addition, you have to add the costs of ceramics, glue and paste, the value of which varies depending on the size of the bathroom and whether you decide to cover only the floor or the walls.

If we take a 2 x 2.5 meter bathroom as an example, approximately 10 square meters would need to be covered between the floor and the walls. The additional cost of these materials would be $45,000, which translates to $4,500 per m2 for the ceramic including paste and adhesive.

“Therefore, the total cost of a complete bathroom, excluding labor, would start around $800,000; That breaks down to $750,000 for a combined toilet, faucet, tub and mirror, plus $45,000 for ceramics and costs associated with adhesives and pastes,” added Danuzzo.

As of August 2024, a skilled mason will receive $35,730 for a 9-hour workday in accordance with the Union of Construction Workers (UOCRA) agreement. If we add $29,061 from an official source or $26,028 from an assistant, the daily labor costs will be between 60,000 and 90,000 pesos.

Therefore, for a simple 30-day renovation, these expenses can exceed $3,000,000, not including plumbing, electricity, carpentry and materials.

UOCRA and the sector chambers updated the salary tables in June 2024 and these amounts will remain until at least September.

Despite the costs, the advantage of bathroom and kitchen renovation is indisputable. Some of the benefits include improving functionality, updating interior design and increasing property value by up to 20%.

The segment emphasizes that detailed planning and the selection of suitable materials benefit residents both in everyday life and financially.

“Anticipating the purchase of faucets, toilets and furniture can be a good strategy to avoid price increases caused by inflation. Likewise, choosing materials with a good cost-benefit ratio and considering doing some tasks yourself are effective methods,” added Danuzzo.

Before starting the project, it is recommended to request multiple quotes and take advantage of discounts and events during special dates, such as the Hot Sale.

It is very important to consider additional expenses such as taxes, municipal permits and the cost of importing certain materials. Regional variability of work can also affect the overall budget.

“Those with savings are advised to use the collection system to freeze prices. This system allows the work to be moved forward while maintaining the current price and to take materials only a year later, which represents a significant benefit in the context of inflation,” he emphasized. Mariana Lucangeliarchitect and real estate expert.

There are low rate financing plans for those who don’t have the cash when they start work. In some businesses in this industry, it is allowed to pay in 18 fixed installments. Just by showing ID, people 18 and older can access up to $200,000 in cash or up to $1,000,000 in building materials without having to pay stubs or utility bills.

Lucángeli emphasized: “In the kitchen, it is crucial to define the project, especially the design of the furniture, which is the item with the longest delivery delay.

Ensuring liquid distribution between storage, washing, preparation and cooking areas should be a priority. If space is limited, it is key to arrange the elements to achieve the greatest efficiency.

“Islands or peninsulas are useful for improving circulation in this increasingly valued environment. Although white predominates, warm and expressive colors are currently used with new shades, materials and technologies that allow the personalization of the space,” added Lucángeli.

Up to three people and up to 5 in the kitchen can work during a complete bathroom remodel, depending on the size.

“In small spaces, it is essential to optimize resources. Utilities are addressed first, then storage, and finally lighting. In larger homes, you’ll commonly find bathrooms with double sinks, quality faucets, and sometimes furniture and wall-mounted toilets that enhance aesthetics and functionality,” concluded Lucángeli.