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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
I am in the process of putting together the elements of my bathroom remodel. I have almost everything picked out (the big things anyway - vanity, tile etc). But now little things are coming up that individually are not price but are starting to add up. I'm changing from a bathtub to walk-in shower - that was pretty $$$ because they have to move plumbing, but I'm ok with that.
I had finalized the plan for the vanity (has to be custom) and then decided to change the door style, which was an additional $300. So, not sure if it's worth it and am trying to decide which one to go with - because overall, $300 is really not a lot of money, in relation to the whole project
Then I decided I want a glass panel in one of the doors of the vanity. That will run another $300.
The faucets that I really like are about $100 more each (2 sinks and the shower set), than the set that I like, but don't REALLY like.
And there are a few other things that I can either keep the way the estimate was drawn up or make some small changes that will add more $$.
None of these things are that much separately, but I keep adding things that are making the cost go up incrementally. I know that always happens with renovation projects, and I know I am one to easily justify to myself getting what I really like/want, but where do you draw the line when it comes to these things? How do you figure out when you've lost your mind and need to say to yourself "enough already"?  
Message edited 7/30/2020 1:01:39 PM.
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Posted 7/30/20 12:58 PM  |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1066 total posts
Name:
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Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
I guess you'd have to compare the cost of each "upgrade" item as a percentage of the "original" item. If the original vanity is $300, then changing the doors is making it twice the price. That would be too much for me. If it is only 5 or 6 percent more, then it's not that much of a difference and I would go with what I liked better.
But, why would you want a glass panel in the vanity? I don't want people to see the junk that's under my sink!
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| Posted 7/30/20 1:04 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
You can also make a list of "things I can easily upgrade later" and "things I can't upgrade"
The tub to the shower is something that has to be done during construction, or not done at all. Faucets take only a few minutes each to replace, so you could always deal with them next year. Doors are easy to swap out after the fact.
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| Posted 7/30/20 1:17 PM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by nycbuslady
I guess you'd have to compare the cost of each "upgrade" item as a percentage of the "original" item. If the original vanity is $300, then changing the doors is making it twice the price. That would be too much for me. If it is only 5 or 6 percent more, then it's not that much of a difference and I would go with what I liked better.
But, why would you want a glass panel in the vanity? I don't want people to see the junk that's under my sink!
The glass is not for a cabinet under the vanity - it's for a "tower" cabinet that sits on top of the vanity
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| Posted 7/30/20 1:57 PM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by GoldenRod
You can also make a list of "things I can easily upgrade later" and "things I can't upgrade"
The tub to the shower is something that has to be done during construction, or not done at all. Faucets take only a few minutes each to replace, so you could always deal with them next year. Doors are easy to swap out after the fact.
The reason the glass costs that much has something to do with the way the inside of the cabinet is painted (different type of wood than the doors, so they would have to make it match - so not something that could be easily changed down the road.
And the faucets are still pricey (even the less expensive ones), so not something I would be looking to replace quickly - just a question of spending money on what I REALLY like or spending less on the ones I "just" like.
When the remodel is done, I want it to be "done." Of course I want to love it, so what I'm asking is, where do you draw the line with expenses (because I know it could keep going and going), without having regrets and still loving the final outcome?
Message edited 7/30/2020 2:16:21 PM.
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| Posted 7/30/20 2:14 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by chilltocam
Posted by GoldenRod
You can also make a list of "things I can easily upgrade later" and "things I can't upgrade"
The tub to the shower is something that has to be done during construction, or not done at all. Faucets take only a few minutes each to replace, so you could always deal with them next year. Doors are easy to swap out after the fact.
The reason the glass costs that much has something to do with the way the inside of the cabinet is painted (different type of wood than the doors, so they would have to make it match - so not something that could be easily changed down the road.
And the faucets are still pricey (even the less expensive ones), so not something I would be looking to replace quickly - just a question of spending money on what I REALLY like or spending less on the ones I "just" like.
When the remodel is done, I want it to be "done." Of course I want to love it, so what I'm asking is, where do you draw the line with expenses (because I know it could keep going and going), without having regrets and still loving the final outcome?
I'm going through this myself right now so I know exactly how you feel. I judge it by two things...1. There is "like" and there is "love".
I have to LOVE it. And 2. Saying "When I see this everyday, will this be displeasing to me...will I be annoyed I didn't spring for the extra $$$ to upgrade this?" That statement keeps me in check because most of the time the answer is no. It's just me being a PITA or insisting on my champagne taste on some insignificant element.
I recently hemmed and hawed over knobs for 3 days. It made me realize I'm an indecisive psychopath but regardless, I was finally like who f-ing cares?? Nobody will notice! Just pick something!
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| Posted 7/30/20 4:04 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
I remodeled my master bathroom and moved plumbing, removed walls, and went to the studs.
Where we splurged:
Seat in shower
Jacuzzi tub with pull out shower feature
Shower is now five feet by six feet
Small area of decorative tile
Custom cabinets
Toilet
Counters
I found the knobs and pulls on line for $5/pull when the store wanted $18 per pull. I got the chrome version of the fixtures instead of the brushed satin. By going with chrome I saved $2000. I went with less expensive floor and wall tile. I splurged on the shower floor tile and accent tile. They make a big impact for a smaller area. I got the counters I fell in love with. I had to buy a full slab and used it up. I wanted a shaker cabinet so that did not cost as an upgrade. I also went with white which was a basic color. But they are hard wood, soft close, dovetail joined, and the entire cabinet plus back is wood and custom for my bathroom. You can see some photos on my screen name before the mirrors were put in. The bathroom is big. It is something like 12*14
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| Posted 7/30/20 5:14 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
My view is that if you are remodeling you most likely won't be touching that room for 10+ years unless something breaks. If you have the money, buy what you love. If you don't you will always look at it thinking you should have bought something different.
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| Posted 7/30/20 5:24 PM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by KarenK122
My view is that if you are remodeling you most likely won't be touching that room for 10+ years unless something breaks. If you have the money, buy what you love. If you don't you will always look at it thinking you should have bought something different.
This!!!!
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| Posted 7/30/20 6:28 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by KarenK122
My view is that if you are remodeling you most likely won't be touching that room for 10+ years unless something breaks. If you have the money, buy what you love. If you don't you will always look at it thinking you should have bought something different.
Exactly this.
If you can afford it, go for every little thing you want. If not, go over each item and decide which you could live without
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| Posted 7/30/20 6:29 PM |
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StaceyWill
It's a girl!!!
Member since 6/10 21539 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
Posted by KarenK122
My view is that if you are remodeling you most likely won't be touching that room for 10+ years unless something breaks. If you have the money, buy what you love. If you don't you will always look at it thinking you should have bought something different.
This!!!!
I agree.
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| Posted 7/31/20 8:11 AM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by KarenK122
My view is that if you are remodeling you most likely won't be touching that room for 10+ years unless something breaks. If you have the money, buy what you love. If you don't you will always look at it thinking you should have bought something different.
This. If I'm redoing my bathroom, it's not getting done again for 20 years. Another thing to consider is if you are going to be in that house in 10-20 years. If yes, and you have the money and the upgrades won't cause any type of financial strain, then get every little thing you want!
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| Posted 7/31/20 8:20 AM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Posted by FirstMate
I recently hemmed and hawed over knobs for 3 days. It made me realize I'm an indecisive psychopath but regardless, I was finally like who f-ing cares?? Nobody will notice! Just pick something!
3 DAYS!!!! You're cute . If I could make a decision like that in 3 WEEKS I'd be happy LOL. I drive myself crazy looking at every possible option on every possible website and stress over these decisions forever! If you're an indecisive psychopath after 3 days, I don't want to know what I am!
Message edited 7/31/2020 9:25:25 AM.
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| Posted 7/31/20 9:22 AM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Where do you draw the line? (remodeling project)
Thanks everyone for the responses. Glad to hear that "going for it" - all the upgrades etc, is not so crazy and that I am not alone in trying to make these decisions 
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| Posted 7/31/20 9:26 AM |
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