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Real Estate News How much does it cost to renovate the bathroom and kitchen: what to consider and the keys to optimizing the budget - Infobae

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How much does it cost to renovate the bathroom and kitchen: what to consider and the keys to optimizing the budget - Infobae

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Septiembre 29, 2024



A renovation impacts the aesthetics and functionality of the home. How the choice of materials and the cost of labor affect remodeling projects in these environments



By Jose Luis Cieri


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In the face of a significant year-on-year increase, it is essential to stock up on materials to beat inflation. Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms provides a plus in the total value of the home

Renovating the bathroom and kitchen of a home provides an aesthetic and functional impact to the home. The renovation helps to significantly increase the value of the property, but costs have increased sharply when compared year-on-year in pesos.



Prices for interior renovations have risen dramatically, reflecting an increase of almost 230% year-on-year, as reported by the Argentine Chamber of Construction (CAC) Index, although a decline has recently been noted and they have accumulated an estimated 18% in the last 4 months, which coincide with the reduction in inflation .

Currently, according to Maria del Mar Danuzzo , Head of Commercial Architecture for 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 changes are needed in the internal pipes, which are usually expensive due to the increase in various materials that depend on imported inputs such as copper, bronze, stainless steel or high-resistance plastic.

As for kitchens, costs can climb to USD 20,000, representing a challenge for those looking to renovate them by incorporating the latest in 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.



Although remodeling may seem like a tedious and expensive process, the advantages are significant, including improved functionality, modern design, and an increase in the resale value of the property by up to 20%.


A standard bathroom, not including labor, can cost approximately $800,000, if basic elements such as toilets, bathtub and ceramics are considered.

This budget for bathroom remodeling includes the complete set of sanitary ware (toilet with lid, bidet, washbasin with column), faucets, bathtub and mirror). In addition, you have to add the cost of the ceramic tiles, glue and putty, the value of which varies depending on the size of the bathroom and whether you decide to cover only the floor or also the walls.





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A crucial aspect when remodeling is the condition of the pipes and drains. If they are in good condition, they can be reused, but if they need replacing, it is an opportunity to redistribute fixtures.

Taking a bathroom measuring 2 x 2.5 metres as an example, approximately 10 square metres would need to be covered between the floor and the walls. The additional cost for these materials would be $45,000, calculating $4,500 per m2 for the ceramic tiles, including paste and glue.

“Therefore, the total cost for a complete bathroom, not including labor, would start at around $800,000; this breaks down to $750,000 for the toilet, faucet, bathtub and mirror combos, plus $45,000 for ceramic tiles and the costs associated with glue and paste,” Danuzzo added.

Workforce on the rise

In August 2024, a specialized bricklayer receives $35,730 per 9-hour workday, according to the Construction Workers Union (UOCRA) agreement. Adding $29,061 for a half-time official or $26,028 for an assistant, daily labor costs will range 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.

The UOCRA and the sector's chambers updated the salary scales in June 2024, and these amounts will remain in place at least until September.



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The total cost of a renovation is also determined by the internal installations, the square meters of the space, the chosen finishes, the quality of the furniture, taps and the experience of the contractor.

Benefits

Despite the costs, the advantage of renovating the bathroom and kitchen is indisputable. Improving functionality, updating the interior design and increasing the value of the property by up to 20% are some of the benefits.

The sector stresses that detailed planning and the choice of appropriate materials benefit residents both in their daily lives and financially.

“Buying taps, sanitary ware and furniture in advance can be a good strategy to avoid price increases due to inflation. Also, choosing materials with a good cost-benefit ratio and considering doing some tasks yourself are effective methods,” added Danuzzo.

It is recommended to request multiple quotes before starting a project and take advantage of discounts and promotions on special dates such as Hot Sale.





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Up to 4 people can work on a complete bathroom renovation while the work lasts, which will take an average of one month.

More tips

It is crucial to consider additional expenses such as taxes, municipal permits and import costs for certain materials. Regional variability in labor can also influence the total budget.

“For those who have savings, it is recommended to take advantage of the stockpile system to freeze prices. This system allows the work to move forward while maintaining the current price and removing the materials up to a year later, providing a considerable benefit in a context of inflation,” said Mariana Lucángeli , architect and Real Estate expert.

For those who do not have the money at the time of starting the work, there are low-interest financing plans. Some businesses in the sector allow payment in 18 fixed installments. By simply presenting their ID, those over 18 years of age can access up to $200,000 in cash or up to $1,000,000 in construction materials, without the need for pay stubs or utility bills.





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Light colors are common for finishings on walls, sinks and islands in modern kitchens (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Lucángeli said: “In the kitchen, it is key to define the project, especially the design of the furniture, which is the area with the longest delivery delays.

The priority should be to ensure a fluid distribution between storage, washing, preparation and cooking areas. If space is limited, it is crucial to organize the elements to achieve the greatest possible efficiency.

“Islands or peninsulas are useful for improving circulation in this increasingly valued environment. Although white predominates, warm and bold colours are currently used, with new shades, materials and technologies that allow the space to be personalised,” added Lucángeli.

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

“In small spaces, it is crucial to optimize resources. First, basic services are addressed, then storage, and finally lighting. In larger homes, it is common to find bathrooms with double sinks, high-quality taps and, sometimes, suspended furniture and sanitary ware that enhance aesthetics and functionality,” concluded Lucángeli.


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