Get matched with top kitchen and bathroom remodelers in Chamita, NM

While Medicare will pay for some bathroom modifications, it won’t pay for all modifications done to help make the room more accessible for older adults. Plus, the improvements must be approved in advance, or they won’t cover the upgrade. Check well in advance of construction if you have coverage for grab bars, walk-in tubs, wider doorways, higher toilets, and more.

In general, the term powder room refers to the same thing as the term half bath and describes a bathroom with a toilet and a sink. Usually, the official term used in real estate listings is a powder room, but the two terms are interchangeable.

By code, the smallest a bathroom can be is 60 inches wide by 56 inches deep to be considered accessible. An area of 16 to 20 square feet is enough to accommodate a toilet and sink with sufficient clearance. Usually, a space that’s three or four feet by six to eight feet is big enough for a half bath to be added.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.