| Remodeling a bathroom can be a very expensive | | | | In this budget range you're getting a good standard |
| proposition. Tub, toilet, fixtures, storage, counter | | | | toilet with a few more benefits. These will be low |
| tops, flooring... You may be wondering where you | | | | flush (1.6 gallons) with some water saving features |
| can save a few hundred dollars to keep your | | | | that still have enough power to send waste away. If |
| bathroom remodeling budget under control. One item | | | | you shop carefully, you'll find toilets in this price range |
| you should not skimp on is the workhorse of the | | | | with dual flush capability-you decide if 1.6 gallons of |
| bathroom-the toilet. This fixture is used a dozen | | | | water is needed or if half that much will get the job |
| times a day and needs to perform perfectly every | | | | done. |
| time. | | | | A more expensive low-budget toilet will use higher |
| Here are some feature and benefit comparisons for | | | | quality china, making it easier to clean. A larger flush |
| toilets, from the most economical to the most | | | | valve (3 inches is common in this price range) and a |
| outrageously expensive. Talk things over with your | | | | larger trapway make waste removal a breeze. |
| contractor-the right toilet at the right price is available | | | | Always purchase a toilet with the largest flusher |
| for your bathroom, and for your budget. | | | | valve and trapway possible for your budget. |
| Budget $0-$200 | | | | Stabilizing systems are frequently four points, allowing |
| Toilets come in three basic parts: the tank, the bowl, | | | | you to use the toilet without worry for many years. |
| and the seat/lid. These parts are only | | | | One drawback to this price range is that you'll usually |
| semi-interchangeable between toilet models and | | | | be shopping for a seat in addition to the tank and |
| manufacturers. It's difficult to save a few dollars by | | | | bowl, so make sure to consider this in your budget. If |
| getting a less expensive tank, for instance. As you're | | | | a seat and lid is included, it may be plastic rather than |
| shopping, keep in mind that you'll be spending money | | | | longer lasting and more comfortable china. |
| for a complete unit. | | | | Budget $500-$1,200 |
| You'll find lots of choices in the bottom budget range, | | | | In the mid-priced budget range you'll find most |
| but you'll be making a few tradeoffs for those saved | | | | one-piece toilets which are much easier to install and |
| dollars. You may find only the tank and bowl for | | | | to clean. Advanced water saving technologies are |
| under $200, which means you'll be hunting for a | | | | standard on these mid-priced models. Chemically |
| compatible seat/lid combo and spending a little money | | | | resistant flappers, fully glazed trapways, and 3 inch |
| there. | | | | flush valves are also standard, vastly increasing the |
| Though they're small, they may use more water per | | | | useful life of the toilet's internal parts and the |
| flush (1.6 gallons is considered a low-flush toilet, but | | | | reliability of the flushing action. You'll often find long |
| less expensive models may use more) and the | | | | warranties on these quality toilets-up to 10 years. |
| flushing action is not as powerful. Budget priced | | | | The $500 to $1,200 price range is where most home |
| toilets rarely make use of advanced water saving | | | | remodelers will purchase their toilets because they |
| technologies beyond the low flush. These almost | | | | offer a wide range of features and benefits. Long |
| always have a small trapway and a smaller flapper-2 | | | | lasting, reliable, and easy to clean are important |
| inches is common. A smaller flapper leads to a slower | | | | considerations that will be met by mid-priced toilets. |
| flush with less power. | | | | Budget $3,000 and Up |
| The internal parts of extreme low budget toilets are | | | | Want a bidet? You can have it for a few thousand |
| often inferior, so you'll be replacing the flapper or the | | | | dollars. Is a heated seat important, or integrated |
| ball valve fairly frequently. The handle and trip bar of | | | | flashing lights ringing the toilet bowl? Such fun |
| a budget toilet may be made of plastic, which might | | | | features are available for the most expensive toilet |
| wear quickly or break in a short amount of time. In | | | | we found, the $4,300 Kohler Fountainhead. As a |
| addition, the bolt and stabilizing systems for budget | | | | bonus, it automatically flushes when you lower the lid, |
| toilets are also on a budget, and with continued use | | | | which also features lift-assist technology if that's |
| may loosen from the wax ring or the flange. A two | | | | important to you. And it is a low flush toilet, which |
| point or three point stabilizing system means the | | | | could save you money on your water bills. |
| toilet is fastened down in only two or three spots, | | | | Compare Prices and Brands for the Best Toilet on |
| leading to tipping or tilting over time. | | | | Your Budget |
| You'll typically find a one year warranty on low priced | | | | Perhaps spending $4,000 on a toilet is a little out of |
| toilets. Warranties protect your investment but they | | | | reach, but consider the mid-priced $500 to $1,200 |
| also protect the manufacturer from replacing | | | | toilets for all their features and benefits. This is the |
| poor-performing products after the year is up. | | | | most-often used fixture in any bathroom. Invest a |
| Budget $200-$500 | | | | little up front for much longer, fuss free operation. |