Many home owners are aware that bathroom remodels can be a substantial investment. According to industry professionals, even smaller remodels can easily run around ten grand, with larger, more elaborate projects topping several times that amount. While remodeling costs are a normal part of home maintenance and improvement, there are ways to minimize your expenses while still giving your bathroom the makeover you desire. With proper planning, bathroom remodels can be done on even the tightest of budgets.
With our insider tips and strategies, you can revamp your bathroom on the cheap and still achieve great results!
Don’t Move Plumbing if You Don’t Have To
The first rule for a budget bathroom remodel is not to move any plumbing unless it’s absolutely necessary. Keep the shower, sink, and toilet in their already established spaces. Moving plumbing is very costly, so only make changes to plumbing placement if there’s no other way to achieve the results you want.
If you do decide to move the plumbing around, it’s worth talking to a professional plumber before you set your plans in stone. They may have insights that will help keep the costs down and make sure that all practical aspects of the plumbing changes work as expected.
Salvage, Save and Re-Purpose
Not every item on your remodeling list has to be brand new. The Habitat for Humanity Restore, antique shops and thrift stores are treasure troves for everything from bathroom fixtures to bathroom furniture.
One popular trend right now is turning an old dresser into a vanity. All you need to do is measure and cut out a hole for the sink and plumbing, and presto chango! You’ve got a lovely, functional, one-of-a-kind vanity.
Limit the Amount of Tile
Laying tile is time consuming and labor intensive. As a result, it’s also expensive. So, try to limit how much tile you’ll need. One way you can do this is to opt for alternative flooring such as laminate. Today’s laminates offer excellence in style and functionality, but are usually cheaper than tile.
You can also install wainscoting as a decorative alternative for the lower half of your walls. Just make sure to rule out the possibility of any mold or moisture issues in your drywall before you add it. Replace any sections of drywall that have been damaged before you move forward with wainscoting.
One final way to use less tile is to choose a prefabricated shower stall unit instead of a custom-made tile shower. You can also combine a prefabricated shower pan with tiled walls. This way, you save on the flooring, but still get that irreplaceable look of tile on the walls.
Make Surface Changes
Surface level changes can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom. Fortunately, these changes are also usually quite affordable. In your bathroom remodel, don’t forget to consider options such as:
● Updating your fixtures and hardware.
A new faucet, shower head, or hardware for your vanity can give your bathroom that new and updated look you’re hoping to achieve. Don’t forget to opt for a low-flow showerhead for future savings on your water bill.
● Change out your toilet seat and lid.
You can update your toilet without changing the whole unit by installing a new seat and lid. It’s an inexpensive fix that can make a big difference visually.
● Get a new frame for your mirror.
If you have a large mirror that’s chipping around the edges, replace the frame to make it look new and stylish once again.
With these inexpensive bathroom remodeling ideas, you should be able to achieve a fresh, new look for your bathroom without having to break the bank.