One of the most expensive home improvement projects is remodeling a bathroom. An average bathroom remodel can cost around a whopping $10,000, but if this is too much for you, it does not mean you’ll have to live with your outdated, dingy bathroom forever.
Fortunately, there are ways to remodel your bathroom on a budget. With a bit of effort and ingenuity, you can get a brand-new bathroom without putting a strain on your savings.
Plan Ahead
One easy way to add extra cost to your bathroom remodeling project is by changing your plans halfway through. Without proper planning, you will end up wasting your time by delaying the work and returning the materials to get new ones. Plus, if you are using contractors, you will have to pay extra to redo all of the work. Even if you are remodeling the bathroom by yourself, you will have to redo everything on your own, which may require new installation or new equipment.
Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead. Before you buy anything or hire anyone, plan your budget and decide what needs to be revamped. Think about what you expect from your new bathroom and make a list of the things that need to be fixed.
Don’t Change Plumbing and Footprint
One of the most effective ways to save up on bathroom remodeling is by leaving the plumbing and footprint unchanged. Bathroom footprint includes the following:
- Foundation of the room, such as walls and floors
- Electrical wiring
- Wall-mounted or floor-based fixtures, such as bathtubs or vanities
Changing the footprint and the current plumbing will take additional time and will cost a lot more than the cost of a simple bathroom renovation. There are plenty of ways to redefine your bathroom’s look without changing the entire planning and structure. For instance, you can add a skylight, repaint the walls, change the tiles, add new accessories, change the faucets, or add new lighting.
Do It Yourself (DIY)
Another great way to remodel your bathroom on a budget is by doing the work yourself. Most homeowners tend to spend a lot on carpenters, plumbers, floor tillers, and electricians. Fortunately, there are numerous tutorials available online that can teach you how to do the basic bathroom remodeling work yourself. You don’t need to do anything major by yourself, such as changing the plumbing (unless you want to). You can take care of the smaller, less technical tasks, such as changing the lights, installing ventilation, adding new mirrors or cabinets, or painting the walls. Remember, DIY is only a money-saver when you are willing to make the efforts to learn a new skill.
Reuse Existing Equipment
You can save plenty on labor costs if you do the work yourself. But when it comes to the equipment, you can save in many ways there too. One of the best ways to save cost is by using the existing equipment with a few minor adjustments and refurbishing it. With some hard work and creativity, you can change the look of nearly any equipment or fixtures, including:
- Toilets
- Sink
- Floors
- Bathtubs
- Shower
- Walls
- Cabinets
Use Paint Instead of New Tiles
Adding a fresh coat of paint to the bathroom can make a big difference. If you find a simple coat of paint boring, you can do a lot more to make the room stand out. For instance, you can add creative textures and patterns to create a unique design. You can also use different shades on the floor and the walls to create an illusion of having extra space.
De-Clutter the Space
Tidying up is another cost-effective idea. Removing all of the extra clutter from the bathroom can provide extra space and give a whole new look. Bin old or expired cosmetics, ointments, lotions, gels, fragrances, and stow up less used products to create more space. If you are reluctant about getting rid of some of the things, place them inside a storage box so that the clutter is removed. Sometimes organizing a room and moving things around can do wonders and make the bathroom feel more spacious.
Add New Accessories
Adding new accessories to the bathroom is an important part of remodeling on a budget. You don’t need to add anything too expensive. Small fixtures and accessories like new towels, colorful floor mats, scented candles, frames, window blinds or curtains, soap dishes, toilet paper holder, and racks are economical and valuable accessories. They will not only make the bathroom look aesthetically pleasing but will also make up for any other accessories or fixtures that you cannot add or change.
Read Also: Tips to Create a Luxury Bathroom on a Budget
Shop Second-Hand
Another great way to remodel your bathroom on a budget is to shop secondhand. This is a great tip if you want to make major changes even though you are on a budget. However, shopping second hand is not as easy as it sounds. You will have to make a list and start early to find what you are looking for. For instance, if you want a new vanity, you will have to secondhand sites for items that match your demands. The design, color scheme, and size should fit well with your bathroom. Luckily, there are plenty of online sites that offer secondhand items, such as eBay and antique stores.
Conclusion
A bathroom remodel does not have to cost you a fortune. With a hint of creativity and good planning, you can have your dream bathroom retreat on a much smaller budget. We believe that good style does not have to come with an expensive price tag. With these simple tips, your bathroom remodeling project can go a lot smoother.
