Looking to renovate your bathroom in a wallet-friendly way?
Right behind kitchen renovations, remodeling a bathroom can quickly add up to an expensive overhaul. But it doesn’t have to be. With a plan set in place and a little creativity, you can stay on budget and on track with your bathroom renovation.
What’s the cost?
The average cost of a bathroom remodel is $9,798, but homeowners can easily spend up to $14,191 on the high end of the spectrum depending on their selections. Once you include new fixtures such as the sink, toilet, bathtub, along with the cost of a new vanity, countertops and tiling… it adds up quick!
Step 1: Make a budget
It was once said that having an idea without a plan is just a dream. Especially when it comes to bathroom planning, it’s easy to get lost in the “dreamy” aspect of it. With so many choices and options, it’s a good idea to prioritize the projects. Consider the most important parts of the renovation and allocate the largest sum of your budget to that so you get your must-haves without a doubt of any last-minute unexpected occurrences. Working with an interior designer or architect can keep your timeline, budget and overall design in check.
Step 2: Shop around
Whether you’re tiling the wall yourself or hiring a contractor (link to our blog), it’s important to give yourself some homework and do your own research on the best price. A good rule of thumb is to collect three to four estimates so you have a good amount of options to compare.
Finding cheap remodeling materials:
- Compare online store prices
- Check your local bargain and thrift stores
- Visit your local Habitat for Humanity Restore or other Rehabilitation Restore.
- Check your online social resources such as Facebook Marketplaces or pages and apps alike.
Step 3: Keep the plumbing location the same
Work with your current configuration. Moving the plumbing configuration can lead to installing new pipes and overflowing your budget. Instead of replacing your current shower, bathtub, sink and toilet, consider these budget bathroom remodel ideas:
- Change your toilet seat and lid instead of replacing it entirely.
- Retrofit your shower with a new system.
- Install a pre-fabricated shower instead of a tiled shower.
- Replace your old shower curtain or install a new glass door.
- Convert your bathtub into a walk-in shower.
- Refinish your tub or shower with a liner.
Step 4: Keep and recycle what you can
The smallest details can make the biggest changes. Replacing the light fixtures and switching out the drawer handles are two of the easiest fixes you can do to an existing bathroom that can change the look drastically. Here are some other ideas:
- Add small items like towel racks, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders that compliment the existing hardware.
- Replace outdated track lighting and install energy-efficient bulbs.
- Re-caulk or re-grout the seals around your sink, shower and tiles.
- Switch out electrical plates and plugs.
- Simply replace the mirror or add wood around the existing plain mirror to add extra flare.
- Paint the existing vanity.
Update your bathroom without the budget kill
Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to mean taking a big hit to the wallet. As we explained, you can easily search for deals, cut back in certain areas and reuse to create your dream bathroom. While you may not need a dumpster for just a bathroom renovation, if that renovation grows into other areas; know we are here for all your roll off dumpster needs and are just a contact button away!
