A bathroom remodeling project is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home. Since a bathroom is also one of the most functional areas in the home, remodeling it may also change your day-to-day routine for the better. However, remodeling a bathroom is always expensive. In order to make sure that this is the cost you can handle, you need to make an accurate cost estimate and do all that you can to make sure that it fits within your budget. Here are several ways you can save money on your bathroom remodeling project.
Start with a plan
The first thing you need to understand is that one of the most expensive things in a bathroom remodeling program tends to be making adjustments along the way. Making something just to change or tear it down is one of the best ways to alter it completely. So, make sure that you start with a plan.
Make a budget
The first thing you do is make a budget. Start with a list of all the items you need and then do some shopping around in order to see the total cost of the project. Double-check if this is something that you can actually afford. If not, consider your fundraising options. Taking a personal loan for home improvement is a standard and efficient practice. It is also something you shouldn’t dread. It’s an investment in your home and, as such, a worthy quality-of-life investment.
Check the fixed elements
Another thing you need to focus on are the fixed elements like plumbing and electrical installations. According to the veteran Canberra plumber, one of the most expensive aspects of remodeling your bathroom is the process of moving your toilet, shower or other fixture to a different location. Instead, keep the layout and just replace all the elements. Naturally, check if the fixtures and the plumbing is in proper working order. If not, now’s the time to fix this.
Shop around
In the first section, we mentioned shopping around as a method of controlling your budget. Remember, even the exact same fixture may have a different cost with a different retailer. Make sure to weigh all your options before committing to a purchase. Then again, different vendors have different offers. Even if you did set your eye on something, you might change your mind once you see something else. If you start early enough, you have the privilege of taking your time.
Salvageable elements
Buying used bathroom fixtures is really a ridiculous idea, however, there are so many other furniture pieces that you could turn towards. There’s a lot of furniture that you can restore, ranging from mirror frames, all the way to cabinets.
New mirror frame
It takes little effort to completely change the focal point of your bathroom. Chances are that a wall mirror or a vanity dominates at least one section of your bathroom. Buying a new mirror is expensive, however, by just restoring the frame, you can make a visual impression similar to that of installing a new mirror. Furthermore, you get to coordinate this mirror change with a new bathroom style that you plan to create.
Restore old furniture
Shabby chic is perhaps the most interesting and fitting style that you can create with the use of old furniture. Finding the right storage option, scraping it, painting and finishing it strategically is both creative and fun. Most important of all, it reduces the total cost of your bathroom remodeling project while sacrificing virtually nothing. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that the restoration of old furniture has its purpose even outside shabby chic/rustic design style.
Scavenge hunting is fun
Finding items to use and reuse during your bathroom remodeling project is a fun activity on its own. You can go through your own basement, shuffle through online marketplaces and even visit garage sales/flea markets in your vicinity. This might be something that you thought of as fun even in the past. This bathroom remodeling project may, therefore, only come as an extra excuse to do it.
Tile alternatives
Tiles are definitely the most popular, some would even say the most effective, bathroom flooring and wall option. They aren’t, however, the only solution you have. Even if you do decide to go with tiles for the floor, walls could use a frugal alternative.
Ceramic and porcelain flooring
If you decide to go with tiles, porcelain and ceramic are the most cost-effective option. Without the right coating, these surfaces can be quite slippery, so make sure you buy the option that’s supposed to go in the bathroom. Keep in mind that some tiles look better when continued onto walls. So, make sure that this is not the case with your own intended purchase. Try to envision or, better yet, see what these tiles look like in action.
Reclaimed wood panels, board and batten
Using reclaimed or recycled materials in order to decorate your bathroom is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. When it comes to sources, reclaimed wood panels, board and batten are at the very top of the list. Keep in mind that if this material doesn’t go behind the shower and if you have a proper installation, it is completely safe to use. If not, you might want to go with the alternative. Otherwise, you risk mold or mildew.
Bathroom wallpaper
Another method that is not used nearly enough in bathrooms is wallpaper. It’s an aesthetically pleasing solution but it also remains fresh-looking significantly longer than its paint counterpart. Other than just looking good, it adds a protective layer to the wall and is much easier to maintain. With quality wallpaper, cleaning and washing walls become more effective.
Prefabricated elements
Buying a custom tub or a shower can be incredibly effective. This is why you need to go for prefabricated bathroom elements. There are many ways their looks can be changed and updated. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that you need to find the ones that will fit.
One-piece shower stall
A one-piece shower stall is an alternative to a tiled shower. It is simpler to install but also a tad harder for maintenance. Most importantly for the topic at hand, it’s significantly less expensive than making a tiled shower. Sure, some would argue that it’s not as aesthetic but this mostly depends on your own choice of the shower stall and how the rest of the room comes together.
Standard toilet
When it comes to toilet renovation, you will have a great opportunity to install a low-flow toilet. Still, this is quite effective, which is why those preoccupied with the cost of remodeling need to go with the standard toilet. In the long run, it’s not as effective but it reduces the cost of remodeling. Also, just by getting yourself a new toilet, you’ll already make a difference.
Bidet seat
Installing a bidet is one of the best improvements that you could possibly make during this bathroom remodeling project. However, it’s relatively expensive, especially when you take into consideration the fact that there are cheaper alternatives out there. One of them is the idea of installing a bidet seat instead of a standard bidet.
Paint is a solution to everything
One of the simplest ways to rejuvenate the area during the home remodel is to use the paint in just the right way. You can use it to paint furniture, repaint old fixtures and even liven up the room a bit. Here are some examples and tips.
Painting the room
The first and the most obvious area that needs to be painted is definitely bathroom walls and ceiling. Keep in mind that a part of the room may already be covered with tiles and that this is the smallest room in the house, which is why, with a DIY project, you won’t need much material. Also, painting an accent wall is always an option to further reduce the cost of the project.
Painting old fixtures
Even some old fixtures like a tub can be refinished in order to be restored. You can even buy an old tub, thoroughly sand it and paint it with a spray gun. Just make sure that you protect the area where you’re working so that you don’t make too much mess. Also, wear a respirator mask and use a fan in order to stay safe in the process.
Painting old furniture
Lastly, you can paint the old furniture, which is a concept that we’ve already mentioned here. This provides you with a whole new perspective on this project, seeing as how you can now look at salvageable items not just through their current state but through their potential, instead.
In conclusion
The majority of items you find on this list go beyond bathroom remodeling. Restoring old furniture, doing various tasks on your own and working around what you’ve already got are tips that are really applicable to the remodeling of any area of your home. Now that you know these money-saving tips and hacks, balancing your costs will become substantially easier.
