Bathroom on a Budget: Cost-Effective Remodeling Tips

During the warmer seasons, many homeowners decide to tackle a few home improvement projects. And one of the most popular remodeling projects? Bathrooms. With each American using 88 gallons of water in their home each day, bathrooms see a lot of usage over time.

But while bathroom remodeling projects are amongst the most popular home improvement tasks, they can also be the most expensive. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways you can get a beautiful new bathroom on a budget.

First, it’s important to start with the small details. If you jump right into replacing flooring and countertops, you’re going to have a high cost from the get-go. So to avoid this, consider starting with something smaller, like updating the bathroom fixtures.

While it may seem like updating showerheads, faucets, lighting fixtures, and drawer handles won’t make a big difference, you’d be surprised by the impact some shiny new fixtures can have. These fixtures can be relatively inexpensive and if you’re creative, you can even make some new towel racks or lighting fixtures yourself!

However, when you’re replacing things like faucets and lighting fixtures, it’s important to make sure you know what you’re doing.

Plumbing and electrical issues can put a damper on remodeling plans — and the National Association of Realtors shows that 34% of recent buyers are looking to avoid these exact problems. So if you don’t have the necessary knowledge or experience, make sure you contact a professional.

When it comes to the bigger items, like showers and toilets, always start with what you have. You’d be surprised how inexpensive getting a tub relined is compared to buying one brand new. Refinishing existing items is a great way to save some money during remodeling projects.

You get something that looks new at a significantly lower cost. You can also feel good about not putting another tub or shower in the landfill, like you would if you were to buy a new one.

But if all else fails and replacing is the only option, there are so many quality toilets on the market these days. If you’re looking for something that will last and save you money in the long run, consider investing in high-quality commercial-grade toilets.

There are many factors to consider when buying a toilet, such as how much water it uses, how easy it is to clean, and how long it will last. A toilet with a high-efficiency rating will also use less water and save you money over time.

Buying recycled or used bathroom items is another easy way to stick to a low budget during bathroom remodeling.

This is something that’s also becoming more popular in rental homes — and with the property management industry growing 4.4% between 2012 and 2017, landlords and property managers have found some really creative ways to reuse old items.

From vanities and shelving units to recycled tubs, you can find a lot of gently used items online or in thrift stores that can save you some serious money.

And last but not least, one of the absolute easiest ways to give your bathroom a new look is with a simple paint job. Many homeowners underestimate how far a fresh coat of paint can take a room.

But if your bathroom is in relatively good shape, then a few buckets of paint, and maybe a unique stencil for some added style, may be just what the area needs.

So whether you’re looking to replace a few simple items or completely redo your entire bathroom, hopefully, these tips can help you save a few bucks. Remodeling doesn’t have to be expensive with careful planning and a little creativity.