Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Most people avoid this home remodeling project for quite some time because they’re afraid of the cost. While it is possible to spend $10,000+ to remodel your bathroom, it’s equally possible to spend $1,000 or less. It’s all about thoughtful planning. Here are some budget bathroom remodeling solutions you can use in your home.
Make the Most of What You Already Have
If you replace your entire bathroom, you’re going to spend a lot of money. The key to budget bathroom remodeling is making use of the fixtures you already have. You can…
- Refinish your bathroom tile instead of replacing it. Tile refinishing covers the tile and the grout, making it easy to clean in the future. You can choose almost any color imaginable and quickly brighten up the bathroom.
- Refinish your bathtub. Getting a new tub may not be terribly expensive, but having it installed will be. If your tub has chips or small surface cracks, they will be repaired during refinishing to look good as new.
- Stain or paint your vanity. As long as your vanity is in good condition and suits the dimensions of the bathroom, you can save money by painting or staining it. If you need a different size or style of vanity, you can use the tips further in this article to keep your costs low.
- Maintain the existing footprint of the bathroom. If you try to rearrange the placement of the bathroom, you will need to hire a professional plumber to move your piping. This can add up quickly.
You can completely change the way a bathroom looks just by updating the features inside. Think of ways to utilize your existing bathroom elements to get the biggest return on investment.
Save Money on Bathroom Countertops
Updating your countertops will drastically improve the look of your bathroom. If your current countertops are in good shape, you could have them refinished instead of replaced. We have several designs for countertop refinishing that look like natural stone. Countertop refinishing costs far less than countertop replacement, and it looks much more expensive than it actually is.
If you are set on getting a new stone countertop, look for remnant granite and marble. These are leftover portions of a large slab that stone suppliers price at a discount. You won’t have as wide of a selection with remnants as you will with full stone, but you can still get a beautiful, high-quality stone for a lower price. Just make sure you budget for a new sink as well because your old one may no longer work in the space.
Limit the Amount of Tile You Purchase
If you choose to replace your tile instead of refinishing it, be careful with how much tile you decide to use. Even if the tile itself is inexpensive, the labor to install it may push you over budget. One trick that many interior designers use is incorporating expensive accent tile with large, inexpensive tile. For instance, your shower wall may be comprised mostly of $1-$2 per square foot tile, but you may have a small strip of $10/sqft mosaic tile running through the shower. The accent will make your bathroom look custom, but you only have to splurge on a small part of the design.
Check Second Hand Stores
You can often find bathroom fixtures at second hand stores, like the Habitat for Humanity Restore or a local discount warehouse. The items in these stores are constantly changing, so you may have to check back frequently to gather all the materials. Many of the items in the store will be used, but there are new items as well on occasion. For instance, if Habitat for Humanity orders extra cabinets for a home, they may put the leftover ones in the store. You can get a great deal on brand new merchandise, and you can support a worthy cause.
Pro tip: If you’re going to replace your bathroom mirror, look at all of your local thrift stores before checking big box stores. Thrift stores always have great prices on mirrors, and you can find something unique to add character to your bathroom.
Check Online Marketplaces
Another place to go for budget bathroom remodeling elements is an online marketplace, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, LetGo, OfferUp or Bookoo. Instead of buying a product from a store, you will be purchasing from another consumer. Some people will get rid of their bathroom fixtures when they remodel their homes, and others will order a product and decide not to use it. Rather than going through the hassle of returning it, they will just resell it on a marketplace.
Before you pay for any product like this, verify the condition. Inspect the sink for cracks, or check the stability of a vanity or medicine cabinet. If something needs to be repaired, make sure the cost of the repair still fits within the budget.
Update the Small Details
Small details can make a big impact on your bathroom. Cabinet door handles, towel bars, faucets and lights will transform a space if installed properly. Make sure all these fixtures have the same finish to keep your bathroom design cohesive. The hottest finishes right now are oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and copper, but you can use anything you like.
When thinking about the small details, don’t forget the caulk! Removing the old caulk and replacing it will make your bathroom look cleaner and fresher.
Set a Realistic Cost for budget bathroom remodeling
Before you dive into your budget bathroom remodeling project, figure out how much it’s truly going to cost. Get quotes from any professionals you need to work with, and then decide what you realistically want to spend on the bathroom. If you know what your limits are, you can create a budget bathroom remodeling strategy that works for you.
If you need more advice about budget bathroom remodeling, contact Maryland Tub and Tile to schedule a free consultation.
