Bathroom is one of the most important places in the home, and it’s imperative that it’s in good condition. You will be spending a lot of time there preparing for another day or relaxing after a long one, and you should feel comfortable while being there. This means that an upcoming bathroom remodel has you all excited and browsing potential décor you can add. With the prices going through the roof, no wonder you’re reluctant to start the remodel process, but we have a trick or two for you. Here’s how not to break the bank when remodeling a bathroom.
Focus on cosmetic updates
You would think that bathroom remodeling requires you to tear down walls and replace toilets in order to be successful. Fortunately, it’s not the case, and you can achieve a lot just by doing a few cosmetic tweaks here and there. This kind of work will have a huge positive impact on the overall look and feel of your old bathroom. This is especially important if your budget is limited and/or you don’t have a lot of time, because then, cosmetics updates can be your only option. Try to change the overall feel with a simple fresh coat of paint on the walls, and notice how it has completely transformed the whole bathroom. A new bath mat, shower curtains, and bathroom accessories can and will make a huge difference.
Reuse and recycle
Replacing every single fixture in the bathroom might sound inviting and exciting at first, but why would you spend money on new fixtures if your old ones are in perfect condition? Just to set the scene: getting an old tub out and a new one in is mentally, physically, and financially draining. Instead, why wouldn’t you just choose to refinish the tub? There are so many easy ways to upgrade and improve the condition of your current bathtub without having to spend a fortune. When it comes to other bathroom fixtures, toilet seats, vanity, and knobs on the cabinets, you can replace them because these are minor things. You can upcycle your old vanity and cabinets, or hit a thrift store and get your hands on a pretty one that’s been used but in good condition.
Stop wasting money on toilet paper
You would be surprised how much money you are wasting on toilet paper every month, let alone every year! While toilet paper is the norm in our culture and society, other cultures have long ago switched to good old water and never looked back. If you’re hoping to make some big changes, save money, and make a positive impact on the environment, ditch the old toilet paper roll. Buy a quality bidet instead, and install it to your toilet, and very soon you will notice that you’re saving a significant amount of money on toilet paper. Not only that, but your consumption of paper will decrease overall, leaving a positive impact on the environment. Not to mention that bidet is a very stylish addition to any bathroom.
Don’t mess with the layout
When remodeling a bathroom, people often want to change everything, and as a result, it costs more than building a new one. Having a new, spacious, spa-like bathroom would certainly be a great addition to your home, but it would drain your savings. Before you go bankrupt over a pretty tub, try not to forget about how expensive it is to resize the existing bathroom and rearrange the entire layout. By far the most expensive part would be moving the plumbing around: in order to move pipes, especially sewer and toilet discharge pipes, is mind-blowingly expensive. What is more, moving the shower or a tub is pretty pricey too. You don’t have to do these things – stick to the current layout and only tweak things you don’t like, and you will be able to save some money in the process.
Don’t get rid of your old tiles
The concept of bathrooms with tiles from floors to ceilings is a bit outdated anyway. You don’t have to replace every single tile that you have, but it would be nice to freshen them up a bit. There are some fun and reliable ways to paint your old tiles with a coat of special waterproof paint to make it look like you replaced them all for a fraction of the cost. You can also try the peel and stick tiles – many people swear by them and these take ever less effort to “install.” Alternative to tiles also include reclaimed wood panels or even beadboard, since these look like high-end tile replacements.
Bathroom remodel is often a very complicated and costly endeavor, and it’s understandable that you hesitate to even start. However, with some careful planning and smart budgeting, there are ways to cut the costs and save quite a few bucks along the way. If you’re not afraid of improvising and getting creative, you will be able to save money and get a beautiful new bathroom you will love.
