A remodel of your bathroom can have a ton of benefits, especially if it’s older. It can increase your home’s value, remove problem areas, or help you create a more spa-like atmosphere. But bathroom remodels can get expensive! Some can run over $15,000. If that’s not in your budget, don’t put your bathroom makeover on hold. There are plenty of great bathroom remodel ideas for you. Read on to learn how you can get the bathroom you want on a budget.
Is it time to plan your bathroom makeover? Let us help! We understand that you want your bathroom to look perfect. Find out how we can assist you with your bathroom transformation (even if you’re on a tight budget) by calling 972-395-2597 to talk with one of our experienced team members about your plans.
Create a Budget for Your Bathroom Remodel (and Stick to It!)
Before going any further, you’ll first want to create a realistic budget for your bathroom remodel. While many experts suggest that you spend 5% to 10% of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel, you may not have that much currently. And that’s okay!
You can absolutely create a bathroom of your dreams with a smaller amount of money, but remember, depending on your plans, you may have to pay for:
- Fixtures
- Faucets
- Plumbing
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Hardware
- Paint
- Cabinets
- Doors
- Windows
- Lighting
- Design fees
- Ventilation
- And other expenses
Consider carefully what you want to do during your bathroom remodel before moving forward. You may want to consult a professional to ensure your budget is reasonable for what you wish. And there’s no harm in giving yourself a little wiggle room for the unexpected. Things don’t always go as planned, and it’s nice to have a little left in the budget, just in case.
Once your budget is written down, try your best to stick to it! It can be tempting to do a bit more or opt for a more expensive remodel, but keep a promise to yourself that you will stay within what you originally planned. Tracking spending with a spreadsheet can help you accurately count expenses as the project moves forward.
Money-Saver #1: Choose Lower-Cost, but Similar, Materials
Maybe you’ve fallen in love with an expensive material or a high-end look that just isn’t in your budget. Don’t worry! There is most likely a lower-cost material that looks just like it, or several that you can combine to achieve the appearance you want. For example, ceramic and porcelain tiles can look just like marble. Use them for your floor or backsplash. And laminate countertops can appear exactly like natural stone.
When planning your home remodel, talk to your contractor about cheaper material options to ensure you’re not splurging where you don’t need to be.
Money-Saver Idea #2: Use Less Tile
Tile can be extremely expensive, especially if you need to ship it. Sometimes that doubles the price! So although it may look great, you might want to consider only using it for your flooring, rather than the walls as well. If you really like the idea of it lining the walls, consider using it as an accent with cheaper tile or other options, rather than using the most expensive type from floor to ceiling.
Money-Saver Idea #3: Touch-Up or Refinish Your Tub
If your tub is still in good condition, you most likely don’t have to replace it! You can maintain your bathroom remodel budget by touching your bathtub up or refinishing it. Even small steps, like spot fixing, can really boost the appearance of your tub.
Look out for these signs that may indicate it’s time for a bathtub replacement, rather than just a touch-up:
- There are puddles of water next to your tub – This could point to a leak.
- There’s a ring of grime around the inside of the tub that won’t go away with cleaning – This could be from hard water and can cause permanent staining. If you’re not okay with the stain, it’s time to replace.
- You don’t find your bathtub as relaxing as you want it to be – Maybe it’s uncomfortable or an odd shape. Maybe you’d prefer a shower where your tub was, or vice versa. If either is the case, it’s time to find a new one!
Money-Saver Idea #4: Update Fixtures
Your plumbing fixtures include your:
- Sink handles and faucet
- Tub and shower handles and faucet
- Shower head(s)
Despite seeming like small elements in your bathroom, don’t think you—and your guests—won’t notice an upgrade! A new sink faucet, for example, can give a whole new look to your vanity or countertop without requiring you to replace everything.
Switching out the lighting, towel rackets, hardware, and other small details can also create a new appearance for the entire bathroom without breaking the bank.
6 Sinks & Faucets
You Want in Your Home
Money-Saver Idea #5: Install a New Toilet
If you need a new toilet in your bathroom, choose a cost-effective and reliable design. Non-standard toilets, like specialty colors, taller sizes for tall people or the elderly, or design (like slow-close seats) will cost a bit more but go a long way in updating the style of the room.
Money-Saver Idea #6: Use Paint Where You Can
Paint is a great alternative to expensive tile, but don’t skimp on quality. High-quality paint is resistant to mold, mildew, humidity, and changing temperatures.
If you have wood floors already, but don’t love the way they look, don’t rip them up! Paint them with a protective enamel to upgrade their appearance and keep costs down.
Painting cabinets instead of replacing them entirely can save you quite a bit of money. Grab a few supplies:
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Paint roller
And you’ll have cabinets that look brand new and fresh in whatever color you desire.
Money-Saver Idea #7: Pay Attention to Caulk and Grout
Areas where there is caulk and grout tend to get dirty and grimy in any bathroom. Don’t ignore these when remodeling your bathroom. In fact, regularly cleaning these areas can keep your bathroom looking nice despite other areas where it’s aging. It’s not expensive to redo them either! It only costs a few dollars. You can clean the grout, and then add straight lines of caulk around your tub, shower, and sink for a fresh look.
These seven ideas can keep costs down but also help you complete your dream bathroom remodel! Being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t make the room you spend so much time in beautiful. To stay within your budget, talk to a professional about your dreams and plans, so they can work with you to ensure everything is reasonable in your price range.
Our technicians have lots of experience with bathroom remodels. Learn how we can assist with your sink, faucet, shower, tub, and more by giving us a call at 972-395-2597. We’ll help you schedule an estimate!
