A bathroom renovation can make a huge difference in your home, but it can also be an expensive home improvement project to take on if you’re not careful. Because of the potentially high cost, many people delay upgrading their bathroom and miss out on all the extra comforts and convenience that a remodel can provide. However, by applying a few straightforward strategies to your bathroom design ideas, you can keep costs under control, so you get the renovation you want without going over budget. Here are seven important money-saving tips for your bathroom remodel.
All successful bathroom renovations start with a solid plan. Make a list of your essential features, and then any extras that you would like to have but might decide to leave out due to cost considerations. This level of planning ensures you’ll get more for your money and reduces the risk of unexpected costs popping up that could derail the whole project. If there are extra features that you’d love to have but think they’re outside your budget, consider financing options. With affordable monthly payments, you don’t have to compromise on the bathroom renovation of your dreams.
While a solid plan is essential, you should also be open to the idea of making changes to your original plan. For example, you might be able to use reclaimed countertops rather than high-end marble or granite, or replace a few expensive cabinets with open shelving. Hiring a designer can be invaluable for finding these alternatives, so be flexible in your approach to any modifications they suggest. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your bathroom design ideas, a contractor from our network of recommended pros has the expertise to help you make the right decisions for your project.
Wherever possible, plan your bathroom renovation so that it can use the existing plumbing to keep costs down. Aim to keep your shower, tub, sink, and toilet in the same positions, or moved only enough so that minor plumbing modifications are needed. Extensive plumbing work is usually the most costly and disruptive part of any bathroom reno, so the less of it that’s needed, the better.
Using prefab, off-the-shelf fixtures and fittings generally costs less than choosing custom-made ones. Modern bathroom cabinets, showers, sinks, and other features can be highly economical if you use ready-made products built to standard sizes, and while they might require a little design ingenuity to fit into your bathroom’s space, they’ll help to drive down the overall renovation costs without sacrificing on quality.
Tiling is an essential part of any bathroom remodel, but it’s also one of the more costly aspects in terms of both materials and installation costs. To keep your remodeling expense down, try to use tiles only in the areas where they’re genuinely needed, such as around the sink, tub, and shower. In other areas, paneling on the walls or laminate on the floors can protect just as well against water splashes but will add much less to your design’s overall expense. Using our renovation calculator to get an accurate estimate of how much your renovation will cost can really help make these types of decisions easier.
Smaller bathrooms are more difficult to remodel effectively, but careful use of mirrors can give an extra sense of spaciousness without needing expensive structural work to physically enlarge the room. Try using a single large mirror placed to capture natural light from a window or skylight, and then smaller mirrors dotted around the walls so that the reflections make your bathroom feel much larger and brighter.
Lastly, little finishing touches can make a big difference to a remodel without pushing your budget out of reach. For example, spending a little extra on a higher-end light fixture can add impact and style for only a few dollars more, while carefully chosen and arranged wall art can liven up a relatively plain and inexpensive decor scheme.
Ready to start renovating? Our team of expert advisors are ready to help you plan your home improvement project every step of the way. If you need a helping hand with financing your project, our affordable home improvement financing options can help you to fund a bathroom renovation boasting the features, quality, and luxury you’ll love for years to come. Reach out to one of our experts and start renovating today!
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