It costs an average of about $19,000 to remodel your bathroom.
You’re definitely interested in giving your powder room a bit of an upgrade, but there’s no way you’re spending that kind of money to make it happen. Still, you’re not exactly a DIY aficionado — and you’re worried that the only way you’ll be able to get your bathroom to look the way you want it to is to shell out some serious cash.
Luckily, there are more ways to save than you think when it comes to bathroom expansion and renovation.
Read on to learn the top budget-friendly bathroom remodel tips that will help you to makeover your bathroom for less — and help you realize where you should spend your money.
1. Set a Firm Budget
One of the best ways to save on bathroom renovation costs is to start by creating a budget.
You should start by determining which work you can probably handle on your own, and which things should probably be left to a professional.
For example, you can likely paint your bathroom’s walls or even put up removable wallpaper — but you shouldn’t fiddle around with challenging plumbing and electrical tasks without the proper expertise.
When it comes to essential labor, expect to spend up to $80 an hour on an electrician, and up to $70 an hour on a plumber. Be aware that these professionals may end up finding some serious structural issues with your bathroom.
So, we strongly suggest setting anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 aside for unexpected costs (depending on the size of your bathroom) or about 20% of your entire remodeling budget.
Then, consider the costs of the actual materials and tools themselves. Usually, this means things like tiles, countertops, sinks, a new toilet, cabinets, and other hardware you want to add.
This is likely where the majority of your budget will go.
Having a budget in place will help you to prioritize the bathroom renovations that matter the most to you, and which ones can likely wait.
2. Use Tiling as an Accent Only
When you start shopping around for bathroom tile, you’ll realize pretty quickly just how expensive it is.
That’s why we suggest forgoing tiling your entire floor or walls, and using them to create an accent wall to lower your renovating bathroom costs.
Tiles really pop on your shower’s walls or on the wall behind your bathroom sink.
Additionally, compare tiling with more affordable but no less elegant options like shower panels.
3. Upgrade Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them
Next up on our list of affordable bathroom renovation tips?
Instead of gutting and replacing your bathroom cabinets, simply dress up the ones you have now. A fresh coat of paint, new drawer pulls, and pretty paper lining for the interior can make a world of difference — and save you tons of cash.
No one will even be able to recognize your old cabinets once you’ve given them a facelift.
4. New Hardware Can Bring an Old Sink Back to Life
Replacing your sink can also be a serious expense, especially if it means having to hire a professional to handle extensive plumbing work.
Instead, replace your sink’s hardware just as you did with the cabinets to give it a fresh look. Bronze faucets and drains can go a long way.
If you have a white porcelain sink, you could even find an affordable local artist to paint a design inside the sink.
5. Resurface Your Bathtub
If you think replacing your bathroom sink is expensive, then wait until you see the potential costs of replacing your bathtub.
Though it usually means you’ll need to hire a professional to do the dirty work, resurfacing your tub instead of replacing it completely will still save you a ton of cash.
This will allow you to paint the tub a new color, get rid of unsightly stains, and have it looking as good as new.
6. Reframe the Mirror
The mirror is often the focal point of your bathroom, and you want to find a budget-friendly way to upgrade yours.
The easiest and most impactful change is to simply reframe it.
You could go for a wooden frame for a rustic look, a gold frame for baroque style, or just a minimalist slate grey frame for a simple option. As a bonus, it’s also a great way to hide stains.
7. Focus on Affordable Luxury
We know that the term “affordable luxury” might sound like an oxymoron at first, but there are definitely low-priced bathroom accessories that you can buy to make it look like you spent much more than you really did.
Consider installing a heated towel rack so that your towel will feel like you just took it out of the drier every time you use it. Instead of spending a ton of money on paintings and decor, check out this list of the best bathroom plants to dress up your space.
Hit up antique stores, yard sales, and of course, Etsy and eBay, to find awesome deals on cute knick-knacks and unique accents for the bathroom.
Ready to Try These Ways to Save on Your Bathroom Remodel?
We hope that these ways to save on your bathroom remodeling project have convinced you that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to upgrade your bathroom — and increase your home’s overall value as a result.
You just need a strict budget, possibly some friends to help, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Looking for more DIY home improvement tips? Want to know the best beauty products to stock your updated bathroom with?
Our blog has got you completely covered.
Keep coming back to check in with us to make sure you’re always up-to-date with the latest design, beauty, and fashion trends.
