Bathroom remodeling can be a fun DIY project to build your dream bathroom, your oasis of escape from everyday life, or it can be part of an entire home renovation aimed at bringing the value of the house up (it may surprise you to know that 35% of remodeling jobs involve the entire home!). The National Association of Home Builders reports that bathroom remodels are the most popular choice for homeowners in the U.S., making up 78% of remodel information requests. No matter the scale, bathroom renovation costs can add up very quickly. Here are some tips for keeping the bill down.
Bathroom Remodeling Ideas on a Budget
- Tile costs can add up quickly. Consider limiting where tiles will go in the “after” picture, and try to plan for where they will have the most impact — for example, on the floor only, rather than on the floor as well as inside the shower. Another option, rather than brand new tiles, is sink or tile reglazing to bring new life back to the tiles you already have.
- Granite countertops are the most popular material chosen for bathroom renovations. Save on countertops by looking for granite with imperfections (ideally where the fixtures would go). Also, choosing colors outside of the popular range of white and beige is a great way to get a bargain.
- Repainting is the cheapest and easiest way to give your bathroom a brand new look. Because of the moisture levels in your bathroom, make sure to choose a paint that is designed to be resistant to mold and mildew.
- Next, look at your fixtures. The fixtures in your home may seem like the smallest detail, but small fixture repairs can make a world of difference in the overall look of the bathroom renovation.
- Energy efficient appliances may cost a little more up front, but will save you a lot of money in the long run. One survey of homeowners found that 91% of them planned on buying an energy efficient toilet when they remodeled their bathroom
Remodeling? Planning on it? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!