5 Tips for Saving Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

Whether you're hoping to boost your home's appeal to potential buyers or just want to enjoy it a little bit more, remodeling your bathroom is a great option. Updating this well-used space can help your home feel fresh and inviting while potentially increasing its value as well. Any type of home renovation is a big undertaking, even if the space is small, and the costs can quickly get out of hand. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money on this type of project while still enjoying stunning results.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before you make the first purchase or schedule the first estimate for your bathroom renovation, sit down and take a serious look at your budget and how much money you can actually set aside for the project. You can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000 and $15,000 for most full bathroom renovations, but many people spend even more if they want a customized design or top-of-the-line finishes. On the other hand, it is possible to spend much less if you shop smart and plan ahead well. At the end of the day, if saving money is your primary goal, it's imperative that you set a limit and stick to it.

There are plenty of factors and expenses to consider when it comes to bathroom renovations, including:

• Electrical changes
• Plumbing needs
• Fixtures, including toilets, sinks, lighting, and tubs or showers
• Storage space
• Flooring
• Tiling
• Countertop surface material
• Waterproofing
• Color and style

If you're not sure what your bathroom needs, talk with a designer or contractor who can suggest which improvements might benefit you the most. They can also help you make a complete list to set a more accurate and comprehensive budget.

It can be tough rounding up the funds to cover this type of home improvement job, but there are some unique options for homeowners. Many people turn to home equity loans or even mortgage loan refinancing to help them fund projects to improve their home's design and value. Talk with a financial expert about which options are right for you and your situation.

2. Keep the Layout the Same

Once you have a financial plan in place, it's time to make a plan for your new bathroom. Many people are tempted to completely change the layout and the design of the room for a fresh new look. However, this approach can be costly. To keep unnecessary expenses to a minimum, keep your current layout the same. This means leaving everything in the same location and simply replacing the fixtures themselves.

If you want to move a toilet, sink, shower, or light fixture to a new location, it will require extra work and materials from a plumber or electrician and these services are anything but cheap. Unless you have a serious issue that needs repair or replacement, try to stick with the overall layout you already have and you could save thousands of dollars right from the start.

3. DIY When You Can

If you're good at following instructions and enjoy working with your hands, there are plenty of bathroom projects that you can complete yourself. Online tutorials are a great resource that can save you some serious cash by teaching you how to do some basic renovations on your own. For example, replacing a toilet or vanity can involve some heavy lifting, but should not require any major technical work as long as you're using the same basic shape and size. Still, you'll want to research everything you can to avoid potential malfunctions and water leaks after installation.

While it is money-conscious to tackle the tasks that you can on your own, it's never worth it to put your property or yourself at risk, especially when it comes to more difficult jobs that require accessing wiring or plumbing within the walls or under the floor. If a job requires technical training to do it safely, leave it to the experts.

4. Consider Refinishing Instead of Replacing

You don't have to buy every item new to give your bathroom a much-needed makeover. To update the look without blowing your budget, consider refinishing or resurfacing fixtures you already have to give them new life while coming in under budget. For example, a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets and drywall can completely transform the space. You can also have your existing tub or shower reglazed instead of replacing it altogether. If your tile floor is still in great shape, have it professionally cleaned. You can even paint it for a stunning and unique design.

5. Opt for Standard Sizing

Custom features can help make the most of the space in your bathroom, and they certainly have their advantages. However, any type of product that has to be built to fit a unique size is going to cost you more in the long run. This can be worth it when it comes to storage and shelving, but not so much when it comes to larger fixtures. Any time you can purchase a standard-sized product, there's a good chance you'll find it at a significantly lower price.

For example, buying a bathroom vanity that fits perfectly from wall to wall may give you a seamless look, but it could be double or triple the cost if it's not a typical length. Instead, look for the closest option that fits in your space and fits your budget. Then, find creative ways to fill the extra space by adding a nice stool or a storage solution for your linens.

Remodeling your bathroom can be a great choice when it comes to home renovations. Updating this space can help refresh your home and can even help you conserve more energy and waste less water. While updating a bathroom can be expensive, following these simple tips can significantly reduce your overall costs. Be flexible on everything but your budget and make smart choices along the way. Most of all, remember to rely on the help and expertise of a professional when it comes to more difficult tasks and you can enjoy beautiful, quality results at a more affordable price.