Budget-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

For many people, remodeling a bathroom sounds like one giant headache—with the plumbing installation, appliance removal, and countless decisions on materials to use, it makes sense why home-owners dread this task. To make matters worse, bathroom remodeling can put a huge dent in your wallet (it can soar up to five figures). Luckily, building your dream bathroom does not need to break the bank or cause distress—learn how to do yours the right way with our top10 bathroom remodeling ideas.

10 Inexpensive Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Affordability, quality and aesthetic appeal can co-exist in a remodel— sometimes it just takes thinking outside the box and making well-advised choices. The following list includes affordable bathroom remodeling ideas you can get started on today!

1. Design the Bathroom Yourself

Bathroom designers can be great, but they can also put a huge dent in your remodeling budget. Consider being your own interior designer. Look online for inspiration and browse sites like Pinterest to start brainstorming bathroom remodeling ideas that are all your own. When it comes putting your ideas into action, consider hiring a professional to do the dirty work for you.

2. Limit Your Tile

To stay in budget, use a smaller amount of tile by limiting it to key areas like the floor (and forgo the shower). Another way to make the bathroom look more luxurious is by using a more high-end tile as an accent alongside a cheaper tile.

3. Buy Used

Popular sites like eBay and even Amazon, offer good deals on used fixtures and items, such as doors, mirrors, sinks and even showers and toilets—to cut the cost, you may want to consider this as an option instead of buying something brand new.

4. Price Match

If you’re set on a brand new item for your bathroom, retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot will match a competitor’s advertised price, so do some shopping around before checking out. However, take note that ‘price match’ does not work for all online retailers or on items sold by third-party sellers on websites. Therefore, if you find a better deal online and can wait for the product to arrive, then that may be a better option.

5. Use More Affordable Lookalike Materials

If you cannot refurbish your existing materials and must purchase new, consider buying inexpensive alternatives. For example, one alternative includes using luxury vinyl wood, instead of real wood plank flooring. What’s more, because of vinyl’s popularity, there are numerous style options available. Another bathroom remodel idea includes, using faux-stone ceramic and tile backsplashes in lieu of pricy materials like travertine and marble.

6. Save on Granite Counter Tops

Granite countertops in light brown, light beige and tan tend to be more expensive, so you may want to choose a less popular color with a more reduced price. However, if you have your heart set on a particular color, you should search around for granite shops that often have smaller size pieces of granite left over from larger jobs that the clerk will sell at a discounted price. Also, when picking out a slab of granite, if you can deal with a few minor marks or scratches, you will get a better deal when purchasing.

7. Frame Your Mirror

Instead of spending a large amount on a huge hanging mirror, consider revamping a builder-grade mirror with a stylish frame. Not only will a frame give the mirror an updated look, but it will hide any flaking around the edges and other age-related wear. Also, think about buying a vintage frame at a second-hand store or thrift shop—not only will it look trendy, but the price will be cut in half, if not more.

8. Use Open Shelves

Consider using open shelves instead of cabinets—this bathroom remodeling idea will create the illusion of space while costing way less. Keep a few drawers for private items and other objects you don’t want out and use open shelves for nice objects, like colorful towels and framed pictures. Also, think about incorporating baskets as an alternative to drawers as well.

9. Redo Certain Items, Don’t Buy New

Having your tub or shower professionally upgraded or refurbished instead of replacing it, will save a significant amount of money. However, sink and shower fixtures should be replaced, as these can be hard to refinish and can result in a more money out of your pocket.

10. Install a Window Ledge

By adding a ledge to an existing windowsill, you can take out extra shelf space in a smaller shower area, while saving money on excess materials. However, if you do not have a bathroom window, consider a using a hanging shower head caddy, which can be as affordable as $15.

How Much Should You Spend Remodeling Your Bathroom?

On average, a standard bathroom remodel costs around $10,500, while an upscale remodel can add up to around $26,000. Fortunately, though, you can stay within a budget of $1,000 to $3,000 (or even less) based on how much you plan on changing, and of course by making sensible decisions while shopping.

When thinking about your budget, remember that remodeling a bathroom can add significant value to your home, which means you’ll get a return on investment when putting it up for sale. Though if you plan on living there for a long time, think realistically about how much you can afford to spend at the moment. For instance, if your budget is on the low end, you’ll want to stick to cosmetic changes, such as new fixtures or a new frame, and new paint. Additionally, with a bigger budget, you can focus on larger changes, such as adding tile, a bigger shower, or a window. Simply put, you can determine the extent of changes you can make, by calculating how much you can spend within a budget.

Conclusion

Right about now, you’re probably thinking, “Where do I start”? With your plate already so full--taking care of the family, working and running errands--it’s okay to ask for help! Billy dedicates time and expertise to find the best people for the job. That way, you can focus on what truly matters, like picking up the kids from school or taking them to soccer practice.

Let Billy.com make your bathroom remodeling ideas come true. We will find you the trusted services you need—just make sure to tell us which bathroom remodeling ideas you had in mind.