Renovating a bathroom can be costly, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings. With planning, careful budgeting, and smart choices, you can give your bathroom a fresh, updated look without overspending. Whether you’re looking for simple updates or a full remodel, there are many ways to balance style, functionality, and cost.
This guide will cover key strategies for saving on your bathroom remodel, from setting a budget to choosing the right materials and working with contractors.
Let’s get straight to the point.
To save money on a bathroom remodel, start with a clear budget and focus on essential upgrades. Reuse existing fixtures like sinks or bathtubs where possible, and choose affordable materials like laminate countertops and vinyl flooring. Limit tiling to high-impact areas and opt for standard-sized tiles to cut costs.
When working with contractors, get multiple quotes and consider doing simple tasks like painting yourself. Invest in mid-range fixtures and avoid moving plumbing to save on labour. Incorporate energy-efficient lighting and improve ventilation for long-term savings. Lastly, small details like new handles or mirrors can enhance the space without a hefty price tag.
Saving On Your Bathroom Remodel: Practical Tips And Ideas
Renovating a bathroom can be a big investment, but with careful planning, achieving a stylish and functional space is possible without breaking the bank. Whether upgrading fixtures, changing the layout or completely transforming the room, there are smart ways to cut costs while still getting great results. This guide outlines several strategies to help you save on your bathroom remodel.
Planning And Budgeting For Your Remodel
Set A Clear Budget
Before starting your bathroom remodel, it’s essential to determine how much you are willing to spend. A clear budget will guide your decisions throughout the project and prevent overspending. Break down your budget into fixtures, tiling, plumbing, and labour categories to know where most of your money will go. This can also help you identify areas where you can save
Tip
Allocate around 10-15% of your budget for unexpected expenses that might come up during the renovation.
Prioritise Needs Over Wants
While it’s tempting to go all out on your remodel, focus on the most important features. For example, replacing old plumbing or installing a new toilet might be more pressing than luxury tiles. Identify your essential upgrades first; any leftover budget can go towards more aesthetic features.
Choosing Cost-Effective Materials
Reuse What You Already Have
One of the best ways to save on a bathroom remodel is by reusing existing items in good condition. Instead of replacing your sink or bathtub, consider refinishing them. A fresh coat of enamel can make your old tub look brand new without the expense of buying a new one. Similarly, if your cabinets are still in good shape, simply repainting or updating the hardware can give them a fresh look.
Option For Budget-Friendly Materials
If you’re working with a tight budget, consider choosing affordable yet durable materials. For example, go for laminate or quartz instead of natural stone countertops, which offer a similar aesthetic but lower cost. Vinyl flooring is another budget-friendly option that mimics the look of tile or wood without the high price.
Tip
Shop for discounted tiles or flooring from clearance sales to save more on materials.
Working With Contractors
Get Multiple Quotes
Labour costs can quickly add up in a bathroom remodel. Request quotes from several contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Compare their estimates to find the best value for money, but don’t just choose the cheapest option—look for contractors with good reviews and proven experience.
Do Some Work Yourself
If you’re handy with tools, consider doing some parts of the remodel yourself. A confident DIYer can handle tasks like painting walls, installing new light fixtures, or even laying simple tile patterns, saving you considerable labour costs.
Warning
Leave more complex jobs like plumbing and electrical work to the professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
Updating Fixtures And Fittings
Choose Mid-Range Fixtures
You don’t need the most expensive fixtures to get a great look. Mid-range options often strike the perfect balance between quality and cost. When selecting items like taps, showerheads, or towel racks, look for durable and stylish items at a reasonable price.
Tip
Consider buying fixtures during sales or promotions to get them at a lower price.
Limit The Relocation Of Plumbing
Moving the plumbing is one of the biggest costs in a bathroom remodel. Keeping your toilet, sink, and shower in their original positions will significantly reduce labour and material costs. If your layout works well, save money by focusing on surface upgrades rather than changing the plumbing layout.
Reducing Tiling Costs
Use Tile Strategically
Tiling an entire bathroom from floor to ceiling can be very expensive. Limit tiling to high-impact areas such as the floor and shower to save money. Consider using paint or less costly materials like beadboard for the rest of the walls.
Tip
Feature tiles can add a luxurious look without covering the whole room. Use them sparingly in areas like a shower accent wall.
Go For Standard Sizes
Custom or oversized tiles can be significantly more expensive. Opting for standard-sized tiles will reduce material and labour costs, making them easier to source and install. Additionally, using larger tiles can make a small bathroom appear more spacious, an added visual benefit.
Lighting And Ventilation
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is a key aspect of any bathroom, and energy-efficient LED lights are eco-friendly and budget-friendly in the long term. They consume less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs, which helps reduce utility costs.
Tip
Install dimmable lights to create a flexible bathroom atmosphere suitable for relaxing baths and getting ready in the morning.
Upgrade Your Ventilation
While it might not seem like a major feature, proper ventilation is essential in a bathroom. Without good airflow, moisture can build up, leading to mould and mildew. If your ventilation system is outdated or insufficient, consider upgrading it as part of your remodel. This will protect your investment by preventing long-term damage caused by damp conditions.
Final Touches And Finishing
Paint Instead Of Tiles
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh your bathroom. Choose paint specially formulated for high-humidity areas like bathrooms. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look of your space without the need for expensive materials.
Tip
Light, neutral colours can make a small bathroom more open and airy.
Don’t Overlook Small Details
Small finishing touches can make a big difference in the overall look of your bathroom. Simple updates such as new handles, mirrors, or towel bars can elevate the design without a large price tag. These details add personality to the space and can be easily changed if you want to refresh the room in the future.
Saving On Long-Term Maintenance
Invest In Water-Efficient Fixtures
Saving water benefits the environment and reduces utility bills. Water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and taps can significantly lower water usage. Look for fixtures with high water efficiency ratings to make your remodel eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Tip
Some governments offer rebates for installing water-saving appliances, so check if you qualify for any incentives.
Focus On Durability
When choosing materials and fixtures, focus on durability rather than just appearance. Cheaper materials may seem like a good option upfront, but they could wear out faster, leading to higher repair or replacement costs. Investing in high-quality, long-lasting items will save you money over time.
Conclusion
Saving on your bathroom remodel doesn’t mean sacrificing style or quality. You can create a beautiful bathroom without overspending by prioritising needs, reusing materials, and selecting cost-effective options. Focus on planning, careful material selection, and balancing professional help with DIY work to maximise savings. With these tips, your remodel can be both affordable and visually stunning.
FAQs About Home Renovations
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For My Bathroom Renovation?
You can start by getting a good idea of the look and style you want. Then, if you don’t know yet, look at some magazines websites, or watch some home remodelling shows to get some design ideas.
Do I Need To Have Design Ideas Before I Start The Renovation Process?
Not, but it helps if you do. Your Free Design Consultation is meant to help generate ideas or work through those you already have.
What Features Should I Plan To Invest The Most In For My New Bathroom?
The floor and wall tiles can be the most expensive, depending on your style and taste. Other possibly considerable expenses are the fixtures and shower system.
Is Reglazing A Good Solution To Replacing The Tub?
Re-glazing is a great way to save money. It requires less labour and eliminates the cost of installing a new tub. Many older tubs are cast iron – a very sturdy and expensive material. In addition, some older tub models may be deeper than new tubs. Yes, several good reasons to re-glaze, but there is one big disadvantage – it doesn’t last.
The glaze usually begins to wear off within a few years. The tub may need to be re-glazed in three years, depending on usage. Nothing replaces the visual appeal of a brand new tub. If you want to do it right and are not limited by budget, replacing the tub is the best way.
How Long Does Bathroom Remodelling Typically Take From Start To Finish?
At the risk of sounding elusive, we must say that “it depends.” The scope of the bathroom remodelling dictates how long the project will take. For example, if you relocate your fixtures and reconfigure the room, construction will take longer. But, it is important to remember that moving fixtures will generally require building department permits, which will also add to the project time.
