How to Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget

aimee
June 23, 2021

Our bathrooms serve as an oasis and sanctuary within our homes. It’s more than just a place to house a toilet, it can also be your own personal spa. Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to add value to your home on both a personal and financial level. If you’re hoping to spruce up your bathroom, you might assume it would be a lofty investment. But there are plenty of ways to pull off a renovation with modest funds. Let’s explore some different ways to remodel your bathroom on a budget.  


How Much Can You Save?

On average, a bathroom remodel can cost anywhere from $10,500 to 26,000 according to Remodeling Magazine. This will, of course, vary depending on how upscale the project will be. You might take one look at those numbers and run in the opposite direction, but what if we told you that there’s a way to reduce remodeling costs down to $3000 or even $1000 dollars? 

There are plenty of methods you can use to cut down on costs when remodeling a bathroom. First, determine what you can spend on this project. Anywhere in the $1000 - $3000 price range should be sufficient. If you can’t afford to reach that $1000 mark, it might be best to stick with minor cosmetic updates. If you have a little more to play with, you can make larger, more structural changes such as replacing the bathtub or floor tiles. 


Walls and Floors 

One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into a room is to give it a fresh paint job. This also happens to be one of the cheapest methods to remodel on a budget. On average, it costs around $0.86 per sq ft to paint a bathroom. Be cautious when buying paint for a bathroom; it needs to be of high quality and possibly complete with a satin finish to prevent mold and mildew. 

Tiles can be a little pricer. If you want to keep prices down, focus on replacing tiles in high-impact areas such as the floor. You can also use special paint to give bathroom tiles a stunning new look. If you really have your heart set on an expensive tile, use it as an accent piece and fill in the rest with cheaper tiles.


Tub and Shower 

Reinstalling grout and caulk is a cheap way to brighten up your bathroom. Removing caulk and reinstalling it is fairly easy and DIY-friendly. Simply peel away with a utility knife, apply a new line, and smooth down. Regrouting is a bit tougher but it can be achieved without professional help with research. 

Another way to give your tub or shower a cheaper update is to reline it instead of replacing it. You can reline cast iron, fiberglass, and porcelain tubs. Just keep in mind that sometimes you can discover unexpected damage under the liner if it was improperly installed the first time. If excessive moisture finds its way under the lining, this can cause water damage and mold. 


Bathroom Sink

There are so many ways to spruce up your sink area on a budget. Buying second-hand is one easy way to keep spending minimal while also creating a unique, beautiful end product. Instead of buying a mirror specifically designed for a bathroom, shop around at flea markets or second-hand shops for a vintage mirror. Old dressers also serve as a great swap for a sink pedestal. Just carve out a space for the basin on the top and the plumbing behind it. There are tons of tutorials online that illustrate this process. 

If you’d rather stick to tradition and replace your counter with new granite, you can save money here too. Look for granite in unpopular shades. Green, brown, and black are some colors you can score for a lower price tag. Also, consider getting granite with “imperfections”. These will typically be cheaper and you might cover the flaw with the sink basin anyway. 


Final Touches 

There are a variety of other little adjustments you can make to remodel your bathroom on a budget. Don’t neglect the details! Drawer hardware, lighting fixtures, the sink faucet, and towel racks are all relatively inexpensive swaps that can completely shift the look and feel of your bathroom space. 

When contemplating how to spruce up your porcelain throne, consider keeping the base and replacing the seat and lid instead. You can also add an inexpensive bidet to add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. 

Buy used when you can! We touched on this before but we can’t stress it enough. There are plenty of opportunities to find lightly used sinks, doors, mirrors, hardware, tubs, and more second-hand. 


Get Help From the Experts 

Bathroom remodels can be a lot of hard work. Sure, many of these projects are completely doable for a homeowner. But the time factor alone might dissuade you from ever pursuing your dreams of creating your ideal in-home spa. If you’re looking for assistance with your bathroom or whole home remodel, call on H3 Construction and Design for help! We provide building and renovation services to the greater Northern Colorado area. Get in touch with us today to hear more about our work!  

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