How to Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget – 19 Go-to Tactics
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Hey there, hi there! I bet you want to know how to remodel a bathroom on a budget.
We understand what it’s like to have a bathroom needing a facelift.
Here at our two family house, we’ve remodeled 3 – count them, 3 bathrooms! (The 2nd floor, the first floor, and the basement bathroom remodel.). We are well versed in the “do it yourself bathroom renovation” and are here to offer our best money-saving tips for your powder room remodel.
While yes, at some point, you’ll have to shell out a few bucks, there are some tips and tricks to saving money on your bathroom remodel!
Don’t Move the Plumbing
If you can avoid it, leave the plumbing where it is. Moving plumbing can cost a huge amount of money.
I promise you can create a beautiful new bathroom without the hassle and cost of moving the layout!
Move the Plumbing; Use a Contractor
If your bathrooms are like ours and boast a big mess of bad plumbing work and leaks, you’ll have to address the plumbing.
Please, do yourself a favor, unless you’re really good at plumbing, hire a trustworthy contractor. I know it seems like this costs more, but if you do it wrong, you’ll be hiring someone anyway. Think carefully about your limits and consider hiring a plumber.
In other words, pay for quality once.
Related: Why Hire a Contractor? 5 Reasons It’s Better!
Find and Fix Leaks First
Before you pick out a snazzy vanity and your favorite tiles, keep the water where it belongs. There’s no sense in finishing a wall only to discover a leak behind it.
Solve the leaks first, and move on.
Keep the Tub
Replacing a bathtub is a huge lift! If you want to save money on a bathroom renovation, seriously consider keeping the one you have. Roll up your sleeves, crank the tunes, and work up some elbow grease to clean what you’ve got.
Not a fan of your ‘70s pink cast iron? Check out the trend of painting your bathtub.
Choose a Surround Instead of Tile
You’ll save time and money if you pick out a nice shower surround instead of tile.
The surrounds are usually fiberglass and “easy up” meaning you screw it right to the sheetrock behind your shower. We have 2 surrounds and 1 tile shower/tub, and I feel the surrounds are much easier to clean to boot.
Paint the Tiles
Your budget doesn’t allow for a full-out tub and tile replacement?
Why not try painting the tile? This will buy you at least a few more years without the eyesore of your lime green tile (just supposing, here).
Paint is much cheaper than a gut reno, am I right?
Change Out the Vanity
Switching your vanity can have a huge impact on your bathroom! You can find an affordable vanity cabinet in plenty of stores.
Also, a vanity will provide significantly more storage if you’re currently rocking the pedestal sink.
Be sure to wait for sales like Black Friday, or check out the return rack.
Related: How to Furnish a Home on a Budget – Decorate Without Regret!
Upgrade Your Toilet Seat
I mean, maybe it’s just the luxury of a heated seat you’re looking for? Invest in a new seat and you’ll be in heaven at the john.
Upgrade Your Linens
If you want to know how to remodel a bathroom on a budget, take a good look at your linens!
When things feel drab – like towels, washcloths, and dust on the curtains- your linens might need the attention.
Upgrade your shower curtain, window fixings, towels, washcloths, tissue box, and even your blinds! A quick refresh can go a long way.
Upgrade Your Light Fixture
Switching a light fixture can have an incredible impact on any room’s makeover. We changed a dated ceiling fan into a chandelier in our living room makeover for a huge impact.
Check it out here: Living Room Makeover – How We Made This Easily Under $320
Your bathroom (and possibly attached vent fan) might need a do-over. Don’t underestimate the importance of good light in a room!
Add Sconces
Speaking of bathroom lighting, get that swanky-hotel feeling by installing new sconces on the verticals next to your mirror.
Change the Mirror or Medicine Cabinet
A crusty old medicine cabinet can really drag down the bathroom look.
Just like a vanity, you can catch a medicine cabinet on sale at plenty of retailers!
Add a Plant!
Succulents and spider plants are popular choices to add some greenery to your bathroom space. Many home decor enthusiasts swear by the humble houseplant!
See also: 35 Best Houseplants for Your Bathroom
Clean Out Your Toiletries
Nothing says “yuck” like a crusty old bottle of lotion from 1989.
You know that there are bottles in those cabinets that are expired. Throw them out! Remember, one of the reasons that hotels and airbnbs feel fancy is because they are clean!
Declutter your way to a life of luxury.
Use Stick-on Tile
No wet saw or budget for a tiling contractor? Really sweating the subway tile look?
Go nuts with some stick on tiles.
Paint the Vanity
Really stuck for budge space? Join the painted-cabinet trend and get your brush ready!
Painting your bathroom vanity is a great way to save money on a bathroom renovation and make a big impact.
Add Storage With Hooks
One of my biggest pet peeves when traveling is having no hook space!
Add a few fancy hooks to your bathroom, and you’ll have a place for a second towel, a cute wall hanging, or your hair accessories.
Add Under-Cabinet Storage
Why not organize what you have?
Check out this awesome pull-out drawer for storage underneath your vanity.
Switch Out Hardware & Fixtures
Cabinet knobs, towel racks, and even your faucet can date the look of your bathroom space!
Upgrade your hardware to make your bathroom feel oh-so-fancy. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Final Thoughts on How to Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget
With a little bit of strategy and a whole lot of trimming that to-do list, you can save a fortune on your bathroom remodel! Don’t underestimate the power of replacing a light fixture, a vanity, or even just your linens.
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