Bathroom remodeling is a crucial part of home improvement. And there are various factors to consider when you’re embarking on a bathroom renovation project. Your budget, the condition of your bathroom, and the amount of time you can invest are just a few of the factors you should consider before beginning a bathroom remodeling project. Among these, budget is almost always the constraint.
When it’s time to renovate your bathroom, don’t worry about following the latest trend. Instead, focus on practical design choices that will improve your lifestyle and help you save time and money. By keeping your budget in mind, investing in quality materials, and nailing down a style that suits your needs, you can create a bath that is both beautiful and dependable.
In this post, we’ll cover 8 bathrooms remodel tips that would add value to your home without breaking the bank.
Use Lower-Cost Look-a-Like Materials
When you’re renovating your bathroom, don’t be afraid to use cheaper materials that look like the more expensive ones. You can use epoxy resin or laminate for the vanity countertop instead of granite. It’s cheaper and can look just as good.
Another idea is to use high-grade plastic handles instead of full-chrome handles for cabinet doors and drawers. You can also substitute brass faucets with chrome-plated steel ones. It looks equally gorgeous but cheaper. Consulting a remodeling expert will help find the best alternative to save on bathroom remodeling expenses.
Use Larger Bathroom Tiles
One of the biggest bathroom renovation tips is to use larger tiles. Larger tiles are a great way to create a modern bathroom without spending too much money. While large tiles may seem expensive, you can create a modern aesthetic with minimal cost. Also, using large tiles combined with the right wall color can create an illusion that space is larger than it really is, making the room feel bigger and more open.
Refinish the Bathtub
Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to mean tearing out a perfectly good bathtub and starting from scratch. With bathtub refinishing, you can give your bathtub a brand new look without taking on the expense and hassle of buying a new one. This is an effective alternative that leaves you with a beautiful new tub and an updated bathroom.
Replace Tile Caulk and Grout
When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, one of the most important steps you can take is to replace your tile caulk and grout. Not only will this make your bathroom look more elegant, but it’ll also get rid of unsightly mold and slime that has grown over the last few years. Replacing it now will help save time and money later.
Repaint Portions of Your Bathroom
The easiest and cheapest way to instantly revamp your bathroom’s look is to repaint it. Painting the upper parts of the walls or the ceiling will not only update your look but will give you a chance to change your old color scheme. Using the right colors and shades is also a great way to make your space feel larger. Painting is an effective way to refresh the look of your bathroom without paying too much.
Install LED Lights
While LED lighting is already common, some customers are still using CFL and even regular light bulbs in their bathrooms. LED light bulbs are more energy-efficient than other alternatives. These can give out a ton of light, make the room look cleaner and bigger, and save hundreds of dollars in electricity as well.
Install a Prefabricated Shower
Getting a new shower can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. One way to save money on your bathroom renovation is to install a prefabricated shower. Unlike most custom-built showers, prefabricated showers are produced in bulk making them more affordable. You can even choose from models that come with water-saving features designed to lower your monthly water bill.
Install Wainscoting
Wainscot can be an ideal way to update the look of a bathroom. Installing one will change the entire ambiance of the room. This type of panel is installed on the lower portion of walls and can be done cheaply and easily. This will give your bathroom a finished look without having to hassle with tile installation or expensive bath remodeling costs.
Upgrade the Bathroom Hardware
For typically less than $200 in most regions of the US, you can replace all the hardware in your entire bathroom with more modern, luxurious-looking pieces. Swap builder-grade vanity drawer pulls and cabinet handles with high-end, decorative ones. If your taste is chicer, go for fancy crystal knobs. If your style is more modern, stick with sleek, minimal copper or golden brass hardware.
And don’t forget about the rest of the bathroom. You can upgrade showerheads, faucets, interior door handles, closet door handles, towel bars and rings, and even door hinges. The metal finishes and style of your bathroom hardware can make a significant difference in how current your bathroom looks, but won’t necessarily cost a fortune to update.
Buy New Linens
While your bathroom linens might not be nailed to the wall, they do contribute to the first impression and overall style of your bathroom; especially when they are displayed openly. From your bath towels and washcloths to your shower curtain and bath mat, your bath linens can bring color, style, and interest into this small space.
Update the Shelving
While that old 1970s wooden shelf may be of high quality, it’s not of this decade and can be updated to something much more modern. If your style is a bit more on the urban industrial side, think about building shelves with plumbing pipe as the anchor. If you lean toward a more vintage, feminine aesthetic, consider shopping the local antique store for truly historic shelving options or old corbels that can be repurposed into anchors to hold up a simple wood slat.
Don’t hesitate to make your bathroom a more pleasant place. You can do all of it yourself to save money or you can hire a professional who will be able to do the job in a much faster and well-done way.