In terms of value, updated bathrooms aren’t just a great selling point — they’re also a great staying point. When you take the time to update your bathroom vanities, bathtubs, lighting and other fixtures, you just may want to stay in your home for a longer amount of time. That’s why — whether you’re planning to put your home on the market soon or are just looking to find more enjoyment right where you live — a bathroom remodel can be a great choice. The only problem? Remodeling can get expensive.
When you want to breathe new life into the bathrooms of your home, how can you update your bathroom faucets, features and overall style without breaking your budget? Here’s a look at some important tips for upgrading effectively:
- Avoid layout changes. As fun as it might be to completely re-arrange the floor plan of your bathroom, if it’s possible to keep things where they are, do it. Reworking plumbing, electrical outlets and wall/floor openings are major remodeling projects, which create bigger expenses. To make your remodel more cost-effective, don’t change the layout.
- Use what you have. One of the biggest ways to cut costs in a bathroom remodel is to repurpose or fix an element you already have instead of replacing it with a new option. Instead of ripping out the brown tile floors and replacing them with new ones, for example, could you paint the floors with a few fresh coats of white? Instead of fully tiling the entire bathroom, could you tile only the shower and just repaint the rest of the space? Look for ways to repurpose or rework the vanity you already have, maybe with a new faucet or new hardware, for example. Upgrade the showerhead instead of redoing the entire shower, if possible. Get the tub refinished instead of replacing it outright. Any decision that allows you to keep using the features you have is a decision that helps your bathroom budget.
- Seek discounts. Shopping around is a great way to cut costs on a remodeling project, especially when it comes to the bathroom. One of the best ways to do this is to look for a supplier like Modern Bathroom, where everyday prices are up to 70 percent less than they are elsewhere. Likewise, you can buy a used dresser to repurpose as a vanity. Try to find a less popular granite color or style. Inquire about slabs with imperfections, which may be offered at a lower rate. When it comes to the shower, opt for a prefabricated model instead of painstakingly tiling one yourself.
- Do it yourself. While DIY projects aren’t for everybody, they are an excellent way to cut remodeling costs. What parts of your project can you handle on your own? Instead of hiring painters, can you repaint yourself? Instead of hiring a plumber to swap out the toilet, can you buy one and replace it yourself? Be willing to take on small tasks, and you can shrink your bathroom budget.
- Prioritize. Sure, heated floors and a walk-in shower would be cool features, but, when your budget is tight, try instead to prioritize what you change. Evaluate what’s most important to you in the bathroom and focus on those components. Ample lighting is always a good bet in terms of overall appeal.
- Pick eco-friendly features. While eco-friendly bathroom features can be more costly upfront, they often pay for themselves over time through the money they save. Look into water-saving toilets, eco-friendly bathroom materials, etc.
Upgrading your bathroom is a worthwhile project, not just for resale value, but also for your quality of life. If you’ve been thinking about taking on a renovation project, don’t let budget worries keep you from moving forward! Use the tips above to plan your project and create the kind of space you — or a potential buyer — will be sure to love. By renovating strategically and cost-effectively, a newer, better bathroom is entirely possible.