How to Not Go Broke Remodeling Your Bathroom

Don’t be discouraged at the thought that a bathroom remodel might be outside of your budget. Instead of letting go of your dream spa, use these tips for a less expensive, but beautiful bathroom remodel.  Here are a few money-saving tips to help you get your bathroom remodel done on a budget.

1. Develop a Budget and Plan

The best way to save money on a bathroom remodel is to develop a detailed budget and stick to it. If you know how much money you have to spend on the project, then you’ll know how much you can devote to various aspects of the upgrade.

Use your budget to develop your plan.  Go over each detail and itemize everything, such as tile work, a new vanity, paint, and decor. This will ensure you won’t have any surprises when it comes to cost or the finished project.

2. Upgrade with Paint

Painting is one of the least expensive parts of a bathroom remodel. A new coat has the power to completely remake the look and feel of a bathroom.  You can choose vibrant pops of color for a fresh, bright look. For a more neutral and relaxed tone, gray or shades of beige always work.

3. Go for Shelving

Cabinetry can be one of the more expensive portions of a bathroom upgrade. If you want lots of storage, shelving is a nice alternative that will give you the same storage, but for far less money. Consider wall-mounted shelves behind the toilet or floor-standing units for free walls.

In addition to providing the storage space you need, shelving offers decorative options. Store necessities including toilet paper and towels in pretty decorative boxes or use some of the shelves to display items such as vases and pottery.

4. Toilet Updates

If there is nothing wrong with your existing toilet, instead of replacing, consider swapping out the toilet’s lid and seat. You’ll be surprised by how this simple fix makes your toilet look like new again. 

5. Don’t Move Plumbing

Moving plumbing is where the real expense occurs. To move a shower, toilet, or sink, you’ll need a professional to complete the job. Your bathroom will be totally out of service for a few days.

To move pipes, you usually will have to get inside the flooring and walls. Keep remodeling costs low by leaving your toilet, vanity, and shower where they already are. You’ll save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your upgrade.

6. Frame Mirrors

You can add an element of classiness for a small price if you frame your mirror. Not only does a frame hide age-related wear, it also makes your entire bathroom look updated.

7. Add A Spa-Like Update

You can get the feel and look of a spa with a simple change in the showerhead. A rain or massage showerhead will give you luxury for a relatively small price.

8. Renovate Your Tub

If your bathtub is structurally fine but just needs a facelift, look into resurfacing the tub. Resurfacing can change the color of your tub and make it look brand new. This should be done by a professional.

If your tub is a little dinged up and you want a new surface to it, you can order a custom bath liner that will fit snugly over your existing tub.

9. Implement Small, Yet Impactful Fixes

Small changes in a bathroom remodel can go a long way. New lighting and accents may be all your bathroom needs. You can change out fixtures such as door handles, faucets, drawer pulls, or light fixtures to give your bath an updated feel. Crown molding can be added to your bathroom to make the room feel taller and more elegant.

Making Your Dreams Come True

You can have the bathroom of your dreams. At Finnteriors, we provide high-quality craftsmanship for all budgets to help you get the remodel you love. Contact us today for a free consultation.

5. A Floating Vanity. Need to make the bathroom appear larger? A creative way to enlarge a bathroom is by installing a bathroom counter that appears to float. The open space below the cabinets allows for more light to move through the bathroom, thus creating the illusion of more space. This design element works well in a clean, modern and sleek bathroom remodel.

6. Unique Tile Patterns. Technology has ushered in a variety of tile options to make any bathroom stand out. From different shapes and patterns such as hexagon, diamond, and chevron, there is something for every design style. These patterns and shapes can also be used as bathroom backsplashes on the shower wall.

7. Compact Storage. Cabinets, shelves, and storage areas help keep households organized. Gone are the days of overcrammed and messy cabinets. This lifestyle is believed to help relieve stress. The bathroom should be a sanctuary and compact storage can effectively provide just that. Hidden cabinets, modern wall shelving, and storage space under the vanity will make the bathroom appear less cluttered, allowing the entire space to feel more open.

About Finnteriors

For over 20 years, Finnteriors has provided quality general contracting services for the St. Louis area. Specialties include kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling. The contractors at Finnteriors takes the biggest investment in owning a home and make it more valuable over time. Finnteriors has many national and international accreditations to show a high level of commitment to learning and implementing best practices.

Here are some ways to modernize your bathroom and make it more functional without shelling out a lot of cash.

1. Install a Modern Showerhead

   Installing a showerhead that controls the volume of water as well as the temperature or a hand-held shower head is an added comfort and convenience. You can also choose showerheads that are low-flow showerheads that can decrease utility bills.
   
   

2. Re-Paint the Bathroom

   Repainting is the most cost-effective way to give your bathroom a new look. 
   
   When choosing the type of paint consider the moisture in your bathroom. Since mold and mildew develop easily in a bathroom, and humidity and temperatures change often, it’s a good idea to invest in a mold-resistant paint.
   
   

3. Update Fixtures

   You can update light fixtures, sink and bathtub faucets, towel racks, and drawer pulls for a relatively small investment. These items may seem insignificant but updating them can make a big difference in the aesthetic look of your bathroom. 
   
   

4. Resurface the Tub

   You can refurbish your current tub or shower instead of replacing it. Having it professionally refinished is much cheaper.  You can also opt to have it professionally relined, which is also less expensive.
   
   

5. Add Bead-Board Wainscot

   Modernize your bathroom with bead-board wainscot. You may choose to wainscot part of the walls or their full length. Installing this will protect your walls from spills and give your space a fresh look. This board can be painted any color that you desire. Interior latex paint works well on this material. 
   
   

6. Frame Your Mirrors

   Does your bathroom have a factory-grade mirror? You can make it look more unique by framing it. This project is achievable even if you don’t have great carpentry skills. There are standard DIY tactics you can follow to achieve this task.
   
   

7. Plantation-Style Shutters

   With bathroom window shutters, you can close the shutters entirely for total privacy or close them partially to dim the light while soaking in your bathtub. During the day, the slats can be tilted to let in the amount of light that you need. These shutters add a nice touch to any bathroom.
   
   

8. Carve Out a Wall Niche

   Wall niches are a unique way of creating more space in your bathroom. They provide an ideal place to store your bathroom items. This type of bathroom design can be custom-fit to any space, from the most cramped bathroom to a roomier one.
   
   

9. Bathroom Tile Backsplash

   Your shower is the perfect place for patterned tile. The backsplash can help create a spa-like environment in your bathroom.  You don’t have to have marble or an all-white color palette to make it feel luxurious. The tile backsplash is just enough to add a high-end look.
   
   

10. Buy Used

    You can also save money on fixtures, toilets, and showers if you purchase them used. Search online sites like eBay and Craigslist or check your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They specifically sell home necessities such as doors, mirrors, sinks, toilets, and tubs.
    
    

11. Use “Faux” Materials

    Inexpensive alternatives often can look like the real thing. Instead of real wood plank flooring, try luxury vinyl flooring. High-definition laminate countertops and quartz countertops now compete with granite for the look of authentic natural stone. Faux-stone ceramic and porcelain tile backsplashes can mimic the look of travertine and marble.