Many homeowners enjoy remodeling their homes. One of the most popular projects is bathroom remodeling, especially old and outdated. A new bathroom can be one of the more expensive home renovations, but there are ways to cut back on the cost.
1) Remodel your tub into a shower
A wonderful way to save money on building materials rather than installing an entirely new shower is by converting tubs into showers. This doesn’t mean you close off your bathtub with drywall, though; you need to make sure this project is up to code first. It typically means demolishing about two feet of tile or paneling around where your current tub resides and giving behind that space the same type of surface you’d find in a shower/bathtub combo. Some of these projects need to be per the state laws.
2) Hire help on complicated projects
Bathrooms are one of the trickier rooms to remodel. If you’re doing a DIY project, most likely, you’ll end up costing yourself more time and money than making a mistake on a smaller project would necessitate. For example, if you decide to install new wall tiles yourself, you will need to purchase adhesive strips separately. They aren’t included with regular tile sheets because the average homeowner isn’t likely to use them often enough to be worth the extra expense. However, a DIY project can be cheaper in your pocket; it may make you miss out on the important details.
3) Lighting is important
If your bathroom has low lighting due to small windows or other factors, switch out your old light fixtures for new ones that provide plenty of illumination. Vanity lights can be extremely expensive, so take note that there’s usually no reason to spend more than $20 per fixture.
4) Remember the mirror and other accessories
Don’t forget about lighting here, too; overhead lights are great but make sure you have a mirror close by with adequate lighting for makeup application and shaving. Again, cheap LED bulbs can save you money without sacrificing quality. Alternatively, you can make your mirror if you are skilled at cutting mirrors. Accessories are always nice. Don’t forget about little touches like plush towels, candles, baskets filled with toiletries and other items, etc. These small things can take your space from bland to beautiful and luxurious without breaking the bank.
5) Don’t forget the paint
Don’t underestimate the power of a great coat of paint! Even if your bathroom has never been painted before, don’t skip this step as it’s an easy way to make even old tiles look brand new again. For example, white is very popular for bathrooms because it makes small spaces seem bigger and cleaner. If your vanity cabinets are old and worn out but still structurally sound, painting them is a wonderful way to give them a new lease on life without spending money on expensive replacement units.
6) Improve functionality
Customizing and organizing your bathroom properly will go a long way in making it feel like a home sweet home. Think about what you need before doing anything else; do you use your hairdryer often? If so, it’s worth the extra money to hire an electrician to install a new outlet close by or string extension cords across the room. Or maybe you’d like to put up shelves or towel racks on opposite sides of the mirror for convenience’s sake? Anything that improves your bathroom experience is worth thinking about!
Bathrooms are often some of the most expensive rooms to renovate in a home. With this information, you’ll know how to choose which options will work best for your budget and make your bathroom remodel more efficient.
