Bathroom Renovations

Do wish to remodel your bathroom but shy away from the potential blow to your wallet? Indeed, bathroom renovations and remodeling projects can turn out shockingly expensive if it is not well planned. Some think that the best way to cut on costs is by going the DIY route. While this is partially true, it can turn out even more expensive if you have to call in the pros to rectify your mess, if you work with a trustworthy contractor that understands your budget and works within it, not only will you end up with a great bathroom, but it will be cost effective. So how can you cut on bathroom remodeling costs without skimping on labor and quality materials?

Plan The Bathroom Remodel Carefully

You may have an idea of what you want but are not very specific on the details. It is advisable to have a designer work out these details instead of executing your ideas on the fly. An accurate design will yield a budget that you can work on. Planning helps set the budget while making sure you stay within it, minimizing unexpected costs.

Keep The Plumbing

Plumbing fixtures and pipes can cost as much as $5,000 to relocate. It also takes a good chunk of time. Keep the toilet and bathtub where they are. You can replace the bathtub with a spacious shower by laying the shower pan on the space that held the bathtub.

Fancy Frame The Mirror

Instead of replacing the builder grade mirror, it is cheaper to have a fancy frame around the existing mirror. The frame will hide the flaking and chipped edges saving you the cost of buying and hanging a new mirror.

Use Alternatives To Tile

Avoid floor to ceiling tiling and look for alternatives to expensive tile. These could be beadboard, board, and batten, and even reclaimed wood panels. These materials give your bathroom a warmer lived-in feeling. Tile is often very expensive depending on the tile used, other alternatives to tile such as wood or vinyl can help keep the costs down.

Top The Toilet

Unless the bowl is badly cracked, there is no need of tossing it. The staining can be cleaned away with industrial grade bleach. Replace the toilet seat and lid instead. This will give the toilet an updated look.

Visit The Salvage Yard

You will find surprisingly good items in the salvage yard, which you can spruce up and install to give your bathroom the illusion of opulence and elegance with a traditional appeal. You will find bathtubs, sinks, showerheads and so on. You will spend a fraction of what you budgeted for new items.

Open Bathroom Shelves

Replace the cabinetry with open shelves. You can have one or two cabinets to hold your private items but soaps, shampoos, and other general items can be placed on open shelves. The bathroom will also look more spacious.

Use Better Lighting

Make the bathroom brighter using low cost LED lights, LED lighting is cost effective and will also save on energy bills in the future. A rose white light can work visual wonders in this space.  If the bathroom windows face offer privacy, consider replacing glazed glass for clear panes for maximum natural lighting.