10 Ways to Save Money on Your Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive endeavor. Luckily, there are some surefire ways to cut costs down and help you create the bathroom of your dreams! Check out these tips for saving money during your bathroom renovation.

Tip #1 - Work with the existing plumbing

A designer can help you determine how to make the most of your existing plumbing. Using the existing piping and utility layout will save you more than you know! It can cost a pretty penny to move existing pipelines and fixtures.

Tip #2 - Light it up

Adding light is always a smart move, and bathrooms are no exception to the rule. Adding lots of light to a bathroom is one of the most valuable changes a homeowner can make, and it doesn’t have to break the bank! Shop sales at lighting and home improvement stores, and if your bathroom has easy roof access, consider adding a skylight!

Tip #3 - Pack a punch with paint

A pop of colorful paint can have a profound impact, especially in a smaller space like a bathroom. If you coordinate with details in other design elements, like your tiling or lighting fixtures, it can bring an entirely new dimension to your bathroom.

Tip #4 - Frame your mirrors

Rather than hunting for the perfect hanging mirror, dress up your existing mirror with a fantastic frame! A frame will hide any age-related wear, like flaking that can happen around the edges.

Tip #5 - Update your existing toilet

When remodeling your bathroom, consider replacing your toilet seat and lid instead of tossing out the whole thing. Just changing out these two tops can give your toilet a fresh look without buying a new unit, helping you save on plumber installation fees.

Tip #6 - Repurpose an antique dresser for your vanity

Want to upgrade your tired vanity? Try hunting at flea markets and antique stores for vintage and antique dressers. It’s relatively easy to cut out the space to hide the plumbing and seal drawers that need to stay in place. Then, you can set a sink in it or on it.

Tip #7 - Consider alternatives to tile

The bath doesn’t have to have tile to the ceiling: consider alternatives like reclaimed wood panels, board, and batten, or beadboard as high-end tile replacements. Although wood requires more maintenance than tile, it also provides a warmer, comforting atmosphere.

Tip #8 - Open up your shelves

Open shelving not only creates the illusion of space in areas with smaller square footage, but it also has a smaller impact on your budget. A few drawers or covered baskets on high shelves can house your private items, and your towels, pretty soaps, and bathroom decor can take center stage.

Tip #9 – Accessorize!

You can save money by focusing your funds on some gorgeous accent pieces! These attention-grabbing items will pull the gaze and infuse the room with your personal style. From quirky lighting fixtures to stylish hampers, home decor sites are a great place to shop for accent items.

Tip #10 - Look online for leftovers

When you find a tile you like, check Craigslist and eBay to see if anyone is selling their leftovers. People will buy more material than they need, and they often can’t return it. So, they try to sell it online at a deep discount just to get rid of it. Buy what you can at the fire-sale prices, then finish out what you need by matching at your local store.