Because of the
labor and material costs, a bathroom renovation is one of the most expensive
updates you can make to your home. And if you're on a strict budget, this can
mean just living with the bathroom you already have. There are a few ways you
can give the space a whole new look, without going broke – here are some tips.
Keep It simple Before you start pulling out fixtures and
counters, take some time to come up with your list of must-have changes, along
with things you can keep. By holding on to more expensive items like your
current tub or shower, you can save money or put more of your resources into
other areas that need fixing. For many bathrooms, storage is the biggest issue.
You may find that just installing some shelving or stackable drawers can make a
big difference in how you feel about your room.
DIY for the win Unless you're an experienced plumber and
electrician, you'll eventually have to hire someone
to help you with more complex parts of your remodel. But there are many smaller
fixes you can do on your own. Before bringing in the professionals, get as much
done yourself as you feel comfortable with. Remove your old wallpaper, get rid
of the old flooring and pull out the old fixtures before the contractors
arrive. Once the professionals have finished their job, you
can go back in after them and finish yours. Cleaning up debris yourself, rather
than having your contractors take care of it, can save you on labor costs.
Start with a paint job Perhaps the quickest and most cost-effective
way to dramatically change your bathroom's look is just by giving it a new
color palette. At the very least, the fresh paint gives you a starting point
for making the rest of your updates. Consider your colors carefully. Dark
colors tend to give smaller bathrooms a cave-like feel, which is not what most
homeowners are going for. Check with various home improvement stores, which may
offer apps that let you view different colors in actual bathrooms.
Hit the floor Another relatively easy fix that can have a
dramatic impact is your bathroom flooring. Changing out old flooring for
ceramic or vinyl tiles to match your new paint job can make an outdated
bathroom look fresh and new.
You'll need to shop
around for deals if you go with ceramic tile, as it's more expensive than other
flooring options. Whatever type of floor you choose, make sure it's easy to
clean and resistant to water and stains.
Update current fixtures instead of replacing
them The vanity is one of
the first things to start looking dated in a bathroom. But replacing the entire
thing can be expensive, so look for ways to give your existing fixture a
makeover. Giving your vanity and counter area a paint job, or covering it with
tile, can dramatically change the look of your bathroom for a fraction of the
cost of a new fixture. Try changing the sink and faucet, and
install a modern lighting fixture above. By using your imagination and a little
elbow grease, you can create the bathroom you've always wanted, and stay
within your budget.
About the Author: Angie Mansfield is a
freelance writer whose work covers a range of topics for small business owners
and consumers. Topics she writes about include small business management and
home improvement, including bathroom ideas.
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