How to Do a Bathroom Reno on a Budget
A complete bathroom remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But with smart planning and creative upgrades, you can spruce up your space without blowing your budget.
Avoid moving walls, which adds time and labor costs to your project. Instead, make the room feel bigger with a light paint color and mirrors.
Budget
Depending on how extensive the bathroom redo is, labor costs can account for 40% to 65% of the total project price tag. This is due to the fact that some jobs like adjusting plumbing and electrical elements require professional help.
One trick to keeping remodeling costs low is to re-use existing doors, windows and moldings if they are in good condition. This keeps your overall remodel cost down, especially if you are sticking with the same bathroom layout.
Buying materials during sales and in bulk can also save you money on your remodel. Also, reusing materials, such as tiles and shelves, can reduce your renovation costs by eliminating the need for labor. Lastly, install smart plumbing fixtures that can save you money on water usage.
Design
Poor planning is a leading cause of cost overruns on bathroom projects. You should spend weeks or even months on planning, if possible, before beginning the work.
During this time, think about who will be using the space and what your priorities are for the remodel. This will help you determine if there are any features that are worth splurging on. For example, if you have kids, you might want to include a tub and plenty of storage for bath toys. Or, if you plan to age in place, you might need to incorporate elements like a grab bar or a walk-in shower.
Make sure that your budget includes all the necessary items. This may include wall and floor coverings, light fixtures and ventilation, sanitary ware, and fitted furniture. You should also include labour costs for plumbers, electricians, fitters and decorators. Also, remember that changing the footprint of your bathroom will usually require a building permit.
Materials
If you’re redoing only a small part of the bathroom, you don’t need to spend much on materials. Paint and wallpaper are a quick and cheap way to update the space.
Look for secondhand options when possible. A Missouri couple who redid a master bath on a $6,000 budget got a salvaged clawfoot tub, discarded cabinet doors from a kitchen and bath showroom, scavenged marble scraps for countertops and a yard sale mirror.
Other inexpensive materials include fiberglass for shower walls and flooring, which can cost half as much as tile or natural stone. Also consider cement board, which is less expensive than drywall and can be coated with Redgard to protect it from water damage.
Don’t overlook storage spaces, either. A good place for this is behind the toilet, where a shallow recessed niche or a new cabinet can create space to store towels and other necessities. Also add extra closet space by adding a mirrored door or hanging rods.
Installation
If you have basic plumbing, a simple replacement of the vanity and toilet may be enough to give your bathroom a much-needed makeover. You can also save money by choosing less expensive materials for things like flooring and wall tiles. However, most DIYers shouldn’t tackle electrical work, which should be left to a professional electrician that costs between $40 and $120 per hour.
Changing the footprint of your bathroom will add to labor and construction costs, especially if a load-bearing wall must be removed or modified. Even minor changes can add up, though, so it’s best to stay within the original layout where possible.
Keep in mind that local permits and fees will add to your project cost. It’s also worth budgeting for material delivery and installation costs. The pandemic has caused a backlog of deliveries, so ordering ahead of time can help reduce wait times and costs. Lastly, consider the costs of removing and disposing of old materials.
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