Home renovations have the potential to add a ton of value to your home’s existing value. But they aren’t free. The average bathroom renovation can cost anywhere from $4,000 to beyond $25,000. Having an updated bathroom can add nearly double the cost to your home value though. Did you know that there are a few ways you can save big on your next bathroom renovation project without sacrificing the overall outcome? Here are 10 ways to save on your next big bathroom reno
Have a Plan
The best way to waste time and money is to go into a renovation project without a solid plan. Take a small amount of extra time and money before breaking ground on your reno to plan with a professional. Using a virtual home planner is a great way to determine what you can expect at the end of your project. Virtual home planning allows you to play with lighting, finishes, placement, and even decor in any room you are renovating! Plus, when you work with experienced professionals, you might gain a little bit of insight into what has worked in the past for other homeowners. Your plan should include a layout, finishes, and decor all within a budget!
Don’t Move the Plumbing
One of the most expensive costs in a bathroom renovation is to move the plumbing from its current location to elsewhere. If you want to move existing plumbing fixtures like the toilet, bath/shower, or faucets, you will need a plumber. The fixture moving process can cost a homeowner as much as $5000 and may not add much value to the final project. Talk with your planner about their opinion and see if the shift will truly be worth it.
Tackle the Demo Yourself
If you are demolishing your old bathroom, you might be able to recruit a few friends to help rather than hiring a professional demolition contractor. The standard bathroom demo may include removing floor, wall, and shower tile, countertop removal, as well as getting rid of old tubs and showers. Keep in mind that if you end up damaging drywall or load bearing walls that could be an expensive additional cost.
Pay Attention to Your Plumbing Uses
Part of your reno plan should include what you plan to do with the old bathroom appliances like shower, toilet, and sinks. Old toilets and leaky tubs can cost you more in water bill costs than it would cost to replace them. Invest in water efficient plumbing and fixtures to save more in the long run.
Save Old Fixtures
Minor costs like purchasing new faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures can quickly add up in your bathroom renovation budget. If your fixtures are not in bad condition, you may be able to save by reusing them in the new bathroom! Don’t like the finish? It’s still cheaper to get them refinished than to make an entirely new purchase.
Repurpose Antiques
When it comes time to furnish your bathroom, or decorate, why not repurpose old elements? Visit local garage sales for shelves, mirrors, and even vanities! After rounding up your collection, turn it into a DIY weekend with friends and add your own personal touch to the bathroom decor! By doing this, you save money and create a one of a kind look in your bathroom.
Do You really want that Tile Wall?
Wall tile is a common element of many bathroom renovation projects. Unfortunately it can be extremely expensive and requires quite a bit of consistent maintenance. Looking for beautiful alternatives? We have a few ideas! Instead of bathroom wall tile all over, consider cheaper alternatives like repurposed wood, funky wall paper, or fresh paint in areas of your bathroom that aren’t impacted by water or steam.
Lighting it up
The right lighting makes a huge difference in your bathroom set up and appearance. Take your time picking appliances that match your room aesthetic while providing sufficient lighting. Ideally, you should have two sets of light in a bathroom, one front facing by the mirror and one from overhead. This way you have the best setup for personal grooming and general visibility.
Picking Paint
Save money on your bathroom renovation by adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls rather than getting new walls. Drywall projects can cost you quite a lot of money, so instead, spend a fraction of the cost with a great coat of paint. Save even more by tackling the painting on your own; just remember to be super careful and precise with your painting. Rushing the job will result in you having to spend even more money correcting issues.
Keep it Simple
Some of the best bathroom renovations work best by keeping elements simple when possible. For example, rather than going with the most expensive flooring options, look for a more budget friendly option and you can save upwards of $1,000!
Do it Yourself where You can
In many bathroom renovation projects, there are a number of elements you can tackle on your own without professional help. Taking advantage of your own skills and time rather than hiring someone for small tasks can really add up to huge savings. That being said, definitely don’t cut corners or you could be left with more problems than you started with!
Now that you have all the expert savings tips, you can get started with the first step! Create a comprehensive and well thought out plan and get started! Got any tips we missed? Let us know your favourite ways to save on bathroom renovation projects!
Author’s Bio
Nicole Howe is a content writer at BreezeMaxWeb. When she isn’t writing, you can find her walking half marathons, biking, or watching Raptors basketball!
