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Remodeling a bathroom, whether your primary bathroom or a guest bathroom, can be an exciting project. The negative is that it can also be expensive. Fortunately, with a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can give your bathroom a fresh look without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can achieve a budget-friendly bathroom remodel by focusing on key areas such as the shower, tub, toilet, vanity, and cosmetic changes.

Keep Your Current Layout

The most cost-saving choice you can make during a bathroom remodel is to keep your current layout. This includes leaving walls (especially load-bearing walls), plumbing, fixtures, doors, and electrical wiring in their current location. Moving plumbing can be especially expensive, so consider this when you are in your planning phase.

Keeping the footprint of your bathroom means that you can’t make any huge changes like moving walls to make the room bigger. Instead think of other cosmetic ways to make the bathroom feel larger, like using a lighter paint color and using larger mirrors. There’s really a lot of changes you can make without changing the infrastructure of your bathroom. 

DIY When Possible

Doing it yourself instead of hiring out the project will save you a lot of money. Even if you don’t have the experience to handle the whole remodel yourself, consider doing what you can and hiring out what you can’t do. Acting as your contractor will also help lower costs. Over the past nineteen years, DIYing lots of projects such as this Restoration Hardware dupe vanity, has saved us thousands of dollars and even led us to where we are today with no mortgage.

Install a Prefabricated Shower

Adding a newly tiled shower may be on your dream list but you may reconsider when you look at the cost. One of the most cost-effective ways to update your shower is by installing a prefabricated unit. Prefabricated showers are less expensive than custom tile work and can be installed in a fraction of the time. These units come in a variety of sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that fits your bathroom’s layout and design. By choosing a prefabricated shower, you can save on both materials and labor costs.

Keep the Tub

If your bathroom includes a bathtub that’s in good condition, consider keeping it instead of replacing it. Refinishing the tub can make it look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a new tub. You can also add a new faucet or bath fixture to update the look without the need for a complete replacement. This approach not only saves money but also preserves the charm of classic fixtures.

Update Your Toilet

Replacing an old toilet can significantly improve the look and efficiency of your bathroom. Modern toilets are designed to use less water, which can save you money on your water bill in the long run. Look for budget-friendly models that offer a balance between cost and water efficiency. Sometimes, simply replacing the toilet seat and lid can make an old toilet look and feel new again.

Don’t Splurge on a Vanity

A vanity is often a focal point in a bathroom, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to update it. Consider refurbishing your existing vanity with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. If you’re feeling handy, you can even DIY a vanity using a repurposed piece of furniture. This approach not only saves money but also adds a unique, personalized touch to your bathroom.

Make Cosmetic Changes Only

Never underestimate the power of paint and small cosmetic changes. A new paint color can transform the look of your bathroom for just the cost of a can of paint. When selecting paint, make sure to use a moisture-resistant formula designed for bathrooms.

New Lighting

Upgrading lighting fixtures can have a big impact on your bathroom’s ambiance. Look for modern, energy-efficient options that fit your budget. Sometimes, simply changing the bulbs to a brighter or warmer tone can make a big difference.

New Mirror

Replacing an old, worn-out mirror with a new one can instantly make your bathroom feel larger and more modern. Consider mirrors with interesting shapes or frames to add character.

Change Grout Color

If your bathroom tiles are in good condition, changing the grout color can refresh the look without the need for new tiles. Grout paint is inexpensive and comes in various colors, allowing you to customize your bathroom’s look.

Change Hardware

Updating the hardware on cabinets and drawers is a simple and cost-effective way to give your bathroom a new look. Choose hardware that complements your bathroom’s style for a cohesive look.

Add Curtains

Consider adding curtains or a new shower curtain to introduce color and pattern into your bathroom. This is an inexpensive way to add personality and warmth to the space.

Remodeling your bathroom on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of creativity and DIY effort. By focusing on key updates and cosmetic changes, you can transform your bathroom into a fresh, inviting space without spending a lot of money.