Average bathroom remodels can be pretty up there in price, but here’s some simple tips to help get you a budget-friendly bathroom remodel with the maximum value for your investment.
1.) Planning is important.
DO NOT improvise. Think beforehand about how you want to use the space
available, what materials you want to use, and just how much you’re
willing to spend. This is no area to just start the renovation with no
idea in place. And once you’ve made the plan, stick to it. Making last
minute changes and alterations adds cost, and many contractors charge
more for changing original plans.
2.) Keep the same floor plan.
Keeping the same amount of square-footage saves you time and
money, and cuts down on demolition. Make the most of the space that you
already have. Glass doors on showers and tubs open up spaces. A pedestal
sink takes up less space than a vanity. Maybe use a medicine cabinet
for storage instead of just a mirror.
3.) Make lighting a priority.
The lighting in a bathroom space will make the overall space
look better. Use two ceiling or soffit-mounted fixtures with 60/75 watts
each, and side fixtures or sconces with 150 watts each. Four bulb
lighting fixtures also work well for side lighting.
4.) Air Ventilation.
This is important as it reduces mirror fogging, slippery
bathroom floors, and mold and mildew growth. And it also improves the
air quality of your home. Excess humidity can cause cabinet damage, and
mold is often very expensive to remove. A bathroom vent and water closet
fan should exhaust the air outside, not just to the space between
ceiling joists.
5.) Additional Storage.
Finding areas for additional bathroom storage is tricky. Add
storage vertically by installing shelves over towel racks, or
multi-tiered shelf units designed to fit over toilet tanks to take
advantage of unused wall space. You can add moveable storage by adding
baskets or a floor-standing coat rack for towel storage. Add slide-out
trays to vanity cabinets.
6.) DIY Labor.
Take off some cost by doing some projects yourself. Maybe
install a window, add baseboard trim, paint the walls, install a toilet,
or add a towel bar or shelves.
7.) Use a soft color scheme.
Use neutral colors for permanent fixtures and surfaces. But add
color in small items and areas that can be easily changed. Use colorful
towels or bath rugs or add a pop of color to the walls.