During the course of your remodel, you'll make endless decisions, both large and modest. Every ane of those decisions is an opportunity to save money! And when you add it all up, those savings tin can corporeality to thousands of dollars.

This guide will help you identify cost-saving opportunities at every pace of the renovation process.

Main sections of this guide:

  • Smart Planning
  • The Process
  • Savings-Oriented Mindset
  • Cost-Saving Strategies
  • Bathroom Components
    • Showers
    • Bathtubs
    • Toilets
    • Sinks
    • Faucets
    • Countertops
    • Cabinets & Shelves
    • Lighting
    • Flooring
    • Walls
  • When to Splurge
  • Avert In-Progress Changes

Smart Planning

Smart planning results in fewer delays, fewer upkeep-breaking purchases, and fewer unforeseen bumps in the route.

Begin the process by taking the time to consider:

  • User Needs: Who uses the bathroom? Is the bathroom satisfying everyone's needs? What needs to change? What can make things better?
  • Wish Listing: What are your "wants," and which of those "wants" are most important?

For help, check out our comprehensive Bathroom Remodel Planning Guide – it volition assistance you think through what you lot need and what you want from your bathroom remodel.

The Process

Bath remodel planning is a process – information technology takes time to identify and choose between all the products, styles, colors, surfaces and features you similar most. It also takes organization to keep rail of it all. That's why upkeep planning worksheets are then helpful. A planning worksheet allows you to keep track of multiple options as yous work through your process.

Then, once you lot've identified the products you similar best, you can then view them all in a single worksheet, and starting time to make choices about the best ways to allocate your budget.

Download the Bathroom Remodel Planning Worksheet

Savings-Oriented Mindset

Not surprisingly, consumers with a savings-oriented mindset tend to save more during a remodel. Those who focus primarily on "what I want my new bathroom to expect like" will invariably spend more.

Of form, everyone wants their remodel to look great! The key is to spend less and all the same get the results you desire. That takes a sure mindset every bit you work through the many choices you lot volition face.

Approaching each decision with an eye towards assessing value, comparing options, and finding creative ways to spend less while getting more, should exist the operating style of any smart remodeler!

Toll-Saving Strategies

Allow's start with the big picture: bones strategies for saving money.

Listen your Bathroom's "Footprint"

The single best mode to save coin on your remodel is to retain your bathroom'due south footprint. Said another way – don't make changes to the existing infrastructure of your bathroom.

The "footprint" – as discussed in our Bathroom Remodel Planning Guide – is your bath's bones layout and construction. It includes:

  • the foundation,
  • walls – peculiarly load-bearing walls,
  • sinks,
  • plumbing,
  • fixtures like toilets, shower, and bath,
  • doors,
  • electrical wiring.

Changing the footprint – for example, moving a toilet or switching from a tub to a shower – may exist required to achieve your dream bathroom. Just know that changing or modifying whatsoever of these elements will add substantial toll, so only take this stride if you're certain the added expense is worth information technology to you.

If your chief goal is upgrading the look and feel of the room, there are ways to change the advent of the room without changing its footprint. If the bath feels too small, think about changes like: painting the walls a lighter color, irresolute a shower curtain to a glass door, and adding a skylight for more natural light. Some of those changes would add expense, but it would be less expense than moving walls!

Staged Remodel

A staged remodel refers to spacing out the work over fourth dimension. This splits your costs over multiple timeframes, so expenses don't all get in in 1 concentrated bunch.

A staged remodel too offers the ability to learn from each step in the process. This can be specially helpful for first fourth dimension remodelers, since any learning from early stages tin exist applied to later stages.

For experienced DIY'ers who are accepted to completing projects as time and budget allows, a staged remodel might feel similar "second nature." However, we exercise not advise attempting a major bathroom remodel on your own unless you lot actually know your fashion around current laws and local ordinances, and take expertise in everything from load-bearing walls to plumbing and electrical.

Ane great option for DIY'ers who want to practice some of the work themselves: bring in a handyman, specialty builder or contractor for the more avant-garde components of the job, and do the remaining piece of work yourself in dissever stages.

If you remember a staged remodel might be right for you, make certain to be clear nearly information technology with potential contractors. Some contractors will exist reluctant to have on jobs that happen over fourth dimension. They prefer to get the piece of work done equally chop-chop equally possible, and move on to the side by side project. If yous find a contractor who is flexible, they may exist able to fit your work in between their other jobs every bit time allows. This could be a "win-win" for both parties.

Timely Decisions & Deliveries

Ii mutual causes of remodeling delays and cost overages are:

  • homeowners making likewise many last-minute decisions on everything from product choices, to materials, to paint colors;
  • failing to program ahead on delivery dates for products and materials purchased by the homeowner.

Consider what would happen if the product and style you want is out of stock when it's needed? Or you can't discover any a light fixture you like, having left your shopping to the last minute? Or what if you must pay more than in order to get your materials by a certain date, because the atomic number 82 time y'all immune wasn't long plenty?

Homeowners too experience more pressure when forced to make important decisions on the spot. Don't permit this happen to you.

Lesser line: exercise as much upfront planning and shopping as y'all tin, and so that when the time comes, the items you desire are either on manus, or ready to be delivered at a moment's notice. Good contractors volition help you with this, only information technology's always wise to be thinking about it yourself, and keeping track of deadlines.

Hire Professionals, Relieve Money

Yep, that's correct. It may seem counterintuitive, simply hiring professionals early on in your remodel process might actually save you lot money.

Who y'all hire, and how you hire them, depends on your needs.

For larger jobs … discussing your plans with building and/or design professionals (and maybe hiring ane of them) will help ensure that your blueprint, budget, and timeline are realistic – which in turn helps you avoid cost overruns. Many of the problems on remodels happen because of lack of noesis. Pros tin help you lot with that.

Additionally, when looking for maximum savings – and if the size of your job justifies a contractor –some contractors offer discounts during dull seasons, especially around the offset of the new year's day. Conversely, it's all-time to avoid tiptop times like the superlative of the summer, and the pre-vacation rush between September and December. During peak times, contractors are more booked up, costs are college, and deliveries will be slower.

If your remodel is modest only you'd still like some professional help … look into hiring a bathroom designer for a few hours, and and then rely on an experienced handyman to practice the construction. Bathroom designers can bring a wealth of noesis and inspiration to a job, for a relatively small-scale fee.

Shop Efficiently

Where and how you shop for your bathroom components can relieve y'all hundreds, if non thousands, of dollars!

For example, if yous find a bathroom tile that you lot like, check websites similar Craigslist, eBay, or Nextdoor to see if anyone is selling the same or like item for less. Likewise: visit local tile shops. Many times you will detect two brands offering very similar designs and colors at considerably unlike prices.

When shopping online, make sure you cistron in the cost of aircraft. Some sites volition offer complimentary aircraft, but you accept to spend a certain amount to receive that perk. You may too have the ability to pick upward your purchases in shop, which can save yous money.

If yous are purchasing multiple items from ane place, ask for volume discounts, and find out if the store honors toll match guarantees.

Some other tip: visit antiquarian stores, flea markets, resellers, and auctions. You can find astonishing items that tin be used equally is, or refinished to match your overall look and feel, and nonetheless relieve you coin. Yous can even find salve cast iron tubs, lighting fixtures, sinks, and vanities – unique pieces that might fit your needs at a lower cost.

With a little imagination, y'all tin enjoy the added bonus of having something in your bathroom that no ane else has.

Bath Components

Next, nosotros offer some specifics on all the things you'll demand to refurbish, replace or add in your new bathroom:

Shower

At that place are just a few main parts to a shower:

  • walls, often tile,
  • floor, also often tile;
  • faucets and shower head;
  • mantle or doors;
  • other fittings, like caddies, soap holders, etc.

Let'southward have them one at a fourth dimension:

Shower Walls

Basically, yous have two choices: refurbish/refinish existing shower walls, or replace them. To save money, refurbish if yous can. If you tin't refurbish, you can still make smart, cost-saving choices from amidst your replacement options.

Refurbish Existing Walls – Tile

If your shower walls are tile, and the tiles are in reasonably good shape, and you similar the color, and then focus on bringing those existing tiles dorsum to life. A good, thorough cleaning always helps, and that includes the grout. There are numerous grout cleaners on the market, merely do a little searching online.

You may likewise need to patch the grout, since it deteriorates over time. Again, you lot'll find options online.

Once the grout is restored to its former glory, accept a look at it: Does the grout color piece of work well with the tile? Darker grouts cannot be altered much, but lighter-colored grouts tin can be darkened or colored, frequently to excellent result! For case, if y'all have medium-to-dark colored tiles and pale grout, the grout lines may seem too pronounced. That's easily addressed with a grout coloring product that you can utilize yourself, and there are quite a few colors to choose from.

Refurbish Existing Walls – Other Surfaces

If your shower walls are not tiled, and your bathroom has not been updated in a while, the surface is probable to be some sort of acrylic or fiberglass. Patching treatments are available online.

On the off-chance that the shower walls are stucco or plaster, you're meliorate off replacing or roofing those materials, since they are prone to mold and mildew attacks.

Replace Existing Walls

If the existing shower walls are across redemption, your choices are not constrained to tile or fiberglass anymore! And even inside those categories, options take expanded. Here are the basic choices, from to the lowest degree to most expensive…

Fiberglass and Acrylic Panels

Fiberglass and acrylic panels come in big sheets, may include shower pans, and practise include seals for corners. Installation is relatively straightforward. This material is non as long-lasting every bit tiles, but it comes at a fraction of the cost.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles remain a groovy option – as they have since … forever! Tiles found in mid-century homes are usually fabricated from these materials. However, gimmicky ceramic and porcelain tiles at present also come in larger sizes, which ways less grouting. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are long-lasting, relatively like shooting fish in a barrel to clean, and come in an endless diverseness of styles, colors and finishes.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are much newer on the scene than the other shower wall options. Because they are made of glass, they tend to exist a little "shimmery" which adds a nice translucent appearance to the shower. These tiles are slightly easier to clean than most other surfaces, but are as well more delicate, so a little care is required during installation. Glass tiles are typically more than expensive than ceramic or porcelain tiles.

→ Note: Considering glass is slippery when wet, we would advise against using drinking glass tiles for floor of any kind.

Stone Tiles

Stone tiles come in every bit many varieties and colors as nature offers, though some kinds of rock are better suited to the shower environment than others. Pop choices include marble, granite, onyx, travertine and sandstone. Because stone is a natural material, stone tiles perform all-time when sealed. If not sealed, they are prone to staining and occasional rust.

Stone tiling is generally the well-nigh expensive selection, so in the context of saving money, you'll need to borrow from another line in the budget if you cull this choice!

Shower Floors

The options for shower floors are the aforementioned as for walls, with ane major caveat: Since safety is a prime concern, you will want a floor that is NOT slippery. That implies the use of fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic or stone tiles. Mix and match flooring materials and wall materials to your eye'due south content!

Shower Curtains and Doors

When saving money is the primary goal, apply a decorative shower drape instead of a glass enclosure. Not only are shower curtains much cheaper, they can heighten the overall color scheme for the space, add personality, and be hands changed equally the bathroom evolves over time.

Take a look at these shower curtain alternatives …

Shower Heads and Handles

Shower heads and handles range from simple and inexpensive, to luxurious and expensive. Let y'all tastes and your upkeep be your guide. Happily, you will find some great, low-cost options out at that place.

Hither are a few options to think nearly…

The Lowest-Cost Option

When remodeling a bathroom, many consumers will buy a complete hardware ready from one brand, consisting of: shower caput(south), hot/common cold water handle(south), and a tub spout if it's a shower/tub combo – to ensure that everything matches.

Nonetheless, for the very budget conscious, you tin option up a archetype shower head from almost any local hardware store, disbelieve retailer, or our own BHG Store for every bit little equally $10-$20:

Most of these items will provide expert water flow and dispersion, and last a long fourth dimension. (Water dispersion is important so that y'all don't take a sharp stream of H2o diggings you first thing in the morning.)

If you do opt for a shower head similar the ones above, you could proceed your existing handles and spouts in place … and the job's done. Worst case, friction match new handles to the great new shower head yous simply plant!

Lower-Cost Brands and Retailers

For those wanting a consummate matching set of hardware, you'll find a wide range of brands and materials at varying levels of quality and sturdiness.

Less expensive fixtures tend to be fabricated with a greater number of plastic parts, and you lot won't always know what'due south inside the hardware. But, yous tin can assume that cheaper options imply less expensive materials. That said, plastic doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality…it may merely not last as long equally some more than substantial, mainly-metal fixtures.

You'll accept to store around to get a experience for the brand and mode options that adjust you best, merely information technology'due south not that hard to find low cost fixtures.

DIY Installation

Most shower heads tin can exist easily installed yourself, as long as the pipes leading through and behind the wall are in adept shape and firmly fixed in place. This is a slap-up option for saving coin for the DIY crowd.

Multi-Caput Shower Systems

Function of saving money is making sure that yous don't unintentionally increase costs. If y'all want to install a multi-head shower organization, you will too need to assess your water pressure level, because dissimilar shower types require different amounts of water pressure to function properly.

You may also demand a bigger h2o heater to brand sure you don't run out of hot water likewise apace. Alternatively, some homeowners opt to install on-demand water heaters to ensure that they don't run out of hot water.

On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters

Purchasing an on-need, tankless water heater may sound like a spendy choice, merely tankless water heaters are more efficient than water tanks, since tankless models only oestrus water on an every bit-needed ground, whereas standard water heater tanks must keep water hot around the clock. For households in which nobody is effectually much of the 24-hour interval, the savings can be significant.

Contact a local tankless h2o heater installation business firm to learn more

Bathtubs

Like showers, bathtubs come in a variety of styles, materials and prices. Since tubs are substantially one unified piece, your all-time option is simply to store around for the combination of fabric, size, fashion and toll that fits your needs.

From least to most expensive, bathtub options are:

  • Basic – Even with this option you have choices. The larger the footprint of the tub, and the higher the walls, the more than expensive the tub.
  • Bathtub/Shower Combination - A bathtub coupled with a shower, to keep everyone happy.
  • Deep Soaker Tub - This tub is deeper, simply typically smaller than the standard tub. Soakers are a great choice for a spa-like retreat in your bathroom, but non a upkeep selection.
  • Corner Soaker Tub - A corner tub will save infinite, but withal requite yous the relaxing benefits of a soaker tub.
  • Freestanding Tub - A freestanding tub is a argument piece for the room. Mutual materials for freestanding tubs include acrylic, porcelain-coated cast fe, copper, fiberglass, stone resin, or wood.
  • Jetted Tub - A tub offers users a jacuzzi-like experience. However, jetted tubs take fallen out of favor in recent years given the purchase price, the dissonance they produce, and the cost of upkeep.

If your desire is to refurbish a deteriorated tub, consider a custom-fitted tub wrap. Tub wraps fit seamlessly over existing tubs, and unlike showers (where it's hard to duplicate the appearance of tiles and grout with a liner), tub wraps are unmarried pieces with no seems – merely like the original bath – so they are much harder to detect.

DIY Tile Removal

Bath tile tin can exist as part of a bath, a shower, room walls, and/or flooring. If you lot decide that some or all of it needs replacing, and y'all have the ability, consider removing it yourself – peradventure with the assistance of a local helper – can be much cheaper than having a contractor exercise this work.

Toilets

New toilets easily cost a few hundred dollars or more. Hither are some ways to save…

Toilet Seats

Often, information technology's not the entire toilet that needs replacing, it's only the seat that has become worn. If that's the case, changing out your toilet seat and lid can make your toilet appear new, at a fraction of the price.

And consider using some of the money you save, to buy a cocky-closing seat hat, which adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom, for minimal incremental cost ...

New Toilet

If you do need (or want) an entirely new toilet, you tin still find means to save:

  • Round toilets are cheaper than elongated toilets, so consider the size of those using the bathroom, and also, the size and space of the room itself.
  • I-piece toilets are cheaper than two-piece toilets, and easier to install, which saves money. However, if repairs are needed, one-piece toilets may need to be replaced entirely. With a two-piece toilet, you may be able to replace but part of information technology. In other words, two-slice toilets can exist easier and cheaper to repair.
  • Dual-flush toilets can save on water costs. Every time you flush, yous're spending money on water. Dual-flushing and h2o-efficient toilets conserve water and reduce water bills.
  • Wall-hung toilets are another option, and newer on the scene. But, if toll saving is your goal, avoid this pick. The tank is inside the wall, which makes both installation and repair more than plush.

Sinks

If y'all have an existing sink that is yet in good condition, information technology may exist possible to repair it.

If yous need a new sink, they come up in a multitude of mounting options, styles and costs, so the best approach is to empathize what mounting selection you need – height mount/self-rimming, undermount, vessel, wall mount, panel or pedestal – and and then explore toll and mode options from there.

Faucets

Like sinks, faucets come up in a variety of materials, designs, and prices. They can be purchased online, at home improvement stores, or appliance outlets.

A faucet tin can be a focal indicate of the room or a unproblematic, functional slice that blends with the overall decor. Merely y'all can determine if this is an area y'all desire to splurge on.

Tip: When you're shopping, brand sure you know how many faucet holes your sink gear up-upwardly requires: it can exist i, ii, 3 or four.

Countertops

Countertops are ane of the more expensive items in any bathroom remodel, and thus represent an opportunity to save money!

There are many considerations when choosing countertops: textile, space and shape, durability, style and color.

1 of the best ways to save money on countertops is via material option. Withal, keep in mind that even within a given cloth type, toll differences can exist dramatic, so it pays to visit showrooms.

Here's a run-downwardly of the well-nigh popular materials and costs, from cheaper to more expensive.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile ($2-100 / Sq. Ft.)

Ceramic and porcelain tile comes in a wide range of options. To relieve as much as possible, visit local retailers and discounters to compare colors, styles and costs.

Ceramic is generally cheaper than porcelain, then go the ceramic route if possible.

→ Special Note: Avoid having tiles shipped. Because of the weight, tile shipping costs tin exist prohibitive.

Laminate ($xx-$60 / Sq. Ft.)

The look of laminates has evolved radically over time. Laminates can give the appearance of granite, marble, forest and other surfaces. Most laminates are very affordable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

You tin too buy prefabricated laminate countertops that are easy to place in your bathroom, and relieve on installation fees.

Crushed Glass ($50-130 / Sq. Ft.)

Crushed glass countertops are fabricated from recycled crushed glass, embedded in either acrylic or concrete. This unique bath countertop pick is standing to gain popularity. The downside of crushed glass countertops is need for occasional sealing. These countertops can too be difficult to repair if cracked or damaged.

Solid Surface ($fifty-150 / Sq. Ft.)

Solid surface materials and brands – e.g., Corian – offer a make clean, sleek and contemporary expect. They come in a wide array of colors, and toll less than rock.

Concrete ($70-160 / Sq. Ft.)

Concrete has get a popular countertop material for bathrooms. Bath countertop physical is often stained and highly polished. The surface can even be texturized, or embedded with tile, stone, or bits of polished glass. Concrete countertops must be fabricated and installed past professionals.

Quartz ($100-260 / Sq. Ft.)

Quartz countertops are an engineered rock product fabricated primarily from basis-up quartz, molded into slabs. They come in a variety of styles, and the colors will appear more uniform than traditional stones. Quartz countertops are potent and stain-resistant, but they are among the about expensive.

Natural Stone ($50-300 / Sq. Ft.)

Natural stone countertops include granite, marble, slate, soapstone, limestone, travertine, and onyx. Natural stone gives a modernistic feel, simply comes with a high price tag.

In one case you know what kind of material you similar about, look for opportunities to save:

  • Speak with local supply stores to see if they have your material – slabs or tiles – leftover from bigger jobs. Sometimes retailers will offer you discounted prices on remnant supplies. It doesn't take much cloth to construct a bathroom counter!
  • Also, enquire your contractor virtually remnant materials that may be on manus.
  • Many countertop materials also come up in prefabricated slabs, precut and finished in common sizes, colors and configurations. If your counter shape is relatively standard, this option might work.
  • Consider tiles instead of slabs. Many gimmicky countertop materials come up in both slabs and tiles … and tiles are a lot cheaper.
  • If you lot like natural rock, look for affordable grades, and again, be on the spotter for remnants.
  • Avoid fancy edge finishes on stone and prefabricated materials: bull-olfactory organ and beveled edges add together to your price.
  • Get as many estimates every bit you can, to compare prices and find the best deal. Brand certain the estimates include any cutting and finishing work required, plus aircraft and delivery costs, taxes, and installation.

Cabinets & Shelves

If yous have existing cabinets that simply need to be refreshed, consider refurbishing: painting or re-staining will easily save you hundreds of dollars or more.

If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, but the doors have seen improve days, replace only the doors. This is a good job for a handyman.

If you do want to completely replace existing cabinets, or add more storage with additional cabinets, here are some cost-saving options to consider instead of going with all-new, custom cabinets:

Open up, Standing Shelves

Continuing shelves are platonic for saving coin and adding storage infinite. For private bath items, add together covered baskets on high shelves.

Wall-Mounted Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves tin can be placed backside the toilet, or on open up walls, and used for storage, or equally decor.

Stock/Pre-fabricated Cabinets

The almost affordable option for new cabinetry is stock cabinetry. Stock cabinets are bachelor in standard sizes and finishes, but are non customizable. Yous can all the same brand some adjustments to these cabinets afterward you install them.

Semi-Custom, Prepare-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets

With this manner of cabinetry, you will choose from existing designs, materials, finishes and configurations. The more options y'all choose, the more than expense is added. Semi-custom cabinets are popular because they offering customizable features at a more affordable price point than fully custom options. They can besides exist installed by handy DIY-ers.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are made to order with your desired dimensions, materials, and finishes. They are the most expensive option for cabinetry, but they as well volition concluding longer and await exactly as you want. Installation needs to exist completed by the chiffonier maker or a contractor.

The material you choose for your cabinetry also impacts the price. Nigh cabinets are constructed of wood, laminate or thermofoil:

Laminates and Thermofoil

These options are more than affordable, and come in a large diverseness of colors and designs. Laminate or thermofoil cabinets are piece of cake to make clean, but may experience degradation over time.

Wood

If you want wood cabinets, consider alder, maple, oak or pino which are usually less expensive than cherry, mahogany, and walnut. Exotic woods are the most expensive.

Boosted means to save coin on bathroom cabinetry include:

  • Make Selection - Some brands are more expensive, simply not necessarily higher quality or a better fit for your space. Do your research!
  • Time of Yr - If possible, shop for cabinets in tardily fall or early winter. Wearisome seasons mean that some suppliers offer discounts and sales.
  • Door Styles - Flat and slab doors are less expensive than doors with raised panels, wood insets or glass insets.
  • Drawers vs. Pullouts - Pullouts toll more than drawers. Every bit an culling to pullouts, add sliders to your chiffonier shelves and yous'll have essentially the aforementioned functionality that pullouts offering.
  • Hardware - Hardware includes cabinet knobs, handles, and pulls. Shop around. Compare prices and styles. You may notice options y'all like for a fraction of the price of other, like options.

Lighting

Poor and unflattering low-cal is a mutual problem in older bathrooms, so it's non surprising that lighting is ane of the first things people want to change in a bathroom renovation.

Lighting is not the most fruitful area when it comes to saving coin, but we practise accept a few tips:

  • Light Pigment Colors

    When a bath feels too dark, some homeowners conclude that a skylight or additional windows are the answer. And if the budget allows, adding more natural calorie-free is always a cracking pick. But start, consider the room'southward current color scheme. Walls that are mid-tone or dark in color suck up a tremendous corporeality of low-cal. Yous might be surprised at the extent to which only painting the bathroom a lighter colour will solve your problem.

  • Solar Tubes Vs. Skylights

    If you lot are considering calculation a skylight, await at solar tubes instead (also referred to equally light tubes or sun tunnels) Solar tubes offer similar calorie-free features to skylights, just come at roughly half the cost, and are easier to install.

  • Store Around for Lite Fixtures

    Bathroom light fixtures come in all shapes, sizes and costs, so shop around. The BHG Shop offers hundreds of thousands of bath light fixture options, plus filters to confine your search to sales and/or specific price points – all designed to help you save!

    Also, when planning bath lighting, go on in listen that recessed ceiling lighting is 1 of the more expensive choices you can make … so be aware of that, if saving money is a chief consideration.

  • Inexpensive Mood Lighting

    Indirect mood lighting, using LED strips, is an often overlooked option in bathrooms. LED strips can exist added at the base of cabinets (if the kick console is recessed), inside of open cabinets, or under shelving. The resulting glow from this kind of lighting can add involvement and elegance to whatever bathroom environment.

Flooring

The three all-time means to save on bathroom flooring during a remodel are: refurbish rather than supervene upon, do part of the job DIY if you lot tin, and, if you go with new flooring, be a smart and patient shopper because materials, quality and costs vary widely.

Refurbish vs. Supplant

Sometimes it'due south piece of cake to write off an old floor equally dated or out of shape when all it really needs is refurbishment. Tile floors can exist cleaned, and grout can exist cleaned and stained for a more contemporary await. Forest floors can exist refinished.

DIY

If yous demand to replace the flooring, determine if you can exercise it yourself. Removing existing floor isn't always a walk in the park, merely if yous tin can manage it, information technology'll save yous hundreds of dollars.

If You Become With New Flooring, Shop Wisely

The styles, quality and cost of flooring vary widely, so this is an expanse where thoughtful research and smart shopping pay big dividends. Take the time to detect what fabric(s) you like, look for remnants, expect for sales, and compare brands.

Since the range of flooring quality and costs varies so widely, it'south nearly incommunicable to provide a detailed summary costs by material type. For case, wood floor materials cost from $3-$20+ sq/ft; tile floors from $1-$eight sq/ft.

To become you going, hither is a very general breakdown of the cost ranges by material:

Low-Cost Materials: laminate, linoleum, and vinyl.

Mid-Cost Materials: hardwood boards, engineered wood boards, ceramic tile and carpet.

High-Cost Range: stone (granite, marble, limestone, slate, and travertine).

Other shopping tips for flooring include:

  • Select from on-site inventory rather than ordering.
  • Purchase and ship the floor materials yourself (or take the retailer evangelize). This will salve you the expense of having your contractor get the materials.
  • Try to store in late autumn or early wintertime for the best prices, and call back you lot can always try to negotiate pricing.

Walls

Near bathroom wall surfaces consist of some combination of paint, wood paneling, and/or tile. Wallpaper can work, only isn't the about practical choice given the higher levels of moisture found in bathroom environments.

Painted walls is most invariably the cheapest option. Wood paneling is in the middle, in part due to lower installation costs. And tile is generally the most expensive choice.

When redoing bath wall surfaces other than straightforward re-painting, here are a few cost saving ideas.

  • If new tile is beingness installed, consider tiling simply around the tub and shower, using drywall and paint for the rest of the room.
  • If y'all want to extend the tile beyond your bathroom/shower boundaries, tile only certain patches of the wall for decorative effect, or keep wall tiling at waist-loftier levels.
  • If you already have tile on your existing walls, but don't wish to retain information technology, rather than tearing it out, build forest panels/wainscoting on summit of the tile. That saves on demolition costs, and retains the choice to recover those tiles at a afterwards date.
  • DIY annihilation yous tin, from painting to demolition to full or partial installation.

Fans

Fans come in a multifariousness of prices, but the most expensive options may not be correct for your needs, so decide what works best for your state of affairs, and don't pay for features you don't need.

For instance, yous can splurge on an ultra-quiet fan unit, only installing a mid-range fan can save money, and, offer added audio privacy.

Fans with a timer can run for a period of time after yous bathe, then shut off.

Some fans fifty-fifty offer humidity sensors to ability on, so yous don't rely on kids or guests to continue moisture levels down. That feature costs more than in the short term, but helps to maintain the quality of walls and surfaces over time.

When to Splurge

What fun is a bathroom remodel without at least a couple splurge purchases? Hither are some ways to go the nigh bang for your cadet:

  • Splurge on ane or two big, noticeable items: your bathroom countertop for example, or the soaking tub you've always dreamed of.
  • Splurge on small things that can actually make a difference. Examples include sconces effectually the mirror, loftier finish faucets, or plush new towels.

Avert In-Progress Job Changes!

Job changes during structure are expensive, and a primary reason why experts advise having a cushion in your upkeep.

Nobody tin can completely avert in-progress changes, just thoughtful upfront planning, conscientious budgeting, and a willingness to stay engaged in the process, go a long way towards reducing preventable changes.

And of grade, some in-progress changes are good. But when work is delayed simply because a homeowner didn't think through fixture and faucet choices, wall colors, or where the electrical outlets should get, nobody wins.

Plan ahead and stay engaged to save money on your bath remodel. You volition be happier with the terminate results if you lot do!