Too many people think that remodeling a bathroom will be over-the-top expensive. While it’s important to plan a budget and save a reasonable amount of money for a renovation project, you can easily find ways to completely transform your bathroom on a strict budget.
Let’s go over a few cost-effective tips that bathroom remodeling professionals recommend for those looking to upgrade their bathroom without overspending.
Choose affordable alternatives
Swapping affordable alternatives for pricey fixtures and materials can help you keep costs down while still creating a stylish, functional bathroom. Here are some more affordable materials and techniques to consider for your remodel:
Cost-effective wall options
Instead of traditional tiles, you can choose more affordable materials, including the following:
- Paint: Painting a bathroom averages about $150 to $400 for a small bathroom or $250 to $1,500+ for a larger bathroom. It’s typically $1 to $3 per square foot for the walls.
- Fiberglass panels: Fiberglass is a lightweight and strong material that’s relatively inexpensive and can be formed to suit any bathroom need. It can be coated in different colors and is typically one-half the cost of ceramic tile and easier to keep clean.
- Acrylic panels: Waterproof and low-maintenance, acrylic panels are perfect for bathrooms. They can be installed with basic tools and cost less than tiles.
Cost-effective floor options
Bathroom flooring can get pricey, but there are several affordable alternatives that the can work for your bathroom. Consider these budget-friendly materials:
- Engineered wood: If you love the look of hardwood but need something more moisture-resistant, engineered wood is a great choice. It costs $4 to $7 per square foot and can be installed using glue or nails.
- Peel-and-stick tile: These tiles mimic the look of ceramic or stone but cost significantly less at around $1 to $5 per square foot. They’re easy to install and replace.
- Laminate flooring: Quick and easy to install, laminate flooring snaps into place and costs just $1 to $4 per square foot.
Cost-effective countertop options
Bathroom countertops don’t have to be made of expensive stone. You can still achieve a modern, high-end look by choosing affordable materials:
- Laminate: A popular budget option, laminate countertops come in various styles and colors, and they can mimic the look of stone or wood. Prices range from $10 to $30 per square foot.
- Solid surface: Durable and seamless, solid surface countertops are made from acrylic or polyester materials and offer a smooth finish. They typically cost between $35 and $80 per square foot.
- Concrete: For an industrial, modern look, consider concrete countertops. These are more affordable than marble or granite and cost around $50 to $150 per square foot.
Reorganize your bathroom
Refreshing your bathroom doesn’t always require a full renovation — sometimes, a little reorganization can work wonders. By making smart use of your space, even small bathrooms can feel more open and functional. Here are more budget-friendly ways to reorganize your bathroom:
- Install shelves: If you have unused wall space above your toilet or beside the vanity, install shelves to maximize storage. Use them for toiletries, decorative items, or plants to add some personality.
- Add a towel rack or ladder: Instead of taking up valuable counter or cabinet space, install a towel rack or use a decorative ladder to hang towels. This keeps them neatly organized and off the floor while adding a stylish touch.
- Incorporate over-the-toilet storage: Maximize vertical space by installing an over-the-toilet cabinet or shelving unit. This simple addition provides extra storage for toiletries, towels, or decorative accents without occupying floor space.
- Use stackable bins or baskets: Stackable bins or baskets can be used inside cabinets or under the sink to store cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, or makeup. They help keep items organized and accessible without crowding the space.
- Mount a shower caddy or organizer: Instead of cluttering your bathtub or shower ledge with shampoo bottles and soap, invest in a hanging shower caddy or wall-mounted organizer. This frees up space and keeps everything neatly in place.
- Install hooks: Add wall hooks for bathrobes, hair dryers, or loofahs to keep them off the counters and out of the way. This also creates easy-to-reach storage that frees up valuable drawer space.
Focus on the details
Sometimes, you don’t need a full renovation. Focusing on a few small details will add refreshing accents and show efforts toward an upgraded bathroom.
Add small finishing touches:
- Swap out the mirror or medicine cabinet: If you have room in your budget, upgrade your mirror or medicine chest. You can find affordable, gently used ones online for a stylish yet cost-effective option.
- Upgrade cabinet hardware: New cabinet knobs or pulls can instantly modernize your vanity. Choose options that match your overall design theme for a cohesive look.
- Replace old windows: If you have older windows, replacing them with energy-efficient models can add comfort and style while also helping to reduce utility costs in the long run.
- Upgrade lighting fixtures: Change outdated lighting for brighter, modern fixtures that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic. You don’t have to spend much to make a big impact.
- Install a new mirror: Swapping out an old mirror for a new one can make your bathroom feel larger and brighter.
- Install a new shower door: Replacing an old, worn-out shower door can make a world of difference. Just making this one small change can make your bathroom look brand new.
Additional tips
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can refresh your space while sticking to a budget. By shopping second-hand, tackling DIY projects, and making strategic upgrades, you can achieve a fresh look without the hefty price tag of a full renovation.
Here are a few more tips to help you transform your bathroom affordably:
- Shop second-hand: Consider browsing platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for budget-friendly fixture replacements. You can often find gently used or vintage vanities or shelving at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
- Repaint the vanity: A new coat of paint can breathe life into an old vanity. Use semi-gloss latex paint, which is ideal for moisture-prone environments. Be sure to prep your cabinets, cover the doors and drawers, and finish with a shiny topcoat for durability.
- Change the countertop: Replacing the entire countertop can be costly, but peel-and-stick alternatives offer an affordable option. These materials mimic the look of marble, are waterproof, and are easy to install yourself.
Overview
In reality, bathroom remodels don’t have to be too costly. They don’t even need to be completed all in one go. Even making a few affordable upgrades can transform your bathroom.
You can also spread out your remodel into multiple phases to manage costs and reduce disruption. You can start by tackling essential updates like fixtures, lighting, or repainting. Later, you can move on to bigger projects, such as replacing the vanity, retiling, or upgrading the shower. This approach allows you to prioritize what matters most and budget for each phase separately, giving you time to save or find the perfect materials at a lower cost.
If you’re ready to start on a bathroom remodel, don’t forget to look into other things you should know before remodeling so you go into the project fully prepared. Remember, even small changes can make a big impact on your bathroom.
