The fact is: a new bathroom is expensive, especially if you also have other renovation projects in mind.
Even for very small bathrooms, the costs add up quickly if you’re considering the materials used, the contractors you need to hire to make sure the job is done right and other costs that might come up depending on what you need to accomplish. In other words, you can’t be cheap when it comes to your bathroom renovation because you don’t want to have to redo it shortly.
But there are ways to make sure a bathroom is not unnecessarily expensive. We show you 14 tips and tricks to save money on the bathroom renovation – without sacrificing quality and the overall aspect.
1. Think good, not big
Granted, when you’re thinking about the bathroom of your dreams, it’s easy to go overboard, especially if you plan to tear down some walls to make the bathroom bigger or to turn another room into a bathroom.
Unfortunately, such bath enlargements are pretty much the most expensive thing you can do, apart from the costs that you will have to deal with later when setting up the new, larger bathroom. Our saving tip no. 1 is, therefore: don’t change the size of your bathroom even if you have a small one. It’s better to use the money to make it as beautiful, functional and comfortable as possible.
2. Check the price at different stores
How much is a good bathtub? A mirror cabinet? Which bathroom faucets are cheap, which are expensive? Knowledge helps you save money.
So, check various furniture stores and hardware stores, browse through catalogs and magazines, visit bathroom exhibitions – and develop a sense of what bathroom accessories are and what each piece costs. If you’re prepared you don’t have to rely completely on the recommendations of others, and you can make the best choices on your own.
3. Work with specialists
Saving money by spending it on a contractor? Yes, that’s right. You think you’re doing yourself a favor with DIY projects, but good professionals can bring more to the table than just work:
- they bring new ideas;
- they know products and prices;
- they can recommend you, other partners, to work with;
- they have expertise and experience.
All these things help you save money on your bathroom renovation. Make sure you ask for an estimate first, so you know you have the right contractor for your project.
4. Pitch in if you can
Now that you have the professionals on board, think about the smaller activities. You can also get involved and lend a hand. For example, remove wallpaper or tiles from the walls, but also remove and dispose of old ceramic parts. Important: don’t damage connections and cables that are still needed.
It’s best to talk directly to your contractor about it – professionals that are working on several jobs at once are even happy about such own initiatives, as they free up time for other projects.
5. Make smart choices with your tiles
One of the simplest ways to reduce bathroom costs is also one of the most important trends in recent years. It’s about wall tiles.
These are no longer compulsory laid in the entire bathroom, but only in the most important areas. The rest remains uncovered and you save on costs because you need fewer tiles.
6. Check for more affordable alternatives
White ceramic is cheaper than colored, rectangular tubs cheaper than round, shower walls cheaper than tiles – if you take all these things into account when choosing bath alternatives, you can often make some savings.
Therefore, be open to new things and look around: is there a product maybe cheaper in a different shape or a different color? Or can you find something similar
Maybe a completely different concept is also possible, for example by replacing a bathtub with a large shower area?
7. Less design, more quality
Even in the bathroom, it’s often the design that makes things more expensive. Don’t hesitate to choose good brands, but simpler products.
If you want to spend less without sacrificing quality, check if you can’t find even simpler models from the same brand.
And if you’re worried someone might notice that you don’t have high-end designer faucets, here’s a secret: most people are not at all interested in what items others have at home. And if they do, then few of them can really differentiate a sophisticated design piece from a low-cost brand item.
8. Save money online – but the right way
Bathroom furniture and fittings are often much cheaper in online shops than in specialty stores. Our tip is, therefore: look what you can buy online in terms of bathroom equipment.
Also, clarify with your contractor what the service costs without and with the material. Often, the labor cost is more expensive, if no materials are provided – in such a case, it is essential to consider which solution is less expensive.
9. Go for green alternatives
No, not the wall color, but the bathroom equipment.
It should not only be affordable in the purchase but also save electricity and water in the long run.
Here are some suggestions for a “green” bathroom:
- tiles and showers with easy-care surfaces – save cleaning materials, water and plenty of time.;
- LED lights for good bathroom lighting;
- an economical shower head and water-saving fittings;
- a smaller bathtub – less water, same comfort.
10. Good quality saves money
Look for all the important things in the bathroom not only at the price but at the quality.
If your faucet is still tight in 5 or 10 years, your shower doors close properly and the bathtub is as beautiful as on the first day – then you have really saved something.
And one more thing: never buy bathroom equipment just because it’s cheap. Find out what’s good and if you like it, buy it at the best price. So you really saved and not only bought cheap stuff.
11. Timeless instead of trendy
Latest trends cost a lot of money – precisely because they are new.
Avoid buying things for the bathroom that are currently” in”, but look for timelessly beautiful models, even if they have been around for a while.
12. Cherish what you already have
Before you buy new bathroom equipment, see if you can’t use some of the things you already have.
One or two beautiful mirrors, which were originally intended for the living area, give new bathrooms often much more charm than a normal square bathroom mirror.
You can even use old cabinets, provided that they are treated accordingly against moisture and have a fresh coat of paint. Just look around before you start shopping- you have nothing to lose.
If you want to renovate your bathroom or have other renovation projects planned, the GoodDeal Remodeling will take care of the rest. Our experienced team is specialized in bathroom remodeling, but you can also contact us for any other home remodeling project you have in mind.