How Can I Update My Bathroom in a Cost Effective Way?

Looking for ways to improve your bathroom on a budget? Fear not — it's easy if you know where to start. At Victorian Plumbing, we're here to offer plenty of advice...

8 Ways To Save Money On a Bathroom Remodel or Renovation

Introduction

If you had to pick the most expensive aspect of a home renovation, a bathroom is often a potential candidate. On average, according to our own bathroom cost estimates, it can actually cost around £8,000 to remodel an entire bathroom. If you are looking for a more fancy upgrade to your bathroom suite, the costs may well exceed that average.

After looking at how much bathroom renovations and bathroom fittings cost, you may be put off going ahead with any remodelling ideas. Do not be deterred by these big numbers though. There are plenty of money-saving tips to help you create a bathroom on a budget. Bathroom furniture and bathroom tiles are often a great way to enhance a tired bathroom.

Ways to save on a bathroom remodel

There are many different money-saving strategies and budget-friendly ideas out there. Whether you want to give your bathroom a fresh coat of paint, add features like a new shower curtain or new toilet seat or create stylish bathroom storage, simple changes can make all the difference. Cheap bathroom ideas do not have to mean bad quality.

A budget bathroom idea could include upgrading your bathroom mirror, shower head or bathroom lighting. Cheap bathroom accessories can make a statement in an easy and affordable way, whether you have a small space or a large space. Most bathrooms can incorporate a luxurious look.

1. Plan ahead

One of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating any part of their home is suddenly changing plans in the middle of a project. If you’re lucky, you could end up with a minor delay in your project with a simple change up of materials. However, if it is a huge change you are making, then you may have to fork up a large sum of money if there is no affordable alternative for a new bathroom.

The most important step you can take to avoid this is to plan your entire bathroom remodelling process properly. Even before you make your first purchase, please consider what you want and need in your new bathroom in a cost effective way. Jot down whatever you definitely need to make changes to, and then make a separate note on what you would be nice to have as an added bonus. If you are replacing an existing piece, come up with an easy solution and affordable options.

2. Keep the footprint unchanged

Did you know that there is actually a difference between remodelling and renovating? Many people confuse the two terms when it comes to doing work in their homes. Remodelling requires a large number of changes that have to be made to the whole room. Some of these bigger changes can include adjusting the room’s foundation plus the wall, existing plumbing lines or fixtures.

A renovation however, is more about freshening the look of the bathroom. This could include new lighting and light fixtures, new towels and shower curtain and toilet seat. You can update your bathroom with accessories such as soap dispensers and toothbrush holders, whilst also looking at tile grout, a top coat of paint, open shelving and drawer dividers. Expensive cabinetry could make a big difference to your bathroom. For the most part, a renovation would leave the room’s layout untouched. Other rooms follow the same principle.

3. Do the work yourself

People actually spent around 50% of their overall costs on labour. That should not come as a surprise, as labour costs can definitely rake up a substantial amount of money. The fastest way to cut costs is to be hands-on with your project and do it yourself. DIYing your own project is definitely not an easy task and many bathrooms can take longer to complete. There are certain tasks, such as shifting the plumbing lines, which should definitely be left with the professionals. By attempting it yourself, you risk putting yourself in harm's way, which could lead to pretty serious consequences.

4. Reuse existing pieces

When looking at saving on materials costs, it can be tricky. Look at your current home and note down the items that you could simply refurbish and do not require a new purchase. A little goes a long way and will add interest. Small changes such as cleaning your bath and toilet seat, or polishing up any cast iron and porcelain items could actually make your bathroom look like an entirely different spot. Polishing up your bathroom mirror and bathroom tiles makes your room look lighter and more spacious.

5. Use paint creatively

A change in your hair colour could change up your look entirely. The same goes for your bathroom. Having a different paint colour on the bathroom walls could make your bathroom look entirely different and give it a new life. Colour can truly update your bathroom, alongside textured effects, faux wallpapers and tiles. This is a good way to change your bathroom on a budget.

6. Use cheaper materials

Besides painting, there are also a few hacks when it comes to buying pieces to showcase in your bathroom. You don’t need every item in your bathroom to be of the highest quality. Instead, think of purchasing just one or two items that create a lasting impression, and then find cheaper alternatives for all the other pieces in your bathroom.

Some items that you can definitely save on would be your usage of wall tiles, flooring and bath and shower enclosures. Opt for a painted drywall. In terms of flooring, you can also choose between laminate and vinyl if you are on a tight budget, or go for the slightly more expensive wood or ceramic. There are cheap ways to improve your bathroom.

7. Shop secondhand

Many of the best bargains you can find are at a secondhand shop. Depending on the square foot of your bathroom, you can choose items such as pullout shelves, a new toilet seat, shower curtains and open shelves to improve your space.

8. Look for bargains

Another way to save on costs would be to look out for the best bargains in a range of shops and sign up for email newsletters and deals. Sales are often sent straight to your inbox, especially during seasonal promotions, so make sure you pay attention.

Conclusion

With plenty of ways to save money on your bathroom, there is no excuse not to be able to improve your look. A bathroom on a budget certainly isn't impossible.

To find out more about budgeting, why not read our recent article on bathroom renovation costs and find some quick and easy ways to update your bathroom suite.

Shop bathroom accessories

Stylish accessories can make a huge difference when updating your bathroom.

At Victorian Plumbing, you’ll discover a huge selection of finishing touches, designed to complement your style of bathroom, no matter how big or small it may be.