Spruce up your bathroom on a budget

Bathrooms hold a special pace in every house. Apart from its basic function, it is a go to place to grab a few minutes of peace and just be by yourself amidst the daily hustle and bustle of routine life. Such a multipurpose place deserves your personal attention and effort. As detailed in the 2019 remodeling report from the National Association of Realtors, 70 percent of consumers reported an increased desire to be back home after the successful remodeling of their bathroom which amped up the functionality and livability by up to 35 percent.

Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a designer to spruce up your bathroom, you need to answer a few questions to avoid straying away from your needs and budget. This will also help your designer to understand your requirements and tastes in a better way. The result will be a more functional and attractive bathroom without spending a fortune.

How much space do you have to work with?

The layout of your bathroom and the size of the bathroom hardware like tub, toilet and sink will depend on this.

What is your budget?

It is better to plan your budget before than to regret your spending later. Budgeting your bathroom remodel keeps the reigns of your project in your hands.

Who will be using the bathroom?

This would help in considering the needs and tastes of all the members of the family who will be using the bathroom.

What do you do not like about your current bathroom?

Being specific is the first step towards a bathroom of your dreams. If you know what you don’t like, you can change it.

Bathroom remodeling often takes a toll on homeowners in terms of high costs and efforts involved. Here, we will be sharing some budget friendly bathroom upgrade ideas to give you more bang for your buck.

  1. Replace the faucet in your sink with a new one: This is a budget friendly hack is used by most of the bathroom designers and DIYers working on a shoestring budget. Instead of replacing the whole sink and vanity, just replace the faucet with an updated option to give a contemporary look to your bathroom. D301122BN – Gerber is a drip free, easy to install faucet with a sleek design. It does not compromise on style while staying on budget.

 

  1. Clean and refill caulk and grout: Caulk and grout often go unnoticed while remodeling the bathroom. To give your bathroom a cleaner and brighter look, clean the dirty caulk and grout and add neat and straight lines of caulk around the bathtub. Caulks are quite inexpensive, and the results are remarkable.

 

  1. Choose a prefabricated shower over a tiled shower: Prefabricated showers are now available in a variety of sizes and textures giving the tile showers a run for their money. They are easy to install for the DIYers of medium to advanced skills, do not require much maintenance, and they are leak free, lightweight (ideal choice for houses with structural floor issues), and above all – low cost. If you have a small bathroom and no small kids at home, then ditching the bathtub is a smart decision to save on space, water, and energy bills.

 

A standalone shower is also a budget friendly option for people who prioritize functionality over luxury. G00G9092LSBN – Gerber is a sturdy and affordable option.

 

  1. Refinish the tub: It is usually less costly to repair and retain a bathtub than to replace it. The cumulative cost of the new tub and other add ons is enough to make a hole in your pocket. You can go for a professional refinishing – sometimes referred to as a reglazing, or you can go the DIY route. Be aware that the DIY may give you an inferior finish and is more likely to peel.

 

  1. Install a shower curtain: Shower curtains are a great way to instantly refresh your bathroom. It is an inexpensive way to give your bathroom a soft and cozy touch. You just need a curtain rod, a liner and an outer curtain. They give an illusion of a large space, especially in small bathrooms and also increase accessibility to the bathtub and the shower area.

 

  1. Replace your toilet seat: If your current toilet is working fine, there is no point replacing it with a new one. To give your toilet a new look, you can replace the toilet seat. You can install the seat very easily yourself even if you don’t have any plumbing skills. As you have saved money by deciding not to change the whole toilet, you can even opt to indulge in a heated toilet seat. Toto Toilet Seat Bidet with Cover is a great deal considering its features and workmanship.

 

  1. Upgrade your water heater: Moving to a tankless water heater is a smart choice while remodeling your bathroom. These units are durable and energy efficient. They heat water when required, giving a continuous supply of hot water. They take up much less space than a traditional water heater and are easy to maintain. Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters are reliable options. Being available in a wide range, they allow you to choose a size based on your hot water needs and budget.

 

  1. Install a wall mount toilet tissue holder: Toilet tissue rolls are basic necessities in a bathroom. A strong and sleek toilet tissue holder will give a neat and organized look to your bathroom. D446232 – Gerber is an easy to install toilet tissue holder with a great finish.

 

  1. Towel bars and rings: You can consider changing your towel bars and rings to give your bathroom a fresh and clean look as the old ones wear out with time. They will improve the functionality and appearance of your bathroom. Towel bars and rings are available in different sizes, colors and designs. You can easily co-ordinate them with other hardware in the bathroom.

 

  1. Install grab bars and handrails: If you have elderly members in your family, then you must consider installing grab bars and had rails in your bathroom. They will reduce the risk of slipping and falling and increase the comfort and safety of the bathroom. Follow the ADA guidelines while installing them and check to make sure they are properly installed.

 

 Bottom Line

Turning your bathroom into a cozy, neat and organized space in a cost-effective manner will give you a sense of accomplishment and is definitely a task worthy of applause. Whatever design you pick for revamping your bathroom, make sure it has the right blend of design and functionality. It’s great if you are building up your plumbing skills and want to use them for a cost-effective makeover, but if you are not confident enough to complete certain tasks like installing a water heater or refinishing a bathtub, it is recommended to call an expert to avoid damage and hazard.