Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

By far, the most expensive type of remodeling job is a bathroom remodel. Bathrooms may be small, but usually are filled with high price tag items, especially if you find your pipes, floor, or walls need to be replaced due to age or repair. For this reason, the budget you may have previously set for the remodeling job has been completely blown out of the water. Before you begin a remodel of your bathroom—or any room in your house—it is a good idea to understand exactly what the task entails, including what permits are needed, reliable contractor estimates, and all other associated costs. Once you have come up with a budget for your bathroom remodel, you can begin the process.

Most individuals choose to contract their bathroom remodel out to an individual or company who specializes in the task. Since bathrooms are heavily intertwined with plumbing, an eager homeowner is strongly urged to contact a licensed plumber, even if the homeowner believes he or she can tackle the project alone. Quite often, individuals do more damage by failing to properly connect or route pipes and rack up higher bills when a plumber must be called in to fix the so-called bathroom remodel.

After you have set a budget for the bathroom remodel, consider your options. How large of a space do you have to work with and what is the exact use of the room? What elements do you want to include in your remodel? Keep in mind that the dream list of design elements (ranging from thin screen televisions mounted above gigantic whirlpool tubs to huge showers with full body sprays) should be itemized according to need and budget. This part of the task is generally the most taxing, since the fine line between want and need is generally blurred into oblivion. Once you have determined what items will be included in your bathroom remodel, the process should actually begin.

The best way to stay on budget during your bathroom remodel is to do as much as you can on your own. Of course, this does not apply to tasks that involve plumbing or electricity, but it certainly applies to tasks like demolition and cleaning. If you have handy friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers, enlist their help in the matter. Build walls, install insulation, and hang the drywall yourself, but have a professional come in to finish the job. Rip up the old floor and prepare the sub floor, but have a professional tile layer actually lay the tile. Afterwards, you can complete the grouting job, saving you some much needed cash. These tricks can save you a great deal in your bathroom remodel.

Another way to save on your bathroom remodel is to carefully choose the items that will go into the room. Your “wish list” should now be complete and you can allot your budget accordingly. Be sure to stick to the budget. Even though the handmade Italian tile may look beautiful, the cost may rival that of your sink, vanity, and toilet combined. Although these expensive design features may be the hottest rage now, they can be terrifically outdated in a year or two. Instead of remodeling your room into a short-lived trendy spot, consider sticking to the classics and basics that will age gracefully and can easily incorporate any design after you bathroom remodel is complete.