
Purchasing an aged property or residing in a home for a prolonged period familiarizes you with the horrors of an antiquated bathroom. Planning a thorough remodel or even a minor refresh can significantly lift your spirits, but the enthusiasm wanes once you begin calculating the costs.
Based on information from Angie’s List, the average American invests about $9,600 in renovating their bathroom. Yet, by meticulously planning your project, you could save substantial amounts of money on acquiring a completely refurbished bathroom.
Here are simple strategies to reduce expenses and conserve funds during your renovation.
Find Cheap Home Improvement Stores
Items such as new floor tiles, lighting fixtures, and hardware come with a high cost irrespective of the store, however, substantial discounts can be obtained at large retail chains such as Home Depot – knowing how to track down the best prices is key.
An interesting tidbit: According to Consumer Reports, any Home Depot worker has the power to provide up to a $50 discount. However, this hidden markdown is only available if justified. For example, if the display model of a sink fixture you're interested in is the only one left, you might consider requesting a price reduction from the employee.
Use Low-Cost Accessories
Should your sizable bathroom installations remain in fine condition, considerable savings can be achieved by merely swapping the accessories instead of overhauling the whole bathroom.
Apply a new, vibrant color to the walls. Invest in a coordinating shower curtain and rug. Swap out the old towels and window treatments. It’s amazing how many cost-effective vanity items are available at various stores. Look for jars, drawer dividers, and candles at dollar stores to save money.
Should you possess unused wall areas, consider installing industrial-style shelving. Instead of heavy standing or wall-mounted cabinetry, using open shelves in a compact bathroom helps foster a more spacious appearance. Opt for wire baskets to neatly organize attractive soaps, creams, or towels. Lidded wicker baskets are perfect for concealing private goods. Including a petite houseplant can contribute a cozy accent. These minor adjustments significantly enhance both the aesthetics and worth of your bathroom.
Buy Secondhand Materials
Excess building supplies, including items like plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and vanity tops, are often resold for just a small portion of their initial price. Consider checking out reuse centers such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They accept only those items that are in top-notch condition, offering you a chance to find products that may even be unopened and still in their original packaging.
Search for the following items:
- Sinks and tubs
- Toilets or toilet seats
- Faucets and showerheads
- Light fixtures
- Hinges and drawer pulls
- Towel racks
- Tile and vinyl floor coverings
- Paint, stain and painting supplies
Recycling centers receive fresh contributions daily, so it's a good idea to visit frequently.
Similarly, to reduce costs on granite or different countertop materials, consider inquiring about available remnants initially. For smaller vanities, the granite supplier often has remnants at reduced prices that will suit your needs perfectly.
*Best Option: Hire a Local Contractor
Ultimately, when undertaking major renovations, consider engaging a cost-effective contractor nearby. It might appear simple to follow an online guide and replace the tiles in your shower, yet the hassle and possibility for errors are unwarranted. Projects you manage yourself may not be economical if they require dismantling and redoing. A skilled expert can assist in organizing your project, adhering to the financial plan, and steering clear of expensive mistakes.
Contractors also possess the ability to access resources that might not occur to you. They are skilled at sourcing less expensive components and can tackle any unexpected issues with electrical systems or plumbing. Employing a contractor can prevent endless frustration, regardless of your renovation's complexity or scale. Plus, locating one nearby is straightforward.
Similar to most things, it's wise to stay updated with the newest studies. We suggest examining a minimum of three to four different alternatives prior to concluding. Conducting an online investigation is generally the fastest, most comprehensive method to learn about all the advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.