Is your bathroom starting to look drab or feel downright uncomfortable? Perhaps the wall paint is starting to chip away or most of the fixtures are already out of commission. Quite possibly, maybe you simply want to give your bathroom a makeover, especially after years of use.

If you want a fully functional, convenient, and visually pleasing bathroom, it may be time for a renovation project. Are you worried about the costs? Don’t worry, there are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel. Read on to find out more.

How to Reduce the Costs of a Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are one of the most heavily used areas of the home. At one point or another, it will become worse for wear, requiring some repairs or, if you are unlucky, a major overhaul.

But let’s face it. Renovation projects can get expensive, especially if your bathroom needs a full-scale remodel. Fortunately, if you are smart and resourceful, you can dramatically reduce the overall renovation costs. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Plan Ahead

As with any home improvement project, adequate planning will always be your best friend. Having a clear picture of the bathroom remodel will help you avoid costly mistakes and renovations down the road. It will also help you implement changes early on or before the construction phase even begins. If some aspects of the plan seem off, then all that needs to be done is to tweak it.

This is precisely why it is important to hire a capable bathroom remodeling contractor. Hiring a professional may seem counterintuitive if you want to save money, but it is one of the best things you can do for a successful remodel.

They will present you with a detailed plan, including a realistic timeline and budget, making it easier for you to envision the project. We recommend opting for a company that offers full service, which means that they will be in charge of everything – from plumbing to the designing stage.

Related article: How to Choose the Best Bathroom Remodelling Contractor

2. Keep the Bathroom’s Size and Layout

One major way to save money in a bathroom remodel is to maintain its size and layout. This enables you to skip several costly (and time-consuming) steps, such as demolishing the bathroom, framing, and installing the drywall.

Of course, the extent of what you can retain mainly depends on the condition of your old bathroom. In some cases, breaking down the existing walls may be a matter of necessity.

Related article: 9 Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes to Avoid

3. Don’t Move the Plumbing Fixtures

In relation to the previous point, another fantastic way to save money is to keep the plumbing fixtures where they are. This includes the faucets, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers – anything that is connected to your home’s plumbing system.

This point primarily refers to large bathrooms (at least 14′ x 14′). If you own a standard-sized bathroom (8′ x 5′), then you probably won’t have the option to relocate the fixtures in the first place. But, of course, you can update the old bathroom fixtures if you prefer.

4. Don’t Splurge on Sinks and Vanities

Today, you will find all sorts of bathroom sinks and vanities in the market. They vary greatly depending on the material, design, style, and quality. Some are fairly simple while others are extravagant and would be fitting of royalty.

However, there’s really no need to spend so much on sinks. Unlike kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks won’t experience a lot of beating and intense usage, which means that they don’t need to be extremely heavy-duty. Just stick to a quality ceramic under-mount model from a reliable brand, and you are good to go.

What about the bathroom vanity? Well, if you truly want an aesthetically appealing vanity area and you are good with your hands, you can always go the do-it-yourself route. That is, head to the nearest antique store or flea market to score an affordable yet beautiful dresser. Once jazzed up, the DIY vanity can add a vintage touch to your bathroom.

Related article: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom in Toronto?

5. Always Use Quality Fixtures

Just because spending a fortune on bathroom fixtures is ill-advised doesn’t mean that you should go for the cheapest option available. Quality is still your top priority. And by now, you probably already know that quality often comes with a price.

First-rate bathroom fixtures may seem expensive at first, but they are cost-effective in the long run. After all, they are less likely to run into problems, which means that you won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or having to replace them too soon.

Quality fixtures don’t even need to be fancy or exorbitantly priced. All you want is something that is meant to last.

Remember: never skimp on quality.

6. Reuse Whenever Possible

We get it. Your bathroom is newly refurbished, so naturally, you would want to fill it with brand-new things as well – luxurious lights, gleaming fixtures, you name it. Unfortunately, this can cause the bathroom renovation costs to skyrocket pretty quickly.

As much as possible, try to make use of your existing bathroom fixtures and furnishings instead of replacing them straight away. Many of them can still be salvaged with just a bit of work. Your bathtub may look worn and threadbare, but it can look as good as new when professionally resurfaced or refinished. Plus, it is much cheaper than buying a new unit. Your bathroom contractor should be able to advise you if a certain fixture or item is worth reusing.

7. Consider the Tiling

When someone says bathroom flooring and walling options, tiles are the first thing that comes to mind. After all, they are stylish, versatile, and easy to clean and maintain. Although relatively inexpensive, the cost of tiles can easily shoot up. This is why you need to be mindful of your tile options and purchases.

Specifically, you may want to steer clear of designer or artisan tiles. While elegant, they can be pretty expensive. Your bathroom contractor or designer will surely be able to recommend more affordable ones that are just as colourful or inventive.

Furthermore, consider reducing the number of tiles that you plan to use. There’s really no need to cover every nook and cranny of the bathroom with tiles. For one, you don’t have to tile the ceilings. You can also use other waterproof materials for the walls, such as vinyl wallpapers, acrylic wall panels, or even heavy-duty bathroom paint. There are plenty of other options at your disposal.

Related article: 9 Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes to Avoid

The Ultimate Bathroom Renovation Project for Your Wallet

After years of use, your bathroom will need some much-awaited makeover. For many households, it means a full-scale remodel. Without enough planning, this home improvement project can easily burn a hole in your wallet. Thankfully, there are several ways to save thousands of dollars – without sacrificing the quality of the remodel, as well as the functionality, comfort, and appeal of your new bathroom.

BR Bathroom Renovations Richmond Hill is here for all your remodeling needs – wherever you are in the Greater Toronto Area. Our team consists of licensed and skilled bathroom contractors – all of whom are also highly efficient, transparent, detail-oriented, and strongly committed to customer service. Give us a call at (647) 834-8346 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.