By: Amanda Thomas
Renovating your bathroom can be quite an expensive affair if you’re not careful. It involves a ton of work and materials, especially if you’re planning on doing a full overhaul. With some good planning and knowledge of how to get the most bang for your buck, you can save a lot of money on your next bath remodeling project.
Here are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind that will help you spend less.
Make a Budget and Stick to It
Make a list of the renovations you want for your bathroom as well as the various materials and labor you will need for each separate project. Now create a realistic budget for each item that will need to be purchased. Prioritize the list, so that you can pick and choose the areas where you can splurge a little and which areas need to keep a stricter spending limit.
Having a budget will prevent you from overspending at the last minute when you feel that buyer’s urge to go for the upgraded marble countertops instead of tile. The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse over something as expensive and permanent as a marble countertop.
You also need to be sure that the renovation budget will fit into your overall monthly income and expenses, so the other areas of your life won’t take a hit when you feel like it’s time for a bathroom-revamp. You can use a budget planner, like the one at Quizzle.com, to keep track of the cash flow coming in and going out every month. This can also help give visibility to any extra money you might have to put towards the remodeling.
Shop Around. A Lot.
Next, make sure that you spend a few days comparing prices. Shop around until you can’t think of anywhere else to go that could possibly have cheaper prices. Then start making decisions and purchasing your materials. Many stores will offer to beat a competitor’s price, so be sure to take full advantage of that policy.
Do as Much of the Labor as Possible
You don’t need to hire an expensive contractor for your entire bathroom remodeling process. Anything that doesn’t involve messing with the plumbing system is probably something that you can do yourself. Painting the walls and even replacing the bathroom cabinets are all jobs you can learn how to do and easily accomplish. Adding a little do-it-yourself to the project will make you even prouder of the results.
Get More Decorative Bang for Your Buck
There are certain renovations that are easy to do and don’t cost much, but they make a huge difference in the way your bathroom looks. Painting the walls of your bathroom, for example, doesn’t require contractors or expensive materials, and the results have a lasting and dramatic effect on your overall bathroom décor. Adding decorative tile to your walls is another great idea. You can learn to do the job yourself and all you need is a few well-placed tiles that you install in your already existing wall. The effect is elegant and simple, and best of all, inexpensive.
For more tips about saving money and improving your home, plus free tools to help you manage your finances – including a totally free credit report, credit score and budget planner – check out Quizzle.com.
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- 10 Home Improvement Mistakes to Avoid
- 12 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances
Amanda Thomas is a writer and blogger living in San Diego with a love for home improvement and luxury bathroom designs including topics about bathroom shower remodeling and shower conversions.
Hi, thanks so much for the information you provide on this Site! It is a real “go-to” place for great suggestions. I know when I had my bathroom remodeled I paid, shall we say, way too much! I wish I had known some of your advise during that time, I think I may have been able to ward off some needless costs. Keep up the good work!