One of the first things people notice about their new home or if they are interested in purchasing a home is the bathrooms. Everyone pictures themselves basking in the glow of their oasis. But when you start taking a look at what it would cost to remodel, many people get scared away by the potential cost.
The good news is that there are some simple design choices and project expenses that can be made or cut that can help you create your new bathroom no matter what your budget. Some simple cost-saving measures, when implemented properly, go a very long way.
A consultation with a design expert at Columbus Bath Design could set you on the right path. We’ll work with you to come up when a plan, then give you a free estimate to get you on your way!
What are some ways that I can save money on my bathroom remodeling?
There are a wide variety of ways you can save money on your bathroom remodeling project. We’ll discuss of few of them below.
1. Pay attention to your bathroom’s layout and size
It can be tempting to expand your bathroom’s existing footprint to create a bigger space, but resist the urge! Rearranging or enlarging a bathroom will often involve moving plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. Such changes can increase a remodeling budget significantly.
The most expensive fixture to move is the toilet since it involves moving both the waste pipe as well as the water service line. To move these elements will require tearing out the floor and some of the walls. Likewise, performing new electrical work may be more hassle than it’s worth. If you live in an older home, making a change to electrical may require bringing the whole room up to code!
Only consider altering the bathroom’s footprint if it is necessary to accommodate its intended use. Moving fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets to different parts of the bathroom are often the largest expense in a bathroom remodeling budget.
2. Keep the load-bearing walls in place
Along these same lines, make sure that you don’t move any load-bearing walls. Sometimes a non-load-bearing wall can be pushed out easily, but if it’s a wall that provides structural support, stay far away.
Designers will often recommend exploring the possibility of expanding through a wall that doesn’t bear any weight. This could be a good way to expand your space with the minimal extra expense.
If your plan does require moving a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to engage a general contractor to assess the structural needs of your home.
3. Save the drywall
It’s important to remember that the more walls you open up, the more walls you’ll have to close up in the end! Always address problem areas like walls that have mold or mildew, but if you can get away with keeping the existing drywall in place, do so.
A good way to save money is to replace only the bad sections. You’ll likely want to replace the drywall near the tub or sink but stay away from gutting the whole room if possible.
4. Consider refinishing instead of replacing
At the beginning of your project ask yourself if you need to replace all of the fixtures, or if you can refinish them to start life anew. If you are looking to save money on your remodel a good place to start is by assessing if you want to replace elements because of their function or their aesthetic.
If something doesn’t need to be replaced, save money and get it refinished instead. For instance, you can refinish your bathtub with a protective, attractive coating instead of taking it out and putting in a new one. If your bathroom cabinet is still in good shape, consider painting it to match your new color scheme instead of replacing it entirely.
Plus, by reusing your existing features you not only save money but also save the environment by not sending your old stuff out to the landfill!
5. Install a prefabricated bathtub or shower
If you have an old, prefabricated bathtub or shower and want to replace it with custom tiled walls and base, you are looking at a pretty expensive remodeling job. Instead, consider replacing your current fixtures with a new prefabricated unit.
Significantly less expensive, prefabricated units have come a long way in recent years and are now available in a wide range of colors and styles. Plus, they are far easier to install, often taking as little as one day.
How do I get started putting together my cost-effective bathroom remodeling project?
That’s the easy part, just give us a call! We’ll walk you through all of the choices and decisions you’ll need to make to ensure that your bathroom remodeling is done right and fits your budget.
We look forward to helping you create the perfect bathroom oasis!
