How To Save Money Remodeling A Bathroom

Whether your remodeling a master bathroom, full bath, half bath or something very small with just a toilet and sink, there are lots of great ways you can save money remodeling a bathroom. House flippers and home builders have been using money saving techniques to remodel bathrooms for years. And so can you. Even if your bathroom remodel is just a small DIY project it’s still possible to save money.

Bathrooms are among the most expensive rooms in the house per square foot and remodels can get expensive. Especially right now with the cost of materials being so high. The average bathroom remodel costs over $10,000. Luckily, there are a few easy ways that can bring the cost of a bathroom renovation way down without sacrificing quality or style.

The best ways to save money on a bathroom remodel are easy to do. Things like keeping the existing layout so you don’t have to pay an expensive plumber or electrician. Doing some of the easier work yourself. Buying finishes on sale or using vanities that are complete with sink and countertop attached. Choosing designs that are inexpensive like wallpaper or shiplap. Buying fixtures that are in-stock and compatible with the existing plumbing. Not changing any load bearing walls or moving windows. And overall just keeping the bathroom renovation simple.

Ahead we’ll discuss all the ways you can save money remodeling a bathroom just like the pros do.

What Is The Most Cost Effective Way To Remodel A Bathroom?

The most cost effective way to remodel a bathroom is by using cheaper materials. Materials make up 1/3 to 1/2 of the total cost of a typical bathroom remodel.

The cheapest options are laminate and vinyl flooring which can cost $1 or less per square foot.Laminate and vinyl are very popular so you’ll have tons of color and texture options to choose from. And they’re super easy to install which means you can also save on labor. Best of all, some manufacturers make water resistant products which are perfect for a bathroom.

Buy your flooring when it’s on sale because you can save even more. I’ve purchased Bruce real wood laminate flooring for as low as $.75 cents per square foot.

Wood and ceramic tile are mid-priced flooring options but you can buy them for around $3 – $5 per square foot if you shop around.

Real stone tile is the most expensive flooring choice. Expect to pay over $7 per square foot.

All flooring can be bought on sale. And luckily bathrooms are a relatively small room compared to the rest of the house so you won’t need much.

Pro Tip: When figuring how much flooring you need for a bathroom remodel, remember not to count under the vanity, tub, toilet, shower, etc. Save money by installing those large items on the sub floor. The only reason why you should lay finished flooring under the cabinetry or tub is if you can see under them.

Ways To Cut Costs On A Bathroom Remodel

Here’s a list of the best ways you can cut costs on a bathroom remodel.

Each method is covered in depth in the article below.

Use cheap materials like $1 per sq ft laminate flooring.
Don’t change the Bathroom’s Size and/or Layout.
Don’t move load bearing walls.
Only make cosmetic changes.
In style doesn’t mean expensive.
Use wall paneling and open shelving.
Transform a bathroom with nothing but paint.
Change the countertops but not the vanity.
DIY
Update your lighting fixtures without moving electric or switches.
Install a prefabricated tub or shower.
Use a vanity, countertop, sink and faucet combo.
Keep the old tub.
Change the toilet.

Don’t Change Your Bathroom’s Layout

One of the easiest ways to save money on a bathroom remodel is keeping the existing layout.

Changing the bathroom’s layout means moving plumbing lines, vent pipes and drains located inside the walls and floors. You may also have to re-wire switches, outlets, lighting and possibly the fan.

Changing the bathroom layout could also include running a new exhaust pipe through the exterior wall or changing HVAC ducts. It could require expensive demolition work that could include framing and plywood which means additional expenses. Once you start making changes to the bathroom’s layout it always leads to extra work.

Try to leave walls, especially load bearing walls, where they are.

If you can keep a bathroom remodel to cosmetic changes it can save a bundle. Avoid hiring a framer, plumber and electrician if you can. Or keep their work to a minimum.

By keeping the existing bathroom layout you’ll also avoid changing the window locations. This can save a lot. Whenever you change window locations you not only have to change the framing and install the window but you also have to repair the old window hole both inside and out.

Instead of making changes to the layout think of cosmetic changes that make the bathroom feel bigger. Focus on designs, colors, and style. Try using a lighter paint color, bigger tiles and larger mirrors. Or use vertical shiplap instead of drywall to make the ceiling feel taller.

There are lots of ways to save money remodeling a bathroom without changing the layout, framing, plumbing, ducts or electrical.

Don’t Move Load-Bearing Walls

Load-bearing walls are what supports the floors or ceilings above. They’re generally built directly on top of foundation walls or framing point loads that carry weight down to the foundation. Moving or removing a load-bearing wall is a major expense involving structural changes to the house.

As a rule of thumb, exterior walls and interior walls that run parallel to ceiling and floor joists tend to be non-load-bearing. But walls that run against ceiling and floor joists usually are.

Moving or removing load-bearing walls is expensive. Not only for the beams but also the labor and possible foundation work. In some cases it even means adding support framing to other room of the house. If you just want to remodel a bathroom I’d stay away from making costly structural changes.

Non-load bearing walls are much easier to move because they’re not supporting anything above. However, keep in mind that a non-load bearing wall can still contain electrical, plumbing and duct work inside. Moving the wall means relocating whatever you find inside it as well.

If you decide to move a load-bearing wall, I’d recommend hiring an architect or engineer to inspect the house and design the new beam. Then hire a contractor to do the install.

Only Make Cosmetic Changes

You can completely remodel a bathroom with nothing more than simple and cheap cosmetic changes.

Here are a few bathroom remodeling ideas that are cosmetic only:

Paint: A new color scheme can do a lot for an updated bathroom. And it doesn’t cost much.
Mirror: Simple changes like an in-style black frame mirror can be part of a cosmetic remodel for very little money.
Vanity: Cabinetry is a big part of your bathrooms design. Buy in-stock and one-piece if you can which includes a sink and countertop.
Tub/Shower/Toilet: Updating the major aspects of a bathroom can be done without spending a fortune or changing the bathroom’s layout.
Tile: Your bathroom tile is another huge part of the design and can be updated without altering the layout. Buy in-stock tile when it’s on sale.
Accessories: Small details are a big part of your bathroom’s finished look. Get some new towels, window treatments, plants, artwork or other accessories.

Sticking to cosmetic changes will save you a bundle when it comes to your bathroom remodel. A new mirror, fresh coat of paint and a plant or two can really brighten up a bathroom and they don’t cost much.

I always recommend remodeling an existing bathroom before spending a lot of time and money on a large renovation. In some cases, updating the simple things can make a big difference and they don’t cost much to change.

Bathroom Remodeling On A Budget Is About Style Not Money

Believe it or not, it’s not that hard to remodel a bathroom on a tight budget. The most beautiful bathrooms look like they do because of things like style, proportion, color and aesthetics and not the budget. I’ve seen some really ugly bathrooms that cost a fortune to renovate and some great ones remodeled for under $1,000.

If you can’t afford an expensive bathroom designer, look at pictures. I love looking through pictures of beautiful bathrooms. Use what others have done as inspiration for your next bathroom renovation. Find the look you like and duplicate it for less. Instagram is a great place to start looking.

Decide on an overall style for the bathroom and stick to it. Modern, contemporary, farmhouse, colonial or traditional. It doesn’t matter which you choose just make sure to be consistent. Tight designs look better than a mishmash.

Round black frame mirrors, small plants, natural wood, neutral colors and cute accessories are all very in style at the moment and don’t cost much.

Try and match the style of the bathroom remodel to the house. A cohesive feel throughout the entire house generally works best. Especially if you plan on selling the home one day.

Bathroom Wall Paneling

There are some really nice, and cheap, alternatives to wall tile. Instead of finishing your walls with expensive tile work, try paneling. Shiplap or wainscoting are both wonderful options that don’t cost much to install. Especially if you do the work yourself.

If you have a low ceiling, installing vertical shiplap can make the ceiling feel taller. This is a very simple change that can make a big impact for very little money.

Another benefit of wall paneling is that it covers damaged walls. Avoid expensive repairs by covering them up with a more attractive option.

Wood makes a bathroom feel warmer and more inviting. And it’s a versatile look. I use paneling in just about any style bathroom.

Open Shelving

One of the cheapest bathroom remodeling options you can do are open shelving. They don’t cost much but can make a big difference depending on how you decorate them.

Small plants in the bathroom are very in style at the moment and they go nicely on an open shelf.

Open shelving can create the illusion of depth in smaller rooms which makes them feel larger. And they’re a lot less expensive than cabinetry. A few covered baskets on high shelves can store your private items, towels, soaps and washes.

Make sure the shelf material matches the style of the bathroom. These are small decisions that can make a design feel tighter. Match woods and metallic finishes.

Paint

One of the cheapest and easier things you can do to remodel a bathroom on a budget is paint. A new color can totally transform a bathroom and it makes a great DIY project.

Try a new paint job on not only the walls but also the door and trim. I’ve played a lot with bold bathroom door colors for years and have had some great success.

I almost always keep the ceiling white and the walls light. However, I’ve painted some stunning dark bathrooms so light colors aren’t always the answer. Don’t be afraid to try something bold and new with your bathroom colors.

You can also paint wood in the bathroom like shelves, cabinetry or the vanity. Many people don’t realize that you can paint an old wood vanity to update it. it’s a lot cheaper than buying a new one. In many cases you can paint right over the old finish without sanding.

Try a colorful feature wall. Not every wall has to be the exact same color. If your walls and ceiling are light then try something dark and vibrant.

Countertops

Save the existing vanity but change the countertops.

If your vanity looks dated it may not be the cabinets fault. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people waste money by throwing out an entire vanity just because the countertops needed an update. Just swap the countertop and save some big money. And in many cases you can even re-use the sink.

If your shopping for a countertop stone make sure to ask for a remnant.

Remnants are the leftover pieces from a larger countertop job. Typically kitchen countertops won’t use the entire slab so the leftovers are sold much cheaper. Using remnants can save you a lot of money on a bathroom remodel.

Marble and Quartz are two great examples of remnants you can buy. I usually pick them up for half of what they normally sell for before I remodel a lot of small bathrooms.

Do It Yourself

Remodeling a bathroom by yourself can save a lot of money.

Every part of the job you do by yourself saves on labor expenses. In an average bathroom remodel, about 1/2 to 2/3 of the total cost is labor. This means a lot of potential savings if you can do it yourself.

If you don’t have the experience or tools to handle the entire remodel yourself, do what you can and hire pros for the rest. But use them sparingly.

If your remodel is mostly cosmetic it becomes an easier DIY project. Once you get into framing, plumbing, HVAC and electrical you’ll probably need the help of some pros.

If your not sure about how to do a specific aspect of the remodel then look online for help. Youtube is a fantastic resource and so are many remodeling blogs. You can learn just about anything online these days.

Updated Lighting

Changing the builder grade lighting that came with your bathroom can make a big difference. Modern recessed lighting trim kits are much nicer than they were even 10 years ago and they don’t cost much.

Changing your bulbs to a whiter LED can not only brighten up the room but also save money on electricity in the long run. And the light feels a bit more modern.

A new light fixture or some sconces can also make a big change. Try not to change a lights location if you can. It’s much cheaper to use the existing wiring and switches because all you’ll be changing is the fixture.

Use A Prefabricated Tub Or Shower

Custom tiled showers are beautiful and may be on your wish list, but a prefabricated shower is much cheaper. They come in a kit that’s easy to put together. Simply install the base, then the walls and finally the glass doors. Everything you need to create a brand new shower comes in one box and can be installed in a few hours.

Most house flippers and home builders use a prefab kit in at least one full bathroom. They’re good to have in the house because kit walls are much easier to keep clean than tile. The walls are one piece and easy to wipe down. This makes them great for washing large items or pets.

With prefab tub/shower combos, the tub acts as the base. Install is basically the same either way. Your either going to set a shower pan on the floor or a tub.

Prefab shower/tubs make a great DIY project that only cut down on material costs but also labor. Some kits even come with standard fixture locations cut out so there’s no measuring involved.

Another benefit is long term maintenance. You won’t have to worry about cleaning grout because there isn’t any.

These kits are typically made from lightweight materials. A shower kit can easily be installed by one person. However, the tub kits are bigger so you may need some help getting it in place.

If you plan on installing a prefab tub or shower kit in your next bathroom remodel then make sure to buy some mold resistant tubes of silicone. Use silicone wherever two pieces of the kit join. For example, where the walls meet the base. Most kits come with small tubes of silicone but I like to buy my own.

Use a thick amount of silicone and make sure it says mold resistance. Silicone prevents water from getting behind the walls through the seams.

Save Money On A Vanity

One of the biggest mistakes I see amateur flippers and homeowners make is overspending on a vanity. Experienced pros don’t order custom. You can find a beautiful stock vanity with sink and countertop attached online or at Home Depot for much less. If your trying to remodel a bathroom on a budget then never use anything custom made. It’s just way too expensive.

Try to buy a vanity with the countertop and sink included and installed. A one piece vanity will save you time and money. The install is super easy because all the measuring and cutting is done for you. Simply put the vanity in place and secure it to the wall. No cutting or installing countertops or sinks and no drilling holes for plumbing.

Some vanities even come with faucets attached. This can save you even more time and money.

Vanities that come one piece are cheaper because they’re mass produced in the styles people want. Don’t waste money custom making a vanity that may not be any nicer then what you can buy stock for less than half the price. Stick with main stream styles that are priced right and often on sale.

Look online for deals. Since one piece vanities are mass produced and in stock you can generally find a deal.

Keep The Tub

Whenever I remodel a bathroom I try to save the tub. Especially if it’s a good quality tub. New tubs can be very expensive but older tubs can cost even more. If you have a pedestal or cast iron tub it can be valuable and worth saving.

Give your tub a deep cleaning with a baking soda and vinegar solution. This simple mixture works great and won’t damage the tubs finish.

If the tub has a tile surround that needs remodeling then carefully chip away the tile. Then remove the backer board.It may be drywall, plaster or concrete board. Make sure to cover and protect the tub while doing demo work around it.

Once the tub surround is removed, install new back board and then tile. Or you can use prefab tub shower walls. They come in a kit and are super easy to assemble.

Whenever I’m in this situation I always prefer installing new backer board and tile. Since I’m already saving money by reusing the tub I don’t mind spending a little bit on new tile. And I love the white subway tile look. It’s really cheap and looks great.

Another benefit of keeping the tub is that the plumbing is done. Again, keep the bathroom layout as is if you can. It’ll save you a lot of money on a bathroom renovation.

If you keep the tub I recommend spending a few dollars on a new drain trim. A shiny drain ring can brighten up an old tub more than you think. Just make sure to match the finish with your fixtures and shower door.

Change The Toilet

The one thing I almost always change in a bathroom remodel is the toilet. They’re not that expensive and easy to change.

Toilets are sometime overlooked when it comes to style. These days I’m doing more and more bathroom with a modern design so I need the toilet to match. An older toilet with the wrong design can really throw off the look of a bathroom.

If the style of your old toilet is OK for the new look then consider at least changing the seat. It’s super easy and cheap.

If you change the toilet get a standard one that doesn’t have a lot of special features. Those extra features are what drives up the price and won’t add a dollar to the value of you home.

Make sure to match the color of your toilet to the tub and sink. And try to get the same manufacturer if you can. Kohler’s white toilet is a little different then other manufacturers so you need to be careful with this. Just because your toilet, sink and tub are all white doesn’t mean they’ll be an exact match.

When you change a toilet make sure to buy a jumbo toilet wax ring. You can buy them on Amazon for around $15. They make seating the toilet easier because the wax is really thick. This is especially helpful if your installing a floor over the old one.