How to Save Money in a Bathroom Renovation?
Bathroom renovation is one of the most expensive home improvement projects. However, it is also one of the most rewarding, adding value to your property while increasing your comfort and convenience. Nevertheless, not everyone has the budget or the time to go all-in on a full bathroom remodel. Luckily, there are several ways to save money while still updating your bathroom and making it more functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve your renovation goals without breaking the bank.Keep the Layout: Retaining Bathroom’s Size and Layout for Cost-Effective Renovation
The size and layout of your bathroom can have a significant impact on the cost of your renovation. If you’re working on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to keep the bathroom’s size and layout as intact as possible. Changing the layout involves moving plumbing and electrical fixtures, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and complicated. Keeping the existing layout also means that you won’t have to change the location of load-bearing walls, reducing the need for structural reinforcement and permits. Moreover, keeping the layout can be advantageous for several other reasons. First, you will save money on floor and wall tiles, which can quickly add up to thousands of dollars in materials and labor costs. Second, you will avoid the need to reconfigure the bathroom’s ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems, which can be challenging and costly, and will require hiring professionals. Finally, by keeping the existing layout, you will also preserve the bathroom’s functionality, ensuring that it remains practical to use.Protect the Structure: Keep the Load-Bearing Walls in Place to Save Money
Load-bearing walls are walls that play a vital role in supporting the structure of your home. Removing them or altering them in any way can be expensive and risky, potentially compromising the integrity of the building and putting your family’s safety at risk. Therefore, one of the best ways to save money in a bathroom renovation is to keep the load-bearing walls in place and work around them. This strategy will help you save money on structural reinforcements, permits, and labor costs. In some cases, you may be able to reconfigure the bathroom’s layout without affecting the load-bearing walls. For example, you can install a new vanity, change the location of the shower or bathtub, or add storage space without disturbing the structure’s integrity. Additionally, you may be able to use alternative building materials to reduce weight and strain on the walls, such as lightweight concrete, engineered wood, or laminated timber.Save on Materials: Salvaging the Existing Drywall for Bathroom Renovation
Drywall is an essential building material in any bathroom renovation project. It provides a smooth surface on which to install tiles, paint, and wallpaper, while also serving as an insulation barrier and fire retardant. However, drywall can also be expensive and time-consuming to replace, especially if you’re working on a large space. Therefore, salvaging the existing drywall can help you save money and time while still achieving a professional-looking result. If your drywall is in good condition, you can save it by cleaning it thoroughly, repairing any cracks or holes, and priming it before applying the finish. Alternatively, you can cover it with a moisture-resistant wallpaper or wainscoting to add texture and color to your bathroom. However, if your drywall is damaged, moldy, or outdated, you may need to replace it. In this case, you can reduce the cost by removing it yourself and disposing of it properly. To sum up: Reusing the existing drywall in your bathroom renovation project can save you the cost of new sheets of drywall, the time needed to install it, and overall labour costs.Extend the Life: Refinishing Existing Bathroom Elements to Save Money
Another cost-saving strategy in a bathroom renovation is to refinish or reglaze existing elements, such as tiles, bathtub, shower, and sink. Refinishing is a process of applying a new coating to the surface of these elements, creating a durable and waterproof finish that lasts for years. Reglazing is a similar process, but it involves an additional step of curing the surface with heat, creating a thicker and more durable finish. Refinishing or reglazing is an excellent option if your existing elements are still in reasonable condition, but you want to change their color or texture. For example, you can refinish your shower tiles to change their color from an outdated pink or green to a modern and sleek white or gray. You can also reglaze your bathtub to hide the scratches and stains, creating a brand-new look without the high cost of replacement. Note: Refinishing existing elements is not a long-term solution, and eventually, you will need to replace them completely. But it is a useful option for those who want to freshen up their bathroom’s look without breaking the bank.Prefabricated Option: Benefits of Installing a Prefabricated Shower or Bathtub in Renovation
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and time-saving option for your bathroom renovation, you may consider installing a prefabricated shower or bathtub. Prefabricated units are pre-made and ready to install, reducing the need for custom building and costly materials. Additionally, prefabricated units are available in different sizes, styles, and colors, allowing you to choose the one that fits your space and taste. Some other benefits of installing a prefabricated shower or bathtub in your bathroom renovation include:- Reduced labor cost and time.
- Avoidance of the need for custom building and permits.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Lower risk of leaks and water damage.
