Bathroom renovation can add a fresh update to your home. Yet from plumbing to replacing windows, it can be easy for the cost to spike. Here are 8 tips that can help you lower the cost of your renovation and deliver awesome results that won’t break the bank.
1. Have a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is one of the most important things to do before remodeling. The cost of your renovation can depend on several factors, but you can expect a small bathroom renovation to cost between $8,000 and $10,000. Bigger renovations can cost upwards of $20,000.
With that in mind, where should you be setting your budget? Consider the following:
- Who will be doing the labor? There are many small things that you can do as a DIY, but for more serious issues you will definitely want to look for best plumbers in Winnipeg. This can up the cost of the renovation, but it’s worth it to have experts involved.
- What changes do you want to make to the layout? Moving the sink or adding more shower space can cost more. Making changes to the existing layout of the bathroom can help save money.
- What fixtures do you want? Do you dream of a soaking tub, or is a marble-counter vanity your goal? If you designate one thing as your “high end” fixture, then you’ll feel more comfortable spending less on a toilet or sink to go with it.
Knowing how much, or how little, you want to change your bathroom before you begin picking out things like tile colors can help you keep your expectations realistic and your budget tight.
On to the fun part: demolition.
2. Do the Demo Yourself
“DemoDay” is a popular hashtag with home-renovation shows, and for good reason. It’s fun to bash walls. What’s more, doing the demolition yourself can save serious money, as opposed to hiring a general contractor to do it. You can even invite your friends to do the demo with you. Keep in mind that any demolition project could be dangerous, especially for the first-timers due to lack of knowledge. Begin your bathroom demolition right by figuring out what tools and protective gear are required. Outline the prep work that needs to be done before you joyfully attack your drywall with old cabinets. Don’t put yourself and your property at risk by rushing things unprepared.
3. DIY Where You Can
In addition to doing the demolition yourself, there are other remodeling tasks that can qualify for a DIY job and save you money for bigger changes:
- Changing the wallpaper or paint color: if you are buying paint, make sure it is moisture-resistant for bathroom use
- Buying new fixtures: to save even more money, you can buy them second-hand and add a retro vibe to your bathroom
- Purchasing materials: Tiles and fittings are easy to buy on your own
It’s also possible to make some small plumbing changes yourself. For instance, you can replace old taps easily and cheaply by yourself. Many homeowners install new toilets without calling a contractor. Pre-fabricated shower units are another common DIY project. They are fast and simple to install – you’ll have a new shower by the end of the day, rather than waiting up to a week for a contractor to put in a tiled shower stall. Tackling your renovations without professional help read one of my previous posts about “DIY Projects You Would Want To Avoid At Any Cost.”
4. Leave Serious Changes To The Experts
Of course, changing the tile pattern or putting a fresh coat of paint is easy to do on your own, but there are some things in a bathroom renovation that really should be left to the professionals. Major changes like changing the electricity, waterproofing the wall spaces and floor, and moving plumbing fixtures (if the renovation calls for it) should all be done by experts. If you attempt to make these changes yourself, you run the risk of introducing substandard or non-insurable results.
Which brings us to…
5. Hire The Right Plumber or Contractor
Are you anticipating making major upgrades to your bathroom like a tiled shower or entirely new plumbing? Putting in the legwork to find the right plumber and general contractor upfront can save you time and money in the long run. Here’s how to do it.
- Ask for references from friends or family who have recently done a renovation. A general contractor is also a good source for finding remodeling plumbers since they’re the ones who see the work on the walls before it’s covered.
- It is essential to hire a plumber who has current licensing, an updated worker’s compensation policy, and liability insurance. This will save you time and money since you know you’ll be getting someone who will do a quality job, and not cut corners that could end up costing you more money to fix.
- Once you have a few plumbers to choose from, get estimates from them on what your particular job may cost. Choose a plumber that will provide good value for your money. A plumber that will be doing remodeling work should be comfortable working in an environment that is already finished – that is, they should know to put down scrap carpeting or a large tarp to protect your flooring and cut even holes in the walls that will be easy to fill in later.
6. Screen For Asbestos
Some homes, especially older homes, may be at risk for asbestos, which can be harmful when inhaled. It is possible to test for asbestos yourself when done carefully. Removing it yourself is not recommended.
7. Replace Bathroom Windows
New tiles and light fixtures are exciting but don’t overlook the importance of replacing your bathroom windows. They could introduce water damage if there are problems with the sealing. Here are a few replacement window problems and solutions.
Problem:
- Not enough natural light
Solution:
- A replacement window that adds more light to the bathroom space needs to include two things: function and privacy. To achieve this, you don’t want to go too big; the bigger the window, the more exposed your bathroom will be. If you’re set on having a big window, though, there are some excellent DIY options for making them more private, like frosted spray paint.
Problem:
- Water damage
Solution:
- To prevent moisture damage getting in through a new window, experts suggest having your contractor make sure the window jamb is secured with caulk and sealed with a waterproof membrane.
8. Adjust Your Timing
The longer a bathroom project takes, the more likely it is that you may need to book a hotel room in order to shower or wash up, which can create additional costs. At the start of the project, consider talking to friends or family nearby to see if they might be willing to have you stay with them or use their bathrooms while the project is ongoing.
Today you can find a lot of information for any of your desired DIY projects, including articles about plumbing issues. With a little ingenuity and an open mind, you’ll secure the bathroom of your dreams for less.
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