When it comes time for a bathroom renovation, most people think it will be an expensive and time-consuming project. However, there are ways to do a budget-friendly project with bathroom upgrades that deliver high ROI. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the ways you can save on your bathroom project price. So whether you're on a tight budget or want to save as much money as possible, read on for tips on how to do a budget-friendly bathroom renovation.

Plan Ahead: Make A Budget, Source Materials & Estimate Labor

When you're renovating your bathroom, changing your mind halfway through can cost you thousands of dollars. That's why planning is the first step towards lowering your bathroom remodeling costs. Planning ahead can help you save on materials as well as labor charges. Make a list of the changes you want to make to your bathroom, like installing new tiles or sinks, and make sure to organize that list in terms of priority so that you can separate your wants from your needs. Once this is done, it'll be much easier for you to figure out what your budget is.

To make a budget for your bathroom renovation, write down all the materials you'll need for each step. Use online resources to compare the prices of materials and find out how much your bathroom project will cost.

Is this a DIY project, or will you be working with a professional? If you're going the DIY route, check what tools you'll need before starting. You can save money by renting them from a nearby hardware store.​

Some projects require expert experience. If you're not an expert, trying to tackle them on your own can end up being more expensive than if you had worked with a professional from the beginning. If you're working with a professional, be sure to leave room in your budget for the hourly rate charged. Clearly communicating your budget with the professional can avoid unwanted expenses.

Keep Things Simple: Choose a Renovation, Not a Remodel

Many people say they want to remodel their bath when they mean that they want to renovate it. What's the difference between a remodel and a renovation?

A renovation is generally a cosmetic update to structures already in place. Conversely, a bathroom remodel requires completely changing the layout of every fixture.

For example, replacing your shower door with high-quality glass shower enclosures is an example of a renovation. Removing your old walk-in shower and creating a new one on the other side of the room would be a remodel.

Remodeling is more expensive because it requires fundamental changes to the seen and unseen layout. In the example of moving a shower, the project would require specialty plumbing work to realign the plumbing lines, which would spike the overall bathroom remodeling costs.

All of the most affordable bathroom designs would not make any changes to:

• The placement of walls
• Locations of the sink, toilet, and any plumbing fixture
• Electrical components

Renovation projects can be a fresh coat of paint, installing energy-efficient lightbulbs, or updating hardware. Regardless of whether you choose a remodel or a renovation project, working with an expert can help the process stay on the timeline and budget you like.

Refinish Instead of Replace: Like-New Tubs & Cabinets For Less

With the difference between renovations and remodels in mind, we're ready to talk about the advantages of refurbishing over replacing.

When people buy a home with an outdated bathroom, one of the first things they notice is the tub. Old tubs can have permanent stains that make them look unappealing. Replacing the bath can cost a lot of money, and simply refinishing it can save homeowners time and money.

Refinishing is the process of covering a tub's old enamel, acrylic, or fiberglass surface with highly durable epoxy paint. The project is well-suited for DIYers or professionals. To put together your kit for refinishing your bathtub, you'll need to get hardening epoxy resin, an etching power, protective gloves, abrasive wool, paint thinner, and safety glasses. The process takes several hours and some elbow grease, but it's cheaper than replacing the entire bathtub.​

Bathroom cabinets are also commonly replaced when they could be refinished instead. Have rusty hardware that's become unsightly? Shop your local home improvement store for new hardware. Just be sure that it fits the screw holes already in your cabinets. If you'd like to paint the cabinets, you'll need to choose a good primer and quality paint. The best primers will preserve the life of your paint job and make your cabinets look new for years to come. When shopping for primer, ensure the fluid is tinted to match your top color.

When painting cabinets, it's necessary to remove all the hardware and take the doors off the hinges. Although this is a manageable DIY project, partnering with a professional can help you get an even better value for an affordable price.

Install a New Sink Faucet: A Quick & Cheap DIY Project

After you've spruced up your tub and cabinets, replacing your sink faucets is an easy project that won't break the bank. The design conventions for sink faucets are almost universal, so even an old faucet can be swapped for a new one without needing any heavy-duty plumbing.

Installing a new bathroom sink faucet is easy because all you need are basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and adjustable pliers. It's also possible to do this project with just a screwdriver and some patience. Still, a professional will be happy to include this step in a larger renovation project.​

Choose Long-Lasting Materials: Durability Decreases Price Per Year​

Choosing long-lasting materials is one of the best ways to stay on budget when you're renovating an entire bathroom. Long-lasting materials can be more expensive initially, but the cost-per-year is lower with proper maintenance since you won't have to replace worn-out fixtures as often. Here are a few types of durable materials you can use in your bathroom.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a top choice because it has a sleek aesthetic, it's easy to clean, and it doesn't rust. According to Fast Partitions, stainless steel is one of the highest quality bathroom fittings because it combines the water-resistant durability of plastic with the luxurious finish of steel.

Stainless steel also makes cleaning easy because it won't easily shatter or chip. Most homeowners and professional cleaners avoid harsh chemicals, but if they are used on stainless steel, there's no need to worry about harming the finish.​

Quartz Countertops​

Bathroom countertops can yield a significant return on investment. To get the most long-lasting results, avoid inexpensive options that include wood or other organic materials. These styles are more prone to warping when exposed to moisture. They may be cheaper upfront, but frequent repairs and replacements increase the cost of bathroom remodeling over time.​

Quartz is an excellent bathroom material because it resists water, heat burns, and intense cleaning products. To lower your expenses even more, install quartz in just your most frequently used areas.​

Luxury Vinyl Tile​

You might cringe a little at the recommendation of vinyl tile on your bathroom floor. It's a relatively inexpensive alternative to hardwood or ceramic tile that got a bad reputation after being overused by builders trying to cut costs in the 80s.

These days, luxury vinyl tile presents a stylish, long-lasting option for restroom floors. The interlocking design of these tiles keeps them from separating and increases the water resistance.​

Get The Bathroom of the Dreams Within Your Price Range

Whether working on the master bathroom or the guest bathroom, you don't need to spend a fortune on your bathroom renovation. By following these tips, you can give your space an updated look without a steep project price. By planning and collaborating with the right contractors, your next bath project can be cheaper and easier than ever.