How To Save Big On Your Bathroom Renovation: 5 Expert-Recommended Tips
Need to give your bathroom a facelift on a budget? From tiling to new fittings and furnishings, there’s lots to consider for a bathroom glow-up, but there’s no denying how costly a renovation can be – and that’s before all the unexpected costs occur. We asked some pros to share their top tips on how to overhaul a bathroom without breaking the bank.
1. Try DIY
If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into the messy prep work, this can cut a lot of the cost. ‘Examples of jobs you may wish to do yourself include retiling, paintwork, and installation of basic fixtures,’ explains Richard Southern, bathroom design expert at Price Your Job.
For example, upgrading the shower head can instantly improve the experience and the aesthetic in your bathroom – and the task isn’t as complex as you may think. ‘Whether you’re looking to improve water pressure, reduce water usage, or just refresh the look of your shower, installing a new shower head is a project that almost anyone can do, even without prior plumbing experience,’ says Hayley Bowman, bathroom interiors expert at Frontline Bathrooms.
While it’s good to be ambitious and brave, it’s worth being mindful of your capabilities and only trying to do tasks you’re actually sure you can do. ‘Attempting DIY work that is beyond your level of skill can land you with some costly repair work if it goes wrong,’ warns Richard. Make sure to do your research (don’t just Google it!) and do each job carefully.
2. Use cost-effective materials
Going for pure marble isn’t the best idea if you want to keep expenses down. But, don’t stress – you can still create a spa-like bathroom by being clever with your material choices. ‘Opt for peel-and-stick or cheaper tiles, rather than those made of natural stone or high-end ceramics,’ says Richard.
Dead set on having a touch of luxe? Richard adds that it’s worth considering smaller tiles or limiting tiling to key areas, such as the shower or sink. These may even create more impact than covering your entire space in expensive materials – less is more, right? This especially applies to small bathrooms.
3. Hunt down deals
There are so many brilliant ways to hunt down a bargain while searching for your perfect bathroom materials and fixtures. ‘Buying former showroom fittings can be a great way to get a fantastic deal,’ suggests Richard. This is a super clever way to ensure you get quality and save money.
You can also scout out local showrooms in order to find out what is available in-store and compare the prices that they are offering. Make sure to write these down as you go along so you have a handy list to refer to. ‘The same applies when finding tradespeople – don’t settle on a price until you are sure you are getting the best deal and standards of work,’ adds Richard.
4. Maintain your existing layout
The phrase goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ This definitely applies here if you’ve got fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and tubs that you’re happy with. ‘This will avoid having to move pipework – a costly task that will require professional help,’ says Richard. Keep the layout the same and focus on design renovations to save yourself more work than necessary.
If you do want to switch up the appearance of fittings, go for tasks that don’t involve moving them. ‘Replacing your toilet seat is a quick, affordable, and straightforward project that can dramatically improve the comfort and appearance of your bathroom,’ explains Hayley. These come in various shapes, sizes and materials, so you can easily choose one that suits your style.
5. Get advice from the pros
Even if you aren’t looking to use a professional bathroom fitter for the whole renovation, it’s worth inviting one around during the early stages of the process to take a look at what you’re working with. ‘A good fitting company will be able to advise you of the best and most cost-effective options and assist you in the buying of materials,’ says Richard.
This can save you a lot both initially and even after the renovation, as you’ll know you’ll be getting durable products. He adds: ‘By developing a good relationship with suppliers, you are also more likely to receive discounts and offers.’ Now that’s a major win-win.
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