7 Ways to Save Money During Bathroom Renovation

Cost Item #1: Saving on Work

In general, this is where people always try to save money - they attempt to do renovation work without involving expensive specialists. However, amateur renovations can sometimes end up being very costly.

Carefully assess the condition of your bathroom: if you need to replace pipes and electrical wiring, relocate plumbing fixtures and drain points, and you have never dealt with these issues before, it's better to find experienced workers with good recommendations.

Take on the demolition of old coverings, painting ceilings and walls, hanging wallpaper, and even installation of mixers and shower heads yourself. However, laying ceramic tiles, plumbing, and installing sanitary fixtures is a complex task that deserves special attention and separate payment.

If you are experienced in electrical and hydraulic work or have advanced acquaintances, relatives, colleagues, and friends - you can confidently tackle the project yourself and seek help when needed. Budget renovation brings people together!

Cost Item #2: Saving on Pipes and Sanitary Fittings

A combined bathroom usually has limited space. And the owner of a bathroom, according to our scenario, cannot boast of a large budget either. Choosing a shower cabin instead of a bathtub will save both square centimeters and thousands of rubles - it costs less than a bathtub, especially domestic models in necessary (small) dimensions. Without additional features like lighting, music, aromatherapy elements, and other accessories.

It's better to choose domestic sanitary fittings in principle. Domestic options are usually much cheaper than imported ones - you just need to research the market. This should be done, of course, not when furniture is removed and tiles are laid, but at the stage of material selection, accessories - and budget verification.

If pipes need to be replaced, choose metal-plastic (but make sure to buy all fittings and adapters for the pipes as well!). Plastic pipes are easier to replace in the future and clean if the drain gets clogged.

Cost Item #3: Reducing Floor Finishing Expenses

The floor is the most expensive and time-consuming stage of bathroom and toilet renovation. Therefore, if everything needs to be changed, the cheapest option will be to remove the old covering, apply a waterproofing coating, and pour a self-leveling cement mixture over the floor.

On top of such a floor, ceramic tiles are usually laid. If you yourself know how to lay them evenly and securely, then proceed with confidence and without hesitation. It's best to choose tiles from older collections with significant discounts.

If you cannot manage without a professional and don't have extra money for such assistance, you can leave the screed unfinishing initially and simply place a bathroom mat on top. Alternatively, use PVC or rubber tiles - they are inexpensive, and installing the covering is not difficult even for beginners.

Cost Item #4: Choosing Budget Materials for Walls and Ceiling

The ceiling is cheapest to paint with water-based, moisture-resistant paint: eco-friendly, breathable, and washable coating will cost little. Especially if you consider that one liter of paint is enough for a typical combined bathroom (to save on paint, don't forget to clean and prime the surface!).

When preparing to finish the walls, carefully check what can be left unchanged. If the tiles in wet zones are in good condition, cover the remaining walls with washable wallpapers - it's a cost-effective choice and wallpapers don't require leveling, they usually look very stylish.

Do you need to remove old tiles? Use plastic for wall cladding in the shower area. You can choose a wood or stone texture and achieve an expressive result at minimal cost.

PVC panels are mounted on a metal or plastic framework using a tongue-and-groove system if the walls are even; otherwise, they can be mounted directly to the wall with liquid nails. Don't forget to seal the joints with silicone and cover the gap between the wall and the bathtub with self-adhesive edging.

Buy all finishing materials in large retail chains, during sales. It's worth checking out clearance items - the percentage of defects is usually small, but the savings can be significant.

Cost Item #5: Saving on Lighting

If you're into industrial design or retro decor, choose outdoor waterproof lights or industrial wall sconces and pendants (those suitable for humid rooms). Domestic lamps with metal shades or wire mesh cost very little but look stylish and unexpectedly trendy. Example usage - in a project by young designers.

Cost Item #6: Looking for Affordable Furniture and Equipment

In line with the trend towards elegant simplicity and minimalism (Scandinavian style or loft), hang regular brass hooks on the walls instead of expensive towel warmers.

Replace a glossy cabinet with a mirror and backlight with a shelf (possibly even homemade). Or place an old dresser under the sink (make sure to treat the wood with a water-resistant compound!). Very popular are DIY storage systems - for example, made from glass jars.

Cost Item #7: Carefully Selecting Decor

If you add beautiful but affordable accessories like a door painting or sink and sea shells in small containers, as well as keep the containers, soap dishes, curtain, bathroom mat, and towels in a single color palette, then a budget renovation can be considered complete.

Find a place for seemingly unnecessary indoor plants, place candles - just a couple of accents are enough to turn the bathroom into an oasis of tranquility and relaxation. And most importantly, without additional costs!