How to Save Money on Bathroom Renovation: 9 Tips

Typically, bathroom renovation costs a significant amount. We asked a designer how to save money without compromising quality.

Karina Nedelya, Designer, Founder of Bazilik Interior Design Studio

Don't Extend Tiles to the Ceiling

Before purchasing tiles, consider their functional purpose—do you really need them up to two meters high? When taking a shower, pay attention to where water splashes. Areas above can be painted with moisture-resistant paint. This way, you reduce costs and easily update wall colors in a couple of years without major renovation.

Before purchasing materials, calculate how much you would spend if using only tiles and compare it with the cost of using tiles along with paint. This will help you make the right choice.

Design: Bazilik Interior Design

Get Rid of Mosaic

Works involving mosaic and small-format tiles are always more expensive, so evaluate not only their price but also the scale of work involved. Also, keep in mind: the smaller the tiles, the more grout joints, which increases grout costs.

If you absolutely need mosaic, try to reduce its area—for example, limit it to a niche with open shelves. Compare prices from manufacturers to choose more affordable materials.

Design: Bazilik Interior DesignPaint Walls Behind Furniture Items

If you already know where furniture will be placed in the bathroom, paint areas behind furniture items (e.g., behind a cabinet or mirror). To estimate how much you’ll save, calculate the total area of furniture items and multiply by the cost per square meter of tile.

Design: Bazilik Interior DesignInstall a Suspended Ceiling

This type of ceiling is easy to install and won't break your budget. Modern suspended ceilings also allow for built-in lights and track lighting systems.

Design: Bazilik Interior DesignChoose Standard-Size Items

And avoid custom-made furniture or fixtures. Items in stock are often available at a discount, while custom orders are usually more expensive and require advance payment (80–100% of the total cost).

Don't Buy the Cheapest Materials

Pay attention not only to price but also to quality. Cheap tiles cannot be cut precisely at 45 degrees—they will chip, crack, and have uneven edges.

Design: Bazilik Interior DesignRemove Part of Old Tiles

If you want to update a finished bathroom interior affordably, remove several rows of old tiles and paint the walls. The key is to be careful not to damage tiles you plan to keep.

Eliminate Unnecessary Elements

On a small area, there should be no extra items that only serve decorative purposes and take up space. Try to balance the beauty of items with their functionality.

Design: Bazilik Interior DesignUse a Bathtub Screen

Of course, a bathtub can be tiled, but this involves material costs, preparation of a GKL structure, tile installation, and purchase and installation of an inspection hatch.

Calculate the costs and compare them with the price of a ready-made screen. Manufacturers now offer many attractive options.

Design: Bazilik Interior Design

On the cover: design project by Buro Vnutri

Plus 100+ more tips to help you save money

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