Remodeling a bathroom is anything but inexpensive. If you go all out and replace everything including your bathtub, your sink and vanity, and your toilet, you are going to spend thousands of dollars at a minimum. And don’t forget the walls and the floor and anything extra you might want to add like a steam shower or an oversized bathtub with jets. If you can’t afford that type of bathroom remodel, that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with the same room year after year. There are many ways to remodel the room while keeping at least some of your money in your pocket.
One of the first and best ways to save money is to not replace the bathtub. If it’s chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged you want to replace it so that it looks good and doesn’t end up leaking or causing problems. You don’t want to have to have it torn out after you’ve redone other parts of the room. But if your tub is in good shape and you don’t hate it, leave it in place and simply change the surround. New ceramic tile or a solid surface bathtub surround will clean up the area and make it look fresh and new.
If your bathtub is in bad shape but you’re in a situation where the expense of getting it out and putting a new one in could rack up tons of charges just in labor alone, consider a bathtub reglazing and resurfacing. Professionals will come in and reface the bathtub to make it look like brand-new. You can also consider a bathtub liner. In this case, professionals will come in and measure the bathtub and create a custom made surround and bathtub liner that will fit right over the old. There are drawbacks to this in some cases, because they can be almost as expensive as replacing the whole thing. Check with the professionals in your area and compare costs to make sure will fit your budget.
Another way to save money is instead of replacing your entire bathroom vanity, just reface the cabinets below. If you’re happy with the way the top looks and you don’t feel the need to replace the sink, then add a sparkling new faucet in a new design to make the space look brand-new. If you’re really on a bathroom remodel budget that’s tight, just change out the drawer pulls and the knobs on the cabinets to something that sparkles and really catches the eye. And don’t forget the difference that a new shower curtain can make. Something as simple as that can make a small bathroom remodel look like you spent much more time and money in a designer showroom.
