A bathroom remodel doesn't have to be pricey

The average bathroom renovation cost can range anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 for small- to medium-size spaces, but it can creep all the way up to $30,000 and beyond for larger bathrooms.

The good news is that, in most cases, the most important factor in determining the cost of your bathroom reno is you! So long as the structure of the room and the plumbing are in good shape, renovating a bathroom on a budget is a very achievable goal — and it becomes even more so when you have the tips and tricks required to help you be conservative with your money.

A budget-friendly bathroom renovation hinges on your approach

Approaching a bathroom renovation can be intimidating. After all, it’s one of the most important rooms in your house, so you’ll want to get it right. Plus, when it comes to the actual design and materials, there are so many options to choose from, which can make the process more overwhelming than it should be. When you’re already stressed about tearing the room apart and working around a budget, putting it back together again should be easy.

When starting on your bathroom renovation, make sure that you have a plan. Outline all aspects of the room that you want — or need — to change, write down the costs for your desired materials and strategise a plan of attack. Oftentimes, people will change their mind on a certain aspect of their design mid-project, which can end up making the reno cost more than initially anticipated. In our case, we want to make sure that you have a good idea of what you want, so you can stick to the plan and reduce surprise spending.

Identify your needs vs. your wants

Before embarking on your bathroom reno expedition, take a step back and ask yourself: What really needs to change? It can be helpful to identify the changes that are necessary from the changes that are extra. Keep in mind, if something in your bathroom is so hideous that you can’t bear to look at it any longer, we would consider that a “necessary” change.

Reuse your old fittings or buy second-hand

Have a fitting or fixture that’s still in great shape, and isn’t appalling? Keep it around! Give a second life to dated fixtures by giving them a deep clean and DIY treatment (more on DIY later).

If the plumbing is fine, keep the fixtures where they are

If your water is flowing with no issues, save money by simply keeping your fittings where they currently are. Rerouting your bathroom's plumbing is one way to drive up the cost of a renovation considerably.

DIY bathroom

One of the best ways to save money on a bathroom renovation is to do it yourself! Of course, some things are easier accomplished than others, but that's okay. When it comes to things like teardown, painting and decorating, there’s lots of money to be saved with a little DIY. And when it’s time for some of the more complicated projects, like laying new flooring, you can’t go wrong with a free in-home measure from the flooring experts at Carpet Call. What’s cheaper than free?

Stick to the plan

Like we mentioned earlier, sticking to your initial plan and blueprint will help you stay on budget. If a change must be made mid-project, make sure to take a step back and evaluate it from different perspectives. But, as a general best practice, set that plan in stone before you even get started.

Bathroom remodelling ideas and tips that won't break the bank

How much does the average bathroom remodel cost? Even though they don’t take up much space, bathrooms are notoriously expensive to renovate. Behind the kitchen, bathroom remodelling ranks second on the list of most expensive rooms to refit. That’s an intimidating badge to encounter when you’re gearing up for a bathroom overhaul — whether it’s for you to enjoy or you plan on selling your home. Luckily, there are lots of things that you can do to limit your spending, save money and even maximise your return on investment. Here are a few great places to start.

Flooring

Since the bathroom floor is likely a main concern during your renovation, let’s start there. When you’re on a budget, luxurious tile and timber flooring can get costly. Good thing those aren’t your only options! When your budget has little wiggle room, reach for more affordable flooring, like laminate, vinyl and hybrid options, which cost less per square metre.

Furniture and fixtures

Save hundreds of dollars on fittings and fixtures by buying second-hand. Thrifting isn’t just for clothes! There are plenty of great charity shops, thrift stores and second-hand furniture stores filled with hidden gems and just waiting to be discovered. Oftentimes, shopping second-hand can save you massive amounts of money compared to purchasing new furniture. You may even get lucky on your hunt for the perfect used bathroom furniture and find some free stuff, too.

Don’t remodel the entire bathroom at once

There’s no need to remodel your entire bathroom right away. Take it step by step! Bathroom fixtures, paint, a new (or used!) cabinet here and there. It may take a little longer this way, but moving slow is a great way to allow yourself time to save up money.

Which bathroom upgrades offer the best return on investment?

If you’re renovating with the intention of selling, that’s great. Certain bathroom upgrades can offer a higher return on your investment once your property sells, and if you can do it on a budget, that’s even better.

Bathtubs and showers

If your intention is to sell, think twice about replacing the tub with just a stand up shower. Prospective buyers typically want the choice between a bath and a shower, so make sure you leave them options. Think about the types of people who are searching for homes in your area. If it’s a family with children, a bathtub is necessary.

Bathroom vanity

Assess the size of your bathroom to determine how large a vanity you could squeeze into it comfortably. If there’s room for a double vanity in there, you should go for it. Double vanities are extremely appealing in today’s market because of the flexibility they offer homeowners. Not having to share a sink to get ready in the morning is extremely valuable to people who share counter space with other family members.

Wall tile

Tiling is on its way back to the top in terms of popularity. When renovating your property to sell, consider laying tasteful floor-ceiling tile on the bathroom walls to generate a larger appeal. But don’t overdo it! Too much tile can look busy and may detract from your home’s overall appeal once it’s on the market. The good news is, the less tile you use, the cheaper it is for you and the higher return on your investment you’ll earn — so strike that perfect balance.

Bathroom makeovers are exciting, but one thing’s for certain: No matter your bathroom renovation budget, you want it done right — and to your liking. When it comes to flooring, Carpet Call’s flooring experts will make sure that you get the perfect budget-friendly floor for your new bathroom. For a free in-home measure, visit our booking page and fill out the form, or give us a call at 1300 504 427.