How To Keep Bathroom Renovation Costs Down?

Renovating a bathroom is a major undertaking. It's not unusual for projects of this scale to require months or even decades to finish and cost big bucks. However, there are approaches of saving money without compromising quality. In this essay, We show you how to have the luxurious bathroom or your dreams without breaking the bank.

Tips For Bathroom Renovation

You won't want to waste your hard-earned cash down the toilet after reading these bathroom remodelling advice.

Use The Existing Layout

You know that changing the plumbing is a bad idea when money is limited. This is thus because it is generally correct; this is especially true if your house rests on a concrete foundation. Relocating the plumbing at this time would be a huge mistake. Always look for ways to make use of what you have. Taking this step could save you thousands of dollars on your bathroom remodel.

We are really fortunate to have a loft and flooring in our home. Therefore, we were able to relocate our plumbing without incurring too many more costs in the particular circumstance. Our pipes are conveniently located in the crawl space and can be easily accessed by plumbers. We recommend working with the layout you have unless you too have a raised house.

Changing the bathroom's layout is appealing when renovating, but it can end up costing you a lot of money. Relocating a toilet, or more especially, its dirt pipe, is a time-consuming and unnecessary task. All layouts, no matter how big or small, should begin with a sketch that includes the location of the soil pipe, as well as the windows and doors. If you want to keep the expense of your bathroom remodel to a minimum, try out our various configurations and figure out where it is best to place other necessary sanitary ware products.

Perform Your Own Demo

The first way to save money on a bathroom renovation is to get in there and do the demo yourself! It can be an unpleasant job, but it will save you hundreds in tradesman fees. And, you don't need any experience with the tools to complete this task. You should, however, get a licenced plumber and electrician to disconnect the services before you start.

The plumber will remove your toilet and disconnect the shower and sink from the primary water connection. Now, to get started, all you need is a screw gun, Allen key hammer, chisel, crowbar, and a baby sledgehammer. To demolish a bathroom, you work backwards in the order of installation. So, start with the fixtures.

Take your screw gun or Allen key and undo the toilet paper holder, towel rail, robe hooks etc. Then, move your attention to your shower screen. Unscrew all the fixing points and carefully remove the glass. Your plumber will have removed your toilet, so the only thing remaining is the vanity. Once you have all the fixtures and fittings removed, you can then start on the framework. Take your hammer and chisel and remove the architraves from the door and window.

Chances are, you will have to re-sheet the walls and ceilings, so pick up your hammer and start by smashing in the middle of the cornice to separate the walls from the top. Then use either your hammer or baby sledge to pull down the remaining tiles, plasterboard and ceiling. Be careful when you get to the mirror; you don't want to cut yourself.

You should now only have the floor remaining. This will be the most difficult to remove due to the screen. We found the easiest way to get the tiles and screed up was to use a small pinch bar or crowbar, hitting one end with a hammer to raise the screed from the floor.

Keep Track Of Hidden Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom renovations can be expensive not just because of the obvious need for new fixtures and the price of plumbing and electricity, but also because of the hidden costs that may arise during the renovation process. Putting in a new bathtub or other piece of wall-mounted plumbing fixtures may necessitate the construction of stud work, and the removal of old tiles may necessitate skim coating or replastering of the walls. Since this is the case, it is beneficial to think about these careers from the start.

Consider The Details Behind The Scenes Early On.

Planning the lighting for a modern bathroom in advance will pay dividends in the long run, since you'll be able to use space for both work and rest. Towel warmers are an affordable way to keep warm and can be installed in minutes, but before you choose for electric underfloor heating mats, think about the long-term costs of ownership vs the early savings.

Plan Storage Ahead Of Time For A Luxurious Finish

Built-in bespoke shelves are one option for creating a clutter-free bathroom during a remodel, but they are far from the only one.

Freestanding units, which may make a room feel larger and can be purchased cheaply, and built-in storage in alcoves are both terrific ideas.

Look For Three Quotes

We discovered that getting quotations from three different providers to compare prices was the best approach to receive an honest price both the plumber and tiler. However, keep in mind that the least expensive estimate isn't always the best. Therefore, it is important to do your homework before settling on a quote.

Think on how effectively they have connected with you, how well they understand your needs, and how well reviewed they are online. Especially when it comes to your tiler, you want to make sure they can complete the high-quality work you anticipate at the price they've set. We've all heard the horror stories about how "professional" tilers wrecked brand new bathrooms.

Even though it's great to save money, you shouldn't skimp on quality when selecting a tiler or even other finishing services for your bathroom because you'll be living with them for at least ten to fifteen years. Depending on how big your bathroom is, you may anticipate to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.

Never Tile The Ceiling.

Renovating a bathroom can rapidly put you beyond your budget. It's important to set reasonable financial goals and stick to them. Bathroom tiles and tiling can be quite expensive. Small concessions, such as limiting tiling to three-quarters of a wall or to only the most visible walls, can yield significant cost savings.

The great news is that this appears to be a growing pattern. There are several examples of bathrooms on Pinterest where VJ Boards have been used in place of tiles to cut costs. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a single sheet of feature tile, you can get the same amount of coverage for about $32.00 with VJ board.

Use Caution When Choosing Tiles

Moving on from tiles, which can, let's face it, eat up a significant portion of any bathroom renovation budget, there are ways to acquire the tile feature of your dreams without breaking the bank or going over budget.

As was previously said, you can save hundreds of dollars in tile and tiling costs by replacing non-essential walls with VJ Board. The money you save can be used to purchase an extravagant accent tile that you might have avoided buying otherwise. The other option is to find a less expensive alternative, as we did during our refurbishment. Once again, we coveted an inset tiles that was not available at our store. We were in awe of the price per square metre of $101 and found it to be well worth it.

However, we weren't really fond of it because we had to tile a 3.5-meter-long wall from floor to ceiling. So, we went with a subway tile we carry—it was the same colour, the same size, but with a slightly different texture—and it only cost $30 a square metre. We first passed on this $101 tile, but now that it's up on walls, we see how wrong we were.

Product Comparison Shopping

The best method to cut costs during a bathroom remodel is to do your research and choose your materials wisely. The scenario described above is a prime illustration of this expectation. It's the same with the shower, the toilet, the basin, the vanity, the tapware, etc. If you ask us, the worst thing you can do is to narrow your focus too much on any one product. You can find the best deals on bathtubs, loos, and tapware by first deciding on the look or model you prefer, and then shopping online for the lowest price.

Complete Your Painting

Our tried-and-true advice for keeping costs down during a bathroom remodel is to paint the room yourself. You can't really screw this one up because bathrooms are typically painted white. But if you do it yourself with the proper tools and paint, you may save a couple hundred dollars easily. Some advice on bathroom painting.

• Applying an undercoat to bare plasterboard is the first step.
• White ceiling paint should be used for the uppermost part.
• In order to prevent mould growth, anti-mould paint must be used.
• You can save money by purchasing an addition to add to standard paint, like ProCite Mould Protector Paint Additive, rather than buying a completely new jar of anti-mould paint for a different room/job.
• Painter's tape can give your window frames a polished look.

Determine How Much You Need To Change

Generally speaking, the more you wish to alter, the higher the price tag will be. But let's say your finances are very tight right now. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on a full remodel, you still can make a big impact on the bathroom's aesthetic by switching out the faucet handles, painting the walls, and installing new storage solutions like shelves and towel rails, as well as a beautiful new mirror.

Replacement tiling is going to be more expensive. Some alternatives, however, such installing overlays directly over old tiles, can save expenses by eliminating the need for destruction entirely. It will be quite expensive to make any changes to your home that require new wiring, plumbing, or furniture placement.

Fittings And Fixtures Should Be Reused Or Recycled.

The (huge) temptation to replace fixtures and fittings that are in otherwise good condition might save you a lot of money and resources if you can avoid it. Consider the worst features of your bathroom, and how you may decorate and theme it to make the best of what you have.

Replacing old taps is a simple and inexpensive task, and if your tub or sink has seen better days, you can have them s new or refinished to look like new for much less money than buying brand new fixtures. If you're planning on splurging on a new sink or bathtub, you can recuperate some of your investment by selling your old fixtures on eBay.

People are willing to pay good money for vintage plumbing fittings that one may consider junk. Consider what will grab people's attention first. In the case of tiling, for instance, a smidgen of imagination can go very long way. Even if you don't have the budget for pricey, uniquely shaped tap fittings, a basic mosaic design is simple to create and may make a huge difference in the appearance of your bathroom.

Plumbing Fixtures Should Not Be Moved.

The expense of installing new plumbing is often underestimated. It is possible to significantly reduce plumbing expenditures by making use of the already water supply and disposal points for the shower, tub, basin, and flooring waste.

Look For Materials Someplace.

It's evident that saving money by purchasing building supplies and fixtures on your own is possible if you have enough time and energy to do so. Be well-prepared for your shopping trip by knowing exactly what you need. Tiles for the floor and the walls look different because of this. It will cost more to instal a tub with a central waste than one with an end waste, and when repairing a toilet, you'll have to know if it has an S-trap or a P-trap.

Also, to ensure that your bathroom walls are not damaged by the constant presence of moisture, you should only choose paints designed for use in bathrooms. It's important to have all of your supplies on hand before construction begins, so plan accordingly.

Shop Savvy For The Best Deals 

It's worth a shot to ask for just a discount at the register; even big-box hardware stores like Home Depot and B&Q are often willing to work with customers to find a fair price. You can save a lot of money by looking around online for the best offers and by keeping an eye out for sales during holidays like Black Friday & Boxing Day.

Make Your Hands Rust

There is a significant opportunity cost associated with hiring workers, therefore if you are able and willing to, doing all of the job yourself can yield significant savings.

Even though you'll still have to employ a contractor, you can save money on labour by offering to do a portion of the manual labour (especially demolition), if the builder is amenable to the idea. Any discussion of do-it-yourself options must, of course, come with a huge, neon warning: don't skimp where it matters. Professionals with the appropriate licencing MUST perform any work involving waterproofing, plumbing, or electricity.

• illegal
• substandard
• dangerous
• invalid and uninsurable
• Without the warranty protection you would normally get.

You should also be sure there is no asbestos in the bathroom before beginning any renovations. Asbestos sheeting was widely used in bathrooms decades ago, but it's now known that prolonged exposure to the material can cause cancer. Unless it's a very little amount, you should have a professional remove the asbestos and safely dispose of it.

Plan With Extreme Caution And Avoid Variations

Before signing a contract with such a contractor, it is important to do your homework and have a clear understanding of exactly what you'll be getting and how things will be done to avoid being hit with unexpectedly high fees for adjustments. If you wish to make changes to your contract (often because of a mistake in your selections or because you want to alter your plans), you may expect to pay a premium from most builders. Customers who aren't well-informed are easy targets for these shady businesspeople. If your relationship with the contractor is amicable or not, check for:

• The hardware is precisely what you need and will fit wherever it is installed.
• Perfectly balanced hues and tasteful tiling.
• There is a detailed breakdown of all fees on the agreement, including
• You have full faith that all costs (both direct and indirect) have been accounted for.

Things To Be Careful Of

Don't skimp on the tile supply. You should keep several extras from same batch on hand in case any of them ever break (or you happen to drop some while renovating). Be wary of plumbing equipment and fittings that aren't up to code. If you want to make sure that your plumbing fixtures and facilities meet Australian standards, keep an eye out for the watermark label. Be wary of internet (or international, which we don't advocate) purchases of cheap or low-quality fittings and fixtures; they will return to haunt you. Think about your washing options. Recognize that you will need to go without using the bathroom for at least two weeks. In that case, double the duration of time your contractor estimates.

People often find decaying wood, for example, under bathtubs either behind bathroom stalls, which necessitates additional labour. If you aren't prepared for that and need to book a hotel room to keep yourself presentable, any money you have saved will be gone in no time. If you get along well with your neighbours, you could ask if any of them would mind temporarily sharing a restroom.

Conclusion

Our guide will help you create the spa-like bathroom of your dreams without emptying your cash account. Unless you also have a raised home, it's best to stick with the current arrangement. The cost of hiring a plumber and electrician to turn off the water and power supplies before construction begins could be avoided. Bathroom demolition is performed in reverse sequence of construction. Remove the door and window architraves with a hammer and chisel.

Using a tiny pinch bar or crowbar to pry up the tiles and screed was the simplest method. You can save a lot of money by making some sacrifices, such as only tiling halfway up a wall or the walls that people would see most often. You can save money by using VJ Boards instead of tiles. Spending less money on a bathroom remodel can be accomplished via careful planning and material selection. By first settling on a style or model, you may then find the best deals on tapware, toilets, and bathtubs when you buy online.

Even if you don't have the funds for a complete overhaul, you can still improve the look of your bathroom by making a few simple changes. Fixtures and fittings that are still in working order should be reused or recycled. Buying your own building materials and fittings is a great way to save money.

Content Summary

1. The bathroom is a notoriously difficult area to remodel.
2. But there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
3. In this article, you will learn how to get the bathroom of your dreams without breaking the bank.
4. After reading this, you won't flush your hard-earned cash down the drain when remodelling your bathroom.
5. Keep the Same Structure You are aware that when funds are scarce, it is not a good time to make plumbing renovations.
6. It is a terrible idea to move the plumbing at this time.
7. It's important to always be on the lookout for creative uses for existing resources.
8. If you take this precaution, you can save a lot of money on your bathroom renovation.
9. Unless you also have an elevated home, you should make do with the layout you have.
10. While a new bathroom layout may seem like a good idea when remodelling, it might wind up costing a lot of money.
11. Invent Your Own Show Doing the demolition work on your own is the first step to saving money while remodelling your bathroom.
12. And you don't even have to have any prior knowledge or skill with the equipment involved.
13. However, prior to beginning, you should have a licenced plumber and electrician turn off the utilities.
14. You should dismantle a bathroom in reverse order of construction.
15. The framework can be built after the interior finishes have been stripped away.
16. Remove the architraves from the door and window frames using the hammer and chisel.
17. The remaining tiles, plasterboard, and ceiling can be ripped down with a hammer or a baby sledge.
18. Maintain an Accounting of Bathroom Remodeling's Hidden Expenses In addition to the obvious necessity for new fixtures and the price of plumbing and electricity, bathroom renovations can be costly due to unforeseen issues that develop throughout the remodelling process.
19. A modern bathroom's lighting scheme that takes into account the room's several functions will pay benefits over time.
20. During a redesign, there are many different ways to achieve the goal of a less cluttered bathroom; built-in bespoke shelves are only one of them.
21. Alcoves with built-in storage and freestanding pieces that can make a space appear bigger are also excellent options.
22. Try to Find These Three Estimates The easiest way to acquire an honest pricing from the plumber and tiler was to request quotes from three separate companies and then compare them.
23. It's important to remember, though, that the cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best.
24. As a result, before committing to a quote, it is crucial to conduct adequate research.
25. Especially with your tiler, you want to make sure they can do the high-quality work you expect for the price they've quoted.
26. Bathroom finishing services, such as tiling, are something you'll be living with for at least ten to fifteen years, so while it's always nice to save money, you shouldn't save on quality.
27. Prices range from about $2,000 to $3,000, with the higher end being for larger bathrooms.
28. To save money, many people have started using VJ Boards in place of tiles in their bathrooms, and you can see examples of this on Pinterest.
29. You might also do what we did during our renovation and look for a cheaper solution.
30. Once again, we longed for some inset tiles that were not sold locally.
31. The pricing per square metre of $101 was incredible, and we thought it was money well spent.
32. Even though we had to tile a 3.5-meter-long wall from floor to ceiling, we didn't particularly enjoy doing it.
33. We went with a subway tile we stock because it was the same price per square metre and had the same colour and dimensions but a slightly different texture.
34. When we saw the tile at the store, we passed on it because of the price ($101), but now that it's installed on the walls, we regret our decision.
35. Shopping Around for Different Items When redoing a bathroom, saving money is best accomplished through careful planning and material selection.
36. Finish Your Painting In order to save money on a bathroom renovation, our tried-and-true recommendation is to paint the room yourself.
37. With the right equipment and paint, though, you could save yourself a couple hundred bucks by doing it yourself.
38. Paint with anti-mould properties is essential for avoiding mould problems.
39. Using painter's tape on your window frames will help them look more professional.
40. In general, the more you want changed, the more money you'll have to spend.
41. Even if you don't have the funds for an extensive renovation, you can make a major difference in the bathroom's appearance by changing out the faucet handles, painting the walls, adding new storage options like shelves and towel rails, and hanging a stunning new mirror.
42. Rearranging your furnishings or installing new appliances can necessitate a significant financial investment.
43. If you can resist the (big) urge to replace appliances and components that are still functional, you could save a significant amount of money and time.
44. Think about the negative aspects of your bathroom and how you may improve it through design and decor.
45. If you're going to the expense of purchasing a new sink or bathtub, you can recoup some of your expenditure by selling your current fixtures on eBay.
46. A simple mosaic design may be made even if you don't have the money for fancy, oddly shaped tap fittings, and it could end up making a big difference in the way your bathroom looks.
47. The price tag on new plumbing is frequently under approximated.