Are you embarrassed every time friends and family walk into your dated guest bathroom? Is your master bathroom an eyesore rather than a calming oasis? If you answered “Yes” to either one or both of those questions, you are ready to tackle a bathroom remodeling project. If you have never taken on a project of this scope and magnitude, it is easy to be overwhelmed by all of the options available. However, before you become too stressed, take a deep breath and realize, as a homeowner, you can tackle just about any bathroom remodeling project without breaking the bank or losing a lot of sleep. Here are five simple strategies to make your bathroom remodeling project more manageable.
Create a Simple, Straightforward Plan
The first step in any DIY bathroom remodel is to create a plan. The plan needs to include a preliminary budget, a timeline, a design inspiration, and a materials list. Here are a few very simple tips to help you create your initial DIY bathroom remodel plan:
Budget
Not one bathroom remodeling project has ever been successful without a rock-solid budget. The bathroom budget needs to include several aspects, such as the cost of flooring, tile, the vanity, cabinets, hardware, a new toilet, the shower surround or shower doors, and other incidentals. For example, one incidental many homeowners overlook is the cost of power tools to complete the project.
Don’t forget to set money aside from accidents, underestimates, and other unexpected expenses that always pop up when working on a DIY bathroom remodel. This could be anything from needing to replace shower controls at the last minute, unforeseen damage to the shower walls, or a broken box of floor tile.
Timeline
Another critical aspect of any bathroom remodeling project is creating a realistic timeline. If you are tackling the bathroom remodel entirely on your own, you may need to devote several weekends to complete the project. If you are ordering materials from nearby home improvement stores, delays in stone tile, the undermount sink you have your eye on, or plumbing pipes can unexpectedly interfere with your original timeline.
This is why when it comes to your timeline, it is best to remain flexible and understand that to realize your dream bathroom design, there will always be hiccups, unexpected roadblocks, and unavoidable delays.
Design inspiration
You are tired of walking into your dated bathroom every morning to get ready for work, but you also aren’t quite sure about the final design of your new bathroom. From finding the perfect bathroom vanity and color scheme to deciding between large tiles and small tiles, don’t forget to do your homework and become inspired while designing your new bathroom.
Flip through magazines, scour the internet, check out Pinterest boards, and tour one or two bathrooms of friends and family members to gain inspiration for your next bathroom. You might be surprised when something as simple as an elegant toilet inspires you to create the bathroom of your dreams!
Materials list
If you are ripping your bathroom down to the wall studs, your materials list will obviously be more extensive than if you are simply updating the grab bars and adding a fresh coat of semi gloss finish paint. Either way, to ensure that you remain on budget and do not run out of money before the bathroom renovation is complete, creating an extensive and thorough materials list is critical.
As with many other aspects of a DIY bathroom remodel, the materials list will inevitably change and evolve, so be prepared to set aside money from your budget if you need to purchase additional materials or if your bathroom remodel cost estimates change.
Think Twice Before You Change the Layout
Your most significant complaint about your bathroom is that there is not enough space. Maybe your family is growing bigger, or you want to make room to accommodate a new shower or a double vanity. This often means changing the layout, which can create more space. However, if you are not cautious, your carefully curated budget can be blown by simply moving the vanity, shower, or toilet.
When you reconfigure your bathroom’s layout, you will inevitably need to reconfigure the plumbing to reroute the water supply, as well. This will most definitely mean removing the bathroom cabinets and vanity and will sometimes mean smashing holes in the drywall, ripping up flooring underlayment, and spending a small fortune hiring a plumber.
Instead, if your bathroom budget is tight and you can live with the current layout, your best option is to simply purchase a more petite vanity and reconfigure the cabinetry to create more storage space and save money.
Tackle Some DIY Projects
Taking on some of the DIY bathroom projects is a great way to keep labor costs low and allow you to realize your remodeling ideas without breaking the bank. However, while there are some projects you can easily tackle yourself, there are some chores that are best left to the skillful hands of a professional contractor.
A fresh coat of paint
One of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to brighten an otherwise dull, lifeless bathroom is to slap on a fresh coat of paint. Small bathrooms, such as a half bath, can be made to look much, much bigger than they are when you cover the walls with a lighter neutral color or a classic white or ivory. If your bathroom is larger, you can add an accent wall in a darker color, which will be a great contrast to other walls painted in a lighter color.
A fresh coat of paint is also an easy way to improve your home’s resale value. However, if you are repainting the master bath with the express purpose of selling your home, avoid bold colors and, instead, stick with basic neutrals or off-white, as these are colors that will appeal to prospective buyers.
Refinishing the bathtub
The budget for many bathroom remodels is often wasted on replacing an existing bathtub that is functional but a little dingy. Refinishing the bathtub is an easy, inexpensive project that can be completed in one single afternoon or weekend.
The process typically begins by removing the faucet and shower head before cleaning off all the nasty stuff that has accumulated on the tub over the years. Next, you will need to strip away the existing glaze. Be aware that removing the existing glaze involves using harsh chemicals, so you must wear a mask and ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated.
Once the glaze is gone, sanding the bathtub will roughen up the surface. This allows the new glaze to adhere to the porcelain tub properly. Finally, you need to allow the glaze to cure before replacing the hardware and rehanging the doors or shower curtains.
Adding new fixtures
Of all the DIY bathroom remodel ideas, one of the easiest and most cost-effective is to swap out the older, outdated fixtures for newer, sleeker models. New bathroom fixtures will instantly make your tired bathroom look brand new, for a fraction of the price of a complete DIY bathroom remodel.
Touchless faucets have been a hot trend for several years. If you want a more classic look, opt for polished brass. Oil-rubbed bronze has been a trendy option for several years, as well. However, if you want to save big money without sacrificing style, you cannot go wrong with chrome.
Installing a new vanity
A bathroom vanity is often one of the most significant expenses associated with a DIY bathroom renovation. Luckily, there are several ways you can save serious money on a bathroom vanity without sacrificing the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. One of the hottest trends in cabinetry is upcycling an outdated piece of furniture, such as an old dresser, into a bathroom vanity.
You can easily add elbow room to your bathroom by removing your more oversized, gawdy vanity and replacing it with a more small-scale model. Adding a top mount sink to a smaller piece will allow you to enjoy a beautiful vanity without sacrificing cabinet space.
Leave these jobs to the professionals
From swapping out your existing vanity to upgrading hardware or adding color to the space with a fresh coat of space, there are several DIY bathroom renovation jobs you can tackle on your own. However, there are other chores and projects that are best left to the professionals. Here are a few:
Upgrading the plumbing
From discolored water to severe corrosion and ever-increasing water bills, there are several telltale signs that your plumbing needs to be upgraded. Many older homes were plumbed with cast iron or lead pipes, which can be dangerous for your family’s health. Upgrading your plumbing with sturdier, safer materials, such as copper or PVC, is well worth the added expense.
The cost of materials can vary wildly, so take these costs into consideration. Copper pipes can last for at least 70 to 80 years but are far more expensive than PVC. However, PVC will only typically last around 25 to 50 years.
Installing radiant floor heating
One of the hottest trends in bathrooms over the last few years, radiant floor heating allows you to not only save on your energy bills but is also a luxury that will attract potential buyers. There are two traditional varieties of radiant floor heating: electric and hydronic.
Electric radiant floor heating involves large, heat-conducting mats under your flooring. This is a type of radiant flooring is more expensive than hydronic, so you should not install electric radiant floor heating inside your bathroom.
Hydronic radiant floor heating involves installing a series of pipes under the flooring. Hot water is heated and runs through the pipes. This is a better option if you want to extend the radiant heating system outside the bathroom and throughout the rest of your home.
Upgrading the exhaust fan
Sure, it is easy enough to swap out a toilet, so upgrading my exhaust fan should be just as easy, right? A functioning exhaust fan is the best line of defense against the formation of mold and mildew inside the bathroom. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not purchase the correct size exhaust fan for their bathroom.
Even if a homeowner does purchase an exhaust fan that properly ventilates your bathroom, the fan must be installed with the proper ductwork. This is an exhausting and often confusing process that is best handled by a professional.
Installing a New Shower Surround
Upgrading your shower stall is often unavoidable, especially if the existing tub/shower combination or walk in shower is older or improperly installed in the first place. A contractor can remove the existing surround, determine if the cement board underneath needs to be replaced or repaired, and install a new surround in a single afternoon.
It would take a typical homeowner days or weeks to complete the same project. If you stop and think about it, this is one case when hiring a professional can actually save you some serious money!
working with natural stone tile
Finally, for many homeowners, designing the bathroom of their dream often involves natural stone tile. From granite and travertine to limestone, cobblestone, and Jerusalem stone, several types of natural stone will transform any commonplace bathroom into an enviable oasis.
However, before you tackle installing your new floor, realize that working with stone can be tricky. This is why if installing stone is an integral aspect of your bathroom design, you should step aside and leave the cutting and installation to the professionals.
First, cutting natural stone requires purchasing a wet saw, an expensive tool that you probably won’t use again in your lifetime. If you don’t use the saw correctly or your measurements are off, you will wind up wasting that chunk of stone, which is an expensive mistake that homeowners simply cannot afford to make.
Additionally, it can be tricky to determine how much tile you need to order to complete the job. When you work through certain retailers, if you purchase too much tile, you might not be able to return the excess for a refund.
Choose the Right Flooring and Paint
With so many paints and flooring choices available, making the right choice for your home’s overall aesthetic and budget can seem almost impossible. However, before you become overwhelmed, step back and narrow down your choices.
Choosing the correct paint finish
When it comes to bathroom remodels, one of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing the wrong paint finish. Flat or matte paint is often more inexpensive, but these finishes cannot withstand the constant humidity and temperature fluctuations that occur in most bathrooms.
Instead, always choose a semi-gloss or satin finish for both the walls and the trim. Both satin and semi-gloss paint are sturdier, difficult to damage and chip, and easier to clean. Most importantly, semi-gloss and satin finish paints can hold up against the humidity and excess heat found in most bathrooms.
Choosing the correct paint color
The color of your bathroom walls can make or break your DIY bathroom remodel. So make sure you choose a color that doesn’t transform your light and airy bathroom into a dark and dingy dungeon. You cannot go wrong with eggshell, cream, or a bright white. A children’s bathroom can be transformed with a fresh coat of light yellow, light purple, or light blue.
If you want to incorporate darker, bolder colors into the master bath or guest bathroom, purchase a dark blue shower curtain, a dark brown or dark green hand towel, or darker bathroom tiles.
Choosing tile for your bathroom
The bathroom tile is often your most significant expense, so think carefully and take your time to ensure you choose a tile you can afford and will adore for several decades.
Vinyl tile
A popular, economical choice, vinyl tile and sheet vinyl have been installed by countless homeowners for several decades. Vinyl is easy to care for, can withstand the harsh conditions found in most bathrooms, and is available in an unbelievably wide variety of styles and colors. However, be aware that vinyl isn’t as durable as other options.
If you have rowdy kids using the other bathroom in your house, vinyl is an excellent choice because it will withstand all of the extra wear and tear.
Linoleum
A combination of limestone dust, linseed oil, wood flour, and cork, linoleum isn’t just for your grandmother’s kitchen anymore! Linoleum is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, easy to clean, and available in easy-to-install tiles. Linoleum is more durable than vinyl, but it is also more expensive.
Porcelain
A standard for decades, porcelain tiles are synonymous with bathroom remodeling projects. This product is still popular because it is relatively affordable, durable, and easy to clean.
Ceramic
If you want a bathroom with a more classic feel, ceramic tiles are a great option. Ceramic is resistant to scratches, dings, and dents, more affordable than stone, and will complement almost any bathroom design. The only downside to ceramic is that you might need to periodically replace a chipped or cracked tile, especially if the bathroom tiles are not correctly sealed and glazed.
Stone
Nothing compares to the look, feel, and durability of a stone bathroom floor. This material is the gold standard and an ideal choice for a master bathroom. This type of expensive tile can be challenging to install on your own. Once again, if you want to splurge on stone, it is best to let a professional handle the installation in your bathroom.
Look beyond porcelain and natural stone
Finally, if you are looking for an option that is not tile, you have several choices available. Luxury vinyl plank or vinyl tile is an excellent option because it is versatile, sturdy, and naturally water-resistant. If you don’t like the look of dirty grout lines, consider a solid surface floor instead.
Most bathroom solid surface floors are manufactured from a polyester or acrylic resin that is combined with a pigment. The flooring is installed in large chunks, so there are fewer grout lines to keep clean!
Add Some Amazing Finishing Touches
Finally, if you are interested in saving money, sometimes all you need to do is add some beautiful finishing touches to your existing bathroom. For example, you should be amazed at how much upgrading the light switches and adding some new, shiny towel bars can do for an outdated bathroom.
However, if you are ready to ramp up your bathroom remodel project, adding new sink faucets is another excellent, cost-effective option. For example, you can choose a sink faucet that matches the faucets in your kitchen, which helps tie your bathroom remodel into the rest of your home.
If your existing vanity is still structurally sound, putting a new coat of paint or swapping out the vanity hardware is a quick and cheap way to breathe some new life into your bathroom.
Another simple bathroom remodel idea is adding some new artwork, a faux plant, or some new curtains to the windows. These options allow you to add some color and dimension to the room.
Finally, if you really want to make your bathroom seem fresh and new, there is one simple project you can add to your bathroom remodel list: upgrade your toilet. Toilet technology has come a long way, and instead of choosing a dull, white toilet, you can purchase a toilet in a fun, fresh color.
A toilet with a bidet is a growing trend in the United States. The bidet might seem unnecessary, but you will be surprised at how much this simple feature can save you big money on toilet paper!
You are very excited to start your amazing new bathroom remodel project but are not quite sure where to begin. However, before you get to overwhelmed, it is possible to create a fantastic bathroom that will serve as an escape from the stresses of the everyday world without spending months planning or draining your savings.
However, while you are creating a budget, working on a design, and choosing bathroom flooring, it is essential that you realize when it comes to remodeling a bathroom, there are certain chores you can tackle yourself and others that should be left to the profess
