DIY Tips to Reduce Bathroom Remodeling Costs
It's not always practical, or affordable, to spend a lot of money on a big bathroom remodel. With these DIY tips and simple remodeling ideas, you can save on costs to make the project much more affordable.
Remodeling You Can Do Yourself
Many homeowners don't have extensive knowledge of electricity or plumbing, but there are still lots of ways you can change the look of the bathroom. The best way to save money on a remodeling job is to do as much of the work yourself as possible.
Wall Revamp - Consult with an expert if you want to move walls in the room. It's dangerous to remove load-bearing walls. However, you can create in-wall storage by knocking out the drywall and exposing the studs. It's a doable DIY. Use a hammer and a keyhole saw to remove a section of drywall in a square; do not cut into the wooden supports that create the frame of the wall. Fill the square with shelves and block the gaps at the top and bottom with a 2x4 across the stud bay. Paint it to match or compliment the rest of the room.
Color Change - Since you have the paint out, a fresh coat will do wonders for any room. Choose a bright, light color to make the room appear larger. Paint the trim and walls to freshen up the entire room. Lay drop cloths all over the floor and fixtures before painting, and apply painter's tape along all wall and tile borders.
The Little Touches - Get new switch plates, vent covers and towel rods. These items are easy to remove and reinstall. With a power drill, the work will go quickly. Remove the old stuff prior to painting, and replace with the new material once the paint has dried.
Other Tips That Reduce Remodeling Costs
Research - You can't do all the work yourself, but even if you only do the legwork you will save money. If you plan to replace fixtures in the bathroom, such as the toilet and the faucets, shop around and price these items out yourself. A contractor may charge you more for these items. Compare the prices you find to the prices they quote, and buy the materials yourself if that will save money.
Scale Back- Cut back on costs by replacing only small items. A new faucet for the sink and a new toilet seat will cost much less than an entire new sink and toilet. Instead of replacing the entire bathtub, get a new look by installing glass doors. The doors look very modern and they make a big impact on any bathroom.
Go Pro - Have tile installed by a professional unless you have experience with laying tile. Save money on the tile by choosing more affordable materials. Porcelain tile, for example, is less expensive than stone and available in many designs that resemble stone. Shop around to find tile you can afford, and pay a little bit to have it installed by someone who will make it look beautiful. Small bathrooms can be completely tiled in a day or two.
Reduce remodeling costs in many little ways to enjoy a big savings, and still get all those dramatic changes you want. A remodeled bathroom can look like a million bucks...without you actually spending that much on it.
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