Bathroom remodeling can be a grueling process for homeowners. Beyond the headaches associated with labor and delays, the costs frequently skyrocket beyond your budget. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your current, outdated bathroom.
You can execute many makeover ideas without spending a small fortune. If you’re hoping to upgrade the appearance of your bathroom, check out these affordable bathroom remodeling ideas for 2023.
Refinish Your Bathtub
Let’s start with the tub. No matter what kind of modern flourishes you have in your bathroom, the bathtub may be giving away the actual age of your home. Replacing a tub can cost an average of $5,600, so that should be considered a last resort. Instead, why not bring out its inherent sparkle by relining or refinishing the tub?
Removing the damaged glaze, sanding the surface, and adding a fresh coat of glaze can instantly give your tub a second life. This is also a great opportunity to update the color of your tub. A specialized bathtub paint, which contains a waterproof paint solution, can be purchased from most hardware stores. This upgrade averages around $460.
Shutterstock: Paul MaguireReplace Your Faucet
Replacing an entire vanity may be outside of your budget right now, but how about updating some of its key elements? Installing a new sink faucet can add significant bling to your bathroom counter, and you don’t need a plumber to do it!
Swapping out your dated sink faucet for an elegant modern one is remarkably easy. You can purchase your own, follow a quick step-by-step tutorial online, and have it completed within an hour or two. Imagine how much money you’ll save on labor.
Shutterstock: CapturePBModernize Your Vanity
Likewise, it’s far more cost-effective to replace the hardware on your old vanity than replace the cabinet altogether. Mixing contemporary additions with vintage styles can have eye-popping results. So there’s no reason you can’t add modern flair to a ho-hum cabinet.
Pick from stylish new designs like brushed nickel knobs or brass handles. However, before you add-to-cart, double-check to make sure your new hardware’s screws align with the holes on your cabinet. That way, you don’t even have to screw new holes.
Shutterstock: Berkay DemirkanInstall Your Own Toilet
Don’t let an old toilet prevent you from carrying on with your bathroom remodel! Believe it or not, installing a toilet isn’t that difficult – once you have it in the right position. Truly, the main challenge is the physical toll of swapping them out.
Once that’s done, equipping yourself with the proper tools can help you finish the job. Toilets have very few waterline hookups, so installation can be done on your own. However, it’s a wise idea to watch a tutorial video online before you set your plan in motion. That way, you’ll know the variety of tools needed to properly bolt the toilet to the floor and create a good seal.
Shutterstock: Radovan1Preserve, Don’t Replace
Wooden floors are another indication of an older bathroom. As such, many homeowners plan to cover them with vinyl or tile options that are more water friendly. But here’s a cheap bathroom remodeling tip: don’t replace them!
Your wooden floors can still look beautiful and well preserved by investing in enamel paint. Alternatively, you can turn to hard wax oil or lacquer to keep your hardwood floors protected. Either option will preserve your bathroom floors while saving you lots of money in labor and supplies.
Shutterstock: Ground PictureAvoid Moving Fixtures
During the conceptual stage, the urge to remap your entire bathroom layout can be strong. However, you should resist the temptation to move your toilet, shower, and sink from their current locations.
Any plans to change your drainage or water supply will result in major additional costs. Moving your plumbing needs – even a few feet from where they current exist – can cost between $500 to $1,000 per fixture.
ShutterstockSavings Upon Savings!
Keep in mind that replacing old fixtures doesn’t just improve your bathroom’s appearance but its efficiency as well.
Replacing an old toilet with a WaterSense-certified model can drastically reduce your energy consumption. Today’s options use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush, whereas toilets built before the 1980s can use upwards of 5 to 7 gallons per flush!
Shutterstock: FreerFind More Ideas Online
You can still transform your bathroom without the expenses and headaches of a full remodeling. By focusing on refurbishing and upgrading existing pieces, you may even wind up with a better bathroom – for a fraction of the price.
Affordable bathroom remodeling tips are all over the internet, with enlightening before-and-after photos. To ballpark how much your refurbishing ideas might cost, research “Bathroom Remodel Near Me” to find local businesses that can offer insights.
Shutterstock: CapturePB
