Small Bathroom Remodels on a Budget

Small bathroom remodels can add value to your home and increase its functionality. Expenses can include hiring a general contractor, plumber and electrician as well as upgrading cosmetic features like cabinets, fixtures and flooring.

Thoughtful design touches add personality to a bathroom. For example, a nightstand was used as a vanity in this remodel project featured on sweetestdigs.

1. Decide What You Want

Homeowners should decide what they want for their remodel and budget accordingly. Some items, such as new vanities or countertops, may be more expensive than others. Homeowners should factor in the cost of materials as well as hiring a contractor for remodeling services.

Other costly items homeowners often overlook include demolition fees, hiring a structural engineer and asbestos removal. A structural engineer is essential when homeowners are dealing with load-bearing walls, while asbestos can be expensive to remove.

Many factors influence bathroom remodel costs, so it is important for homeowners to understand what they will be paying for before starting the project. This will help to avoid any unexpected expenses during the renovation process. Some of the most common hidden costs for bathroom remodeling projects include unforeseen electrical upgrades and plumbing problems.

2. Keep the Major Plumbing Lines in Place

Bathroom fixtures like showers, sinks and toilets have specific connections to pipes and venting. Moving these components is costly and requires additional plumbing work. This is especially true for primary bathrooms in the house used on a regular basis by the household.

If you want to upgrade a small bathroom but don’t have a lot of budget, keep the major plumbing in place. This can save you thousands. It’s also important to decide if you want to add new vents in the roof or simply tie into existing ones.

3. Plan the Job in a Specific Sequence

Several factors can slow down the renovation timeline including the unexpected discovery of problems like rot or mold, product damage during shipment and the need to wait for specific contractors to be available. Homeowners can help to minimize these delays by ordering their materials and products in advance, limiting the number of spontaneous plan modifications and paying bills promptly.

Simple changes, such as swapping out faucets or showerheads, painting or wallpapering, and updating mirrors can make the room feel new and fresh. Adding a framed piece of art to the wall or coordinating washcloths and other bathroom essentials in open glass jars can give the space a clean, gallery-like look. Thoughtful DIY touches also can be cost effective. For example, embroidered monograms or grosgrain ribbon glued to inexpensive Roman shade window treatments add customized style to the room.

4. Get Licensed

A small bathroom remodeling project is a great way to improve the quality of your life and add value to your home. However, it’s important to choose a professional who is licensed and insured.

Ask to see proof of insurance before hiring a contractor. Also, check that any subcontractors they use are licensed.

Remodeling a small bathroom requires different skills than renovating a larger one, and it’s crucial to work with a designer who understands how to make the most of your space. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Cosmetic upgrades don’t usually require a permit, but changes such as adding windows, moving outlets or plumbing and relocating toilets, sinks, showers or bathtubs may require permits. Check with your local building department to find out if a permit is required for your remodel.

5. Set a Budget

When it comes to remodeling, a well-planned budget can help you avoid overspend. This is especially important for bathroom renovations that include a significant amount of work. To keep your budget in line, consider the following tips:

Shop around for the best prices on materials and hire a contractor that offers competitive rates. You can also save on labor costs by doing some of the remodeling work yourself. For example, painting the bathroom can cost about $60 for one can of interior paint, but homeowners can save money by purchasing a gallon of paint and doing the job themselves.

Another way to keep the budget in check is by using space efficiently. For example, homeowners can store toiletries in a basket on the toilet instead of an expensive cabinet and hang towels on hooks rather than buying a new towel bar.

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