Bathroom remodels have a reputation for being expensive, but this popular home improvement
project doesn’t have to drain your savings. While the average remodel costs around $10,000,
strategic planning can significantly lower this expense.

This guide outlines key money-saving hacks, from smart upgrades and material choices to DIY
options, all designed to help you create a stunning new bathroom without breaking the bank.

Smart Planning: Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Strategic planning is the most critical phase for controlling the cost of your bathroom remodel.
Focusing on high-impact decisions before you begin can save you thousands and prevent costly
mistakes down the line:

• Work with your existing layout. The most significant way to control costs is to avoid moving
  major plumbing fixtures. Altering plumbing and moving walls are often the most expensive
  parts of a remodel. Sticking with the original footprint eliminates this major expense.
• Prioritize essential fixtures. Experts advise spending on high-use items like a quality toilet
  and shower before focusing on purely cosmetic upgrades like countertops. A cheap toilet,
  for example, is a common budget trap, with poor build quality, leaks, and subpar flushing
  performance often leading to more costly repairs down the line.
• Get professional advice early. While it seems like an added expense, hiring a bathroom
  professional during the planning phase can be a cost-saving measure. They can offer layout
  suggestions that avoid expensive mistakes and help you source materials at a discount.
  

By focusing on your layout, prioritizing functional fixtures, and seeking expert advice upfront, you
establish a solid, budget-friendly foundation for the rest of your project.

Cost-Effective Materials and Finishes

Your choice of materials and finishes is one of the best areas to save money without sacrificing
style. Strategic selections can deliver a high-end look for a fraction of the cost:

• Opt for smart material alternatives. For example, high-quality porcelain tiles mimic natural stone at a lower price and are more durable, requiring less maintenance.
• Refinish fixtures instead of replacing them. If your tub and vanity are in good shape, refinishing them offers a major visual upgrade for minimal cost. Pairing a freshly painted vanity with new, stylish handles is an especially effective, high-impact hack.
• Use tile strategically. Limiting tiles to high-moisture areas, rather than covering every wall, is a smart way to save on both labor and materials. This approach allows you to paint the remaining walls and hang art, which is an increasingly popular trend in modern bathroom design.

These material choices allow you to allocate your budget intelligently, spending on key fixtures
while saving significantly on surfaces.

DIY and High-Impact Upgrades

One of the most effective ways to save money is by handling some of the labor yourself. Depending
on your skill level, you can tackle tasks like painting, replacing faucets, and installing new light
fixtures without a contractor. Instead, save the expensive professionals for complex “wet areas”
(i.e. shower and plumbing).

Focusing on small, high-impact details can also transform your space. Upgrading to efficient LED
spotlights, for example, may cost slightly more upfront but will save you money on energy bills
over time. Even simple cosmetic changes, like a new shower curtain, bath mat, and fresh towels,
can instantly refresh the room. While a full bathroom remodel is a major project, these strategic upgrades can make the process far more manageable and affordable.

Big Style, Small Spend

A beautiful bathroom remodel doesn’t demand a huge budget; it demands a smart plan. By
preserving your layout, choosing materials wisely, and tackling simple tasks yourself, you can
achieve a high-end transformation without the high-end cost.

Strategic planning is the key to getting the bathroom you want (with the budget you have).

Author bio: Davis Glassberg is the Product Manager at Bath Concepts, which transforms
bathrooms into spa-like, dream retreats. Glassberg is in charge of training and developing
innovative new products for the bath industry. Glassberg has been actively involved in acrylic
bathroom remodeling for over three decades. During that period, he has designed over 40,000
bathrooms and trained more than 10,000 design consultants across the U.S.