At Lloyd’s Remodeling and Cabinetry, it is important for us to see kitchen and bathroom remodels done properly. We know that’s the only way to see complete customer satisfaction. However, we also know that a bathroom remodel isn’t always a thrifty enterprise, so, in honor of National Kitchen and Bath Month, we’re sharing eight ways to save money on your bathroom remodel.

Leave the Utilities Alone

Though usually a smaller space than a kitchen or living room, a bathroom is filled with plumbing and electrical systems that are not always easy to work with or around. While moving the toilet to the other side of the room may be one way to improve the functionality of the space, if you are working on a budget, we don’t recommend leading with that. There are many ways to spruce up a bathroom without tampering with the plumbing or wiring.

Be Wise About DIY

That being said, sometimes the plumbing or wiring needs to be changed. If either of these elements are the focal point of your bathroom remodel, make sure you let the professionals manage them. While doing renovations on your own may seem like the biggest way to save money on labor costs, be wise with how you do. Some demolition or renovation projects can absolutely be done on your own successfully, but if the waterworks or electricity is mismanaged, not only will they present a safety hazard, they can also cost you significantly more in repairs. 

Get Multiple Quotes

If you need professional services for your bathroom remodel, you don’t have to take the first estimate that someone slaps on a table (for the record, we studiously avoid slapping at Lloyd’s). Do your research, obtaining several quotes from different contractors. This doesn’t just mean go with the lowest offer—it often means you have bargaining power to work with the business of your choice at a dollar amount that works for you.

Add a Splash of Paint

A new coat of paint is very often a go-to when homeowners need a fresh look without structural changes. If you want to repaint your bathroom, clean all the applicable surfaces first. Soap scum, mildew, and dust can be pretty good at camouflage, and it’s important to not trap a layer of grime under a fresh coat of paint. Look for paints that will repel moisture well to prevent future microbial interlopers.

Get a Handle on Things

Hardware is the jewelry of a room, garnishing the total appearance while tying the space together. Simply changing out your current hardware can brighten up the room and update its style. While this certainly applies to the knobs of cabinet doors, it is even more impactful when applied to other hardware in the room, namely the faucets. Do the styles of your sinks and shower match? Do you want them to? More importantly, do the faucets in your bathroom present a fresh appearance, unmarred by hard water stains, mildew, and rust?

Find Fresh Flooring

Replacing flooring can be extensive and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Materials like laminate or vinyl are cheaper than tile or stone, so they may be a good fit if you want your bathroom remodel to include switching out the floor. Peelable options are also available if you want something very easy. If you are looking for a challenge, consider painting any tile you already have down. You can change the color and even add subtle or striking patterns.

Consider a Counter Offer

Peelable appliques and creative tile choices don’t just apply to the floor. Options are also available for countertops. True, countertop installation is not cheap. That’s because quality that will last requires care and structural integrity. However, if you want something as a placeholder, faux marble film is available in decals similar to contact paper. These can be helpful if you want to temporarily cover peeling laminate or cracking tile, and they are surprisingly waterproof, heat-resistant, and tear-resistant. Beware of bubbles.

Reuse Where You Can

Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom about a penny saved doesn’t just apply to pennies. It can apply to any feature you want to use in your bathroom remodel. Do you have leftover tile from a previous reflooring? Use it to give your counters a decorative flair. Wood from another project can easily become new shelving in your bathroom. Keep your mind open to possibilities. 

Even if you don’t already own the things you want to use, you can still take advantage of previous possession by buying features secondhand. Want a new vanity? Try Facebook Marketplace or the thousands of other secondhand enterprises available. Thrifted pieces may need a bit of work, but even taking that into consideration, they can still save you a bundle.