The bathroom may not be your home’s biggest room, but it is one of the most important. It ranks in importance directly after your kitchen. Many house buyers base their purchasing decisions on the state of the bathroom. So, if yours does not measure up, it may be time for a bathroom remodel project.
A bathroom remodel can be an exciting venture. Still, it also requires careful financial planning to ensure your dream bathroom becomes a reality before you run out of money to finish the project. To give you an idea of how much you should budget for, Gitnux reports that the average bathroom remodel in the United States costs around $10,000. Of course, the final amount will depend on the size of your bathroom and if you are gutting everything or just want to change one part.
Add Value to Your Property by Remodeling Your Bathroom
Updating your bathroom will add value to your property. Rocket Homes says 51.2% of homeowners prefer an open layout, and modern, airy designs are in demand. While your bathroom may have a fixed footprint, consider creating an open design with fixtures and carefully designed storage to create the illusion of more space. Strategically placed large mirrors can also add that illusion of extra space in a small bathroom.
Allocate Your Budget Effectively
The ROI for kitchen cabinets can be as high as 80 to 100%, as reported by ZeroDown. It indicates that investing in high-quality materials and workmanship can pay off. Apply this principle to your bathroom remodel by prioritizing elements that offer functional and aesthetic returns, such as investing in durable tiles, efficient fixtures, and ample storage. Remember, installing modern, water-saving faucets and shower heads will save you money on water bills long after the remodel is completed.
Here are some budget-friendly tips for your bathroom remodel project:
Plan thoroughly
Before you start demolishing your existing bathroom, have a clear plan in place. Your plan should include a detailed budget, timeline, and design concept. Planning upfront will help you avoid costly changes mid-project.
Prioritize your changes
If your budget is tight and you cannot afford to change everything at once, decide on the most important changes and do them first. It makes sense to let the essentials take precedence in your budget. Later, you can add the less important changes.
Do your research
Get quotes from at least two or three contractors and compare prices for both materials and labor. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider value for money. If you can, ask for references and to see examples of the contractor’s previous work.
Do yourself what you can
Consider what aspects of the remodel you can do yourself to save on labor costs. Simple tasks like painting or installing hardware can be done without professionals. You may even tackle gutting the old bathroom yourself. It will save money, and face it, you cannot do much damage to the project by doing that yourself. On the other hand, tricky jobs like laying wall tiles should be left to the professionals.
Reuse what you can
See if any current fixtures or materials can be reused or repurposed in your new design. It is unnecessary to replace everything, especially if the old fixtures are still functional and fit into your new style. Perhaps the vanity is still in good order. Freshen it with a new coat of paint and replace it in your new bathroom.
Phase your project
If your budget is tight, consider completing the remodel in phases rather than all at once. It may take a little longer to do it this way, but it will be worth it if it saves you from going into debt.
By following these steps and keeping a keen eye on your budget, your bathroom remodel project can add to your home’s comfort and value. Remember, sticking to a well-planned budget is your best tool in completing your bathroom transformation.
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