9 Ways to Save Money on Bathroom Renovation

The bathroom is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. It’s a place in your home where you can unwind, relax and enjoy some time for yourself. And it’s not just about taking care of basic hygiene needs anymore.  

Nowadays bathrooms (especially master baths) have become more like mini-spas with all sorts of luxe amenities to pamper your body from head to toe. But as luxurious as they may seem, many people underestimate the cost of bathroom renovations.

A bathroom remodel is a major undertaking, and prices vary depending on the scope of your project. The price is worth the investment if you think about all the years of enjoyment you’ll get out of your oasis. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money along the way.

With over 30 years of experience in interior design and renovation, we know how to create dream bathrooms while staying on budget. We have watched trends come and go, while other elements have proven timeless. We love incorporating fresh, surprising takes on designs that have withstood the test of time. The result is a design forward bathroom that you’ll love for decades. 

Check out our tips on how to save on your bathroom remodel–and how Make It Real Design can help you stay on budget. 

How to save money on bathroom remodeling 

1. Prioritize your wants and needs

The first step for your bath remodeling project is to make a list of what you want in your new bathroom. Think about what’s important, and be willing to compromise on the details. For instance, to splurge on luxurious shower fixtures, you may have to spend less on tile. On the other hand, if your main priority is increasing the resale value of your home, you may want to focus on cosmetic updates like paint and new hardware.

2. Know what you can invest

When planning your bathroom renovation, it’s essential to have a realistic spend amount in mind. Work with your interior designer to come up with a plan upfront. Making decisions before the renovation is underway will help you stay on budget and make the whole process smoother. This way, you won’t be tempted to go over budget or sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money.

3. Consider the space and layout

Changing the layout of your bathroom will impact the cost of your job. If you maintain the same general size and shape of your bathroom you won’t have to spend as much on plumbing and other structural changes. Keep the load-bearing walls in the same place, too. But, if you’re planning significant changes to the layout, be prepared to pay higher prices.

4. Don’t move the plumbing fixtures (or the electrical)

If you’re trying to cut costs on your remodel, one of the best things you can do is keep the sink and faucets, toilet, water lines and electrical in the same place. You could easily spend half of your funds moving these elements. However, moving things around could also make the bathroom feel bigger. Talking this through with an experienced interior designer will help you determine if the cost will be worth it to you. Sometimes, a creative solution can make a big difference!

5. Stick with standard sizes

While custom plumbing fixtures may look nice, you will pay more. Stick with standard sizes for things like tubs, showers, toilets and sinks. These items are less expensive, and they are easier to find and replace if something goes wrong down the road.

6. Use cost-friendly materials

There is a wide range of materials available for bathroom renos. The cost can vary significantly from one material to the next. If you’re trying to cut expenses, look for economical options like laminate countertops, porcelain tiles and basic hardware. Compare different styles of tile and lighting too. With careful selection, you can find items that will still look great and hold up well over time without breaking the bank. 

7. Reuse what you can from the old bathroom

If you’re renovating an existing bathroom, there’s a good chance that you can reuse some of the materials. For instance, if the toilet is still in good condition and is a comfortable height, there’s no need to replace it. (If it needs an update, try changing the toilet seat). The same goes for things like towel racks, bathroom lights, cabinet hardware and perhaps the tub. By reusing what you can, you can conserve a notable amount on the job.

8. Shop around for the best deals

It pays to shop around for the best deals when it comes to big-ticket items like fixtures and appliances. Compare prices at various stores, like your local home improvement store or hardware store, before making any final decisions. You can find reasonable prices at antique stores, yard sales and flea markets, too.

9. Choose Make It Real Design as your remodel partner

Make It Real Design offers an integrated design and build service to save you money and time on your next renovation. In fact, we’ll take care of all the items on this list and more!

• We work within your budget, always providing cost-effective solutions.
• Our lead interior designer and renovation contractor work together at every step.
• Because of our connections, we can source new materials economically.
• We use our trusted contractors efficiently, cutting labour charges.
• Plus, none of the DIY project stress!

To get started, simply get in touch with us. We’ll get to know your vision–from priorities and needs to wants and inspirations. Next, we’ll talk with you about your ballpark budget and make a plan for the best value and design impact. Then, we will give you a quote.

Once Make It Real Design gives you a project quote, that’s what you will pay. This means you won’t have to worry about surprise charges. 

From project costing and design to construction and sourcing materials, our interior designers and renovation contractor work together to make sure your renovation meets your vision.

Final words on remodeling costs

Bathroom remodeling can be an expensive project. However, you can cut expenses without compromising on quality with a few careful decisions. Consider your layout, stick to standard sizes and use budget-friendly materials. When done tactfully, these steps will keep expenses down without sacrificing style. And when it comes to expensive items, shopping around for the best deals can make a noticeable difference. 

Make It Real Design is ready to help you save on your bathroom renovation and deliver on the upgrades that are important to you. Get in touch!