When we think about updating our bathrooms, we often imagine price-shock, and months of paying off huge credit card bills.
While we can easily justify spending the money on our kitchens and dining rooms, bathrooms are often overlooked, until we have a guest who needs to use the powder room and we inwardly cringe at the state it’s in.
If you’ve been dreading remodelling your bathroom, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to update it without going bankrupt. The good news: remodelling your bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to your home.
Here are some of the best tips for improving your bathroom:
Limit the amount of tile you use
Tile is expensive, especially when you’re paying someone to lay it for you. A good way to save money is to either lay it yourself, or carefully choose exactly where you should put the tile to give your bathroom the most impact. Tiled floors look snazzy, but there’s no need to tile inside the shower, and it can also be a good idea to just tile one strip along the wall and choose a modern-looking paint for the rest.
Update your fixtures
One of the best ways to give your bathroom a facelift is to update light fixtures, towel racks, door handles, and bathroom faucets. While these may seem like small changes, they quickly add up and make a huge difference in how your bathroom looks.
Go Green
Going “green” is not only excellent for the environment, and a nice way to earn some good karma, it’s also good for your family. Green products are chemical-free, making them a better option for your health, and can lead to lower utility bills in the case of fixtures like water-saving shower heads.
Give it a coat of paint
Painting your bathroom in a modern colour is a great way to update it without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that you will want to invest in high-quality paint which will help prevent mold from growing in the humid environment.
Evaluate your DIY skills
It may be tempting to do everything yourself, but if you’re not the DIY type, you can end up spending tons of money down the line when you have to pay a professional to fix your mistakes. It’s often easier to ask friends and family for a recommended contractor, and get it done right the first time.
Overhaul your lighting
Many bathrooms were designed before people full appreciated the advantages of good lighting. More lighting can make a small bathroom appear larger, and bright lights around the mirror are excellent for applying makeup and shaving.
Don’t move your plumbing
While it’s easy to imagine how your bathroom would look if only the shower and toilet could switch places, and if sink could be located under the window, moving your plumbing can easily cost an arm and a leg. This will eat into your budget for everything else, and you may not be able to afford the vanity or tiles that would make more of a difference to the overall appearance of your bathroom.
