5 Low-Cost Ways to Renovate Your Bathroom on a Budget (2024)

Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom but don't want to spend a lot of money? You're in luck! There are many ways to update your bathroom on a budget. In this blog post, we discuss five low-cost ways to give your bathroom a makeover.

Whether you're looking to replace your old, out-of-style bathroom or simply want to add some personality, these ideas will help get the job done without breaking the bank.

Plan ahead and set a budget

Before starting your bathroom renovation, take a look at your existing bathroom. Make a list of things that need changes, what upgrades you want to be done and how you can fix them. Divide your wishlist into must-haves and nice-to-haves. This process will help you with setting a budget and establishing realistic timelines.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to change or how you want your bathroom to look, look at home renovation shows, magazines and other bathrooms for inspiration. Consider using Planner 5D software to create a digital version of your dream bathroom so you can envision what it will look like and make changes before you start the remodeling process.

Planning is a great way to save time and stay on budget. There is nothing costlier than changing things up halfway through a project or having to hire a professional to fix it.

DIY as much as you can without changing the layout

One of the best ways to save money on your bathroom renovation is to DIY as much as possible. This could include painting the walls, tiling the floors, or installing new cabinets. If you're not sure how to do something, there are plenty of online tutorials. With a little bit of time and effort, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing it yourself.

The easiest way to give your bathroom a makeover without spending a lot of money is to keep things where they are. Remodeling, including changes to the foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring or removing walls, can be costly. Changing your bathroom's footprint can also add time and increase your budget, especially if you need building permits and hire labor.

If you absolutely need to change the arrangement of fixtures or add square footage, keep the changes to a minimum and allocate this in your budget. Get cost estimates from expensive contractors to help you.

Use paint creatively

Paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to spruce up your bathroom. A fresh coat of paint can automatically brighten and freshen up any space. Neutral and off-white shades can make your bathroom look bigger without costly remodels. You can also use paint to create an accent wall that adds brightness and creates a focal point in your bathroom.

Walls and ceilings are not the only place in your bathroom that can benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Another often overlooked solution is to paint over your existing tiles, which is cheaper and more efficient than replacing them. Breathe new life into your cabinetry by painting it instead of replacing it with a new piece.

Always ensure that you're using the correct type of paint for the surface you're painting over in your bathroom, be that walls or cabinetry. Some bathroom projects, like tiles, require sanding and a water-based acrylic primer before a coat of durable latex or urethane paint.

Get creative and reuse existing pieces

A little creativity goes a long way. To keep costs low, consider repurposing old furniture and pieces from other rooms in your house or those you got at a yard sale. Use decorative mirrors, frames and vintage light fixtures or consider refinishing an old dresser and turning it into a shabby, chic vanity. Some of the best places for second-hand materials are reuse centers like Habitat for Humanity, antique stores, eBay, Etsy or estate sales.

Another quick tip for updating your ugly tiles or floors is to use peel and stick tiles. They go on fast and instantly transform your space without huge costs. You can use the same idea for your countertop by instantly updating it with some inexpensive vinyl film that resembles faux marble. This type of finishing is easy to apply, waterproof and resistant to heat and cuts.

You can also get creative with refinishing some of the most costly fixtures in your bathroom - tiles, tubs and sinks. Instead of replacing that avocado green tub or ripping off that pink tile, you can refinish it with a specialized refinishing kit. Created especially for high-moisture areas, the coating will make your old tiles bright and your tub looks like new. You can find many instructional videos online on how to do it.

Update your fixtures

Another easy and affordable way to renovate your bathroom is to update your fixtures. Consider replacing your ugly faucet with a modern version, and updating your doorknob, towel racks and shower curtain rods. Swapping out the hardware on your cabinets can automatically modernize your existing vanity and give it a fresh look.

If you're looking for a bigger change, you could also replace your light fixtures or add a new mirror. These small changes can significantly impact how your bathroom looks and won't cost you a lot of money. You can buy many materials for your bathroom second-hand or wait for them to go on sale.

Conclusion

Bathroom renovations don’t have to be expensive. With a few easy steps, you can transform your bathroom from drab to fab and save money in the process. We hope our tips have helped you with planning your bathroom makeover. Now you can update your bathroom and feel good about it.