Bathrooms are a must-have, but they’re also expensive. Here are some ways to save money on your bathroom remodel.
Start With a Realistic Remodeling Budget
Before selecting materials or layouts, determine what matters most in your remodel. Some homeowners want better storage, while others need improved accessibility or a more modern design. Knowing your priorities helps prevent unnecessary spending. Focus your budget on:
- Better functionality
- Durable materials
- Water-efficient fixtures
- Improved lighting
- Long-term value
Planning around your goals can help you avoid costly changes later in the project.
Choose Materials That Balance Cost and Style
While material costs add up quickly in a bathroom remodel, feel free to use less expensive materials. In many cases, you can achieve a similar look with more affordable alternatives that still perform well.
- If you want tile but can’t afford it, consider using vinyl flooring instead of ceramic or porcelain tiles. It’s easy to clean and requires little maintenance over time.
- Plank flooring still offers great style options like linear designs or accent colors such as gray tones, which complement any color palette perfectly.
- If you love natural stone but need more money for it, think about using quartzite or granite slabs as your countertops instead of marble or limestone, which can cost up to 10 times more.
Keep Plumbing in the Same Location
When you’re planning a bathroom remodel, it’s important to remember that plumbing is expensive. Moving pipes and quality fixtures are the most costly part of any bathroom remodel, and they can cost more than the rest of the project combined!
Moving plumbing lines is one of the fastest ways to increase remodeling costs. Relocating a toilet, tub, or sink often requires additional labor, permits, and structural work. A layout that works with your current plumbing can reduce labor while still allowing for a major visual upgrade.
Be Careful With DIY Demolition
Demolition is no easy feat, so having a professional do the job is essential. Many homeowners think doing demolition themselves will save money, but improper demolition can create expensive damage behind the walls.
DIY mistakes can lead to:
- Damaged plumbing lines
- Electrical hazards
- Structural repairs
- Mold exposure
- Permit issues
Professional demolition can often prevent larger repair costs later in the project.
Update Instead of Replace
Not every bathroom element needs to be removed. Sometimes refreshing what you already have can create a completely new look at a lower cost.
Consider updating:
- Vanity cabinets with paint or stain
- Cabinet hardware
- Mirrors
- Light fixtures
- Faucets
- Towel bars and accessories
Small upgrades can make the entire room feel new without a full replacement. These smaller touches cost at most $50 per item, but they will still give an updated look when paired together!
Leave the walls and floor as they are.
If the flooring is in good shape, consider just painting the walls instead of replacing the tile, saving you money on labor and materials. Or, if you do decide to replace the flooring with new tiles or wood planks, choose a matching style to the existing flooring to avoid mismatched styles running throughout your home.
Decide Carefully About the Bathtub
Removing a bathtub can free up space and lower remodeling costs, but it is important to think about long-term resale value before making that decision.
A shower-only bathroom may be ideal for:
- Aging in place
- Easier cleaning
- Better accessibility
- More open floor space
Keeping at least one tub can help:
- Families with children
- Future resale appeal
- Guest bathroom functionality
If accessibility matters, a walk-in shower may provide the best long-term investment. Learn more about custom bathroom upgrades from W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling.
Start With a Detailed Remodeling Plan
One of the best ways to save money is avoiding changes after construction starts. Last-minute decisions often create delays and added labor charges. A professional remodeling plan helps you:
- Set a realistic budget
- Avoid change orders
- Choose materials early
- Prevent delays
- Stay aligned with your goals
At W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, we help homeowners plan every detail before construction begins. This leads to fewer surprises and better results.
You need a bathroom, so don’t cut corners.
The bathroom is essential to every family, but remodeling can be expensive. It’s nice to know there are ways to save money when doing so! We hope this list gives you some ideas on making your next bathroom renovation budget-friendly and still getting everything done right.
Work With the Right Remodeling Contractor
It’s essential to ensure the contractor you choose has experience with your type of project, but it’s also important to check references and ask for a contract before signing on with them. If you want someone who will work hard and do quality work, finding a contractor who can provide proof of past projects and testimonials from satisfied customers is worth it.
When choosing a contractor, look for:
- Bathroom remodeling experience
- Local references
- Clear pricing
- Licensed professionals
- Detailed project planning
Start Your Bathroom Remodel With Confidence
At W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, we have over 50 years of experience in the industry. We specialize in kitchen, bathroom, and home remodeling projects. Wynn and Wade Davies and their award-winning team bring the service and expertise you’re looking for in your bathroom remodeling project—big or small.
If you’re in the Madison, WI, area, contact us at W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, and we’ll answer any questions.
Transform Your Bathroom with W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling. Call: 608-222-6609
