How to Plan Your Bathroom Remodel on Any Budget

If you want to remodel your bathroom, most homeowners will immediately think of the budget to plan the next move. No matter how big or small your budget is, it will always be an essential ingredient of the remodel’s success. Planning your bathroom remodel according to your budget will prevent budget overruns, which can ruin your project and lead to unwarranted stress.

In planning for a remodel, consider how you can conveniently use the space in your bathroom. Desired functionality also affects the cost of your bathroom remodel. If you are planning for a bathroom remodel as a starting young couple, it is wise to consider how you would want your future and bigger family to utilize the bathroom space. Through this, you may prevent costly additions in the future.

Bathroom remodels are possible at any budget level with smart choices and proper planning. Ensuring your budget for materials, labor, and unexpected costs will make your bathroom remodeling go much more smoothly.

1. Budget Breakdown:

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests setting aside a budget between 5% to 10% of your home’s overall value for your bathroom remodel. Research shows that standard bathroom remodel costs in Brentwood and Nashville, TN, can range from $3,000 for low-end renovations to $28,000 to start changes from scratch with high-end materials. Generally, bathroom remodels range from $70 to $250 per square foot.

For every budget range you have for your bathroom remodel, here’s what you will get:

• Low end- $3,000

The most budget-friendly remodel costs an average of $3,100. It involves cosmetic changes and minimal upgrades to give your bathroom a fresh, new look. In a low-end bathroom remodel, you’ll use budget-friendly materials, including basic tiles, pre-made vanities, and standard fixtures. Labor costs will be relatively lower since no major structural changes or custom work are involved in this type of project.

• Average- $12,500

In a mid-range bathroom remodeling project, you should balance cost and quality. With an average of $12,500, homeowners can expect higher cosmetic upgrades and other works that can significantly enhance their bathroom, such as tiles. Homeowners can upgrade their bathroom using materials that have both aesthetics and durability, such as porcelain or ceramic tiles, semi-custom vanities, and stylish fixtures. Labor costs may increase due to some plumbing work or minor structural changes.

• High end- $28,000

In high-end bathroom remodeling, you can achieve the ultimate luxurious bathroom you dream of. Remodeling your bathroom with this pricing will let you focus on personal style and the use of premium materials and fixtures. Premium materials such as marble or natural stone for walls, floors and countertops, custom-made cabinetry, designer fixtures, and luxurious finishes will be used. Installing premium materials will also require specialized skills. Hiring skilled craftsmen will significantly increase your labor cost.

As a disclaimer, any budget range will depend on your specific choices and the size of the bathroom. The more complex your bathroom remodel is, the higher the cost incurred.

2. Splurge vs. Save:

Homeowners look for ways to save money while achieving their desired bathroom remodel. We all depend on many money-saving strategies to get the job done for less. Here’s a pro tip we can share: choose only what to save and what to splurge. This will help you still achieve that dream bathroom as planned and without sacrificing quality—at a lower cost.

What to splurge?

Here are some worth spending on your bathroom remodel:

• High-quality tiles

Tiles have a major impact on your bathroom's aesthetics and functionality. Choosing high-quality tiles will not disappoint you in terms of appeal, safety, and longevity.

• Plumbing lines

We do not want to re-do everything once the plumbing embedded in walls and underneath tiles fails. Plumbing materials must be perfectly chosen and installed to avoid costly repairs and delays.

• Ventilation

Ventilation is vital in keeping adequate airflow in our bathrooms. Moisture can drastically cause problems such as damaged ceilings, stained paint, and grounded lighting. More importantly, more airflow is needed for those who use the bathroom.

• Lighting

Lighting can dramatically change the mood of your bathroom. We don’t necessarily sacrifice the warmth and comfort of our bathroom.

What to save?

There are many ways to substitute cheaper materials for pricier ones and still get the look you want for less.

• Stock Cabinetry

Stock cabinets are cheaper than custom cabinetry yet have the same functionality- storage in your bathroom. To meet halfway, you can choose semi-custom, ready-to-assemble cabinets. These will let you configure sizes that would fit your bathroom space.

• Basic Fixtures

Another way to save money if you want to change your bathroom fixtures is to buy them second-hand. Many durable and branded second-hand items are still in good quality condition and for sale in reuse centers and online shops.

Some existing rusty yet functional fixtures can be rescued by having them cleaned professionally. Rather than replacing them, try to have them cleaned to improve their appearance.

3. Financing Your Remodel:

Once you already estimated the cost of your planned bathroom remodel, it is time to decide how you’d like to spend for it. Not everybody can afford to pay for home improvements in cash, but there are several options to choose from regarding how you want to finance your project.

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a secured loan. It gives you a revolving credit line for significant expenses for your home, using your home’s equity as collateral to secure a loan. It can be a good idea when you use it to fund improvements that increase the value of your home, such as bathroom remodels. The bathroom has a high resale value compared to other parts of your home. Thus, quality bathroom remodeling is a good investment.

• Personal Loan

One of the most common types of financing for home improvement is taking out a personal loan. You can use a personal loan to cover your bathroom remodel costs and pay it off normally at equal monthly payments. However, you can customize monthly payments to fit your budget and the duration of your loan payments.

• Cash Savings

Cash savings may be the safest option to finance your bathroom remodel. While saving money for your bathroom remodel, it also gives you time to reconsider your ideas. Paying for your project using your cash savings will force you to stick to your budget. It will also save you from the monthly burden of payments with interest. Zero interest paid is equal to your money saved.

If you have a poor credit history, you have a better chance of being approved through a secured loan. Unsecured loans are more challenging and have higher interest rates than secured ones. However, secured loans are risky since the lender will have a legal right to take possession of what you offered for collateral. If you want peace of mind and fewer liabilities, your best option is to stick to your cash savings.

4. DIY vs. Professional Work:

When deciding whether to hire a bathroom remodeling contractor or Do-It-Yourself (DIY), it is essential to assess your skills first. If there are work items you can do on your own, such as painting, demolition, or fixture replacement, you are good to proceed. However, it is best to leave the complex works to the professionals, especially plumbing and electrical work, due to the expert skills they require and the safety hazards they entail.

Hiring a contractor will help ensure your project is completed according to the timeline and budget. A professional contractor with expertise in bathroom remodeling gives you peace of mind that your project will be in compliance with local standards and avoid costly reworks.

Fig. 1. Luxurious Bathroom transformation by Modern Handymen

5. Maximizing Your Investment:

Bathroom remodeling increases your home’s revalue. To ensure that you get the most out of your investment, consider the following aspects:

• Smart Storage

Innovative storage ideas can significantly improve the organization and clutter-freeness of your bathroom. With innovative storage solutions, you can create a functional and appealing bathroom.

Fig. 2. Smart storage solutions in bathroom remodeling by Modern Handymen

• Space Saving Fixtures and Layout

Using fixtures that are just enough, not too big or too small, in your bathroom maximizes their functionality. Multi-functional fixtures not only save space but also improve the bathroom’s stylish layout and create an efficient space for users.

Fig. 3. Bathtub upgrade in bathroom remodeling by Modern Handymen

• Eco-friendly and Sustainable Materials

Use water and energy-efficient materials, such as low-flow toilets to lower water consumption costs and LED lights for power-saving lighting. Integrating smart technology in your bathroom boosts energy efficiency and sustainability, creating a comfortable, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly bathroom.

A well-planned bathroom remodel can add comfort and value to your home, even on a limited budget. Your personalized bathroom ideas may boost property value and functionality for the family. Hiring a partner bathroom remodeler such as Modern Handymen is best to turn this idea into reality with expert touches. Modern Handymen is a team of vetted professionals in Brentwood and Nashville, TN, specializing in bathroom remodeling. They offer a blend of expertise and homeowners' personal touches in successful remodeling projects. Call them at 615-200-807 to book a consultation and discuss your remodeling ideas for your dream bathroom.