Strategies to Remodel Your Bathroom on a Budget

Does your bathroom need a spruce up, but you’re not sure if you want to spend the money? According to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” a midrange bathroom remodel is a solid investment. Designing a bathroom that reflects your personal style as well as incorporates materials, fixtures, and amenities with lasting value does not have to break your budget. Here are some strategies for remodeling your bathroom on a budget.

Make a plan and stick to it

Before you begin your remodel, spend time carefully thinking about the space and how you want to use it. Make a plan as to what fixtures and materials you want and how much you wish to spend on the remodel. Work alterations can often add cost to the remodel, so resist making changes to the plan once the work has started. Discuss with your contractor the cost of change orders.

Consider all the options

There is a range of prices and options when it comes to buying materials for your remodel, so you have the opportunity to save money by shopping wisely. For example:

• If you desire granite countertops, consider shopping for remnants from larger projects that can be had at discounted prices.
• When it comes to tile or stone work around the shower or floor, keep it simple instead of inlays, mosaics, or other labor intensive layouts.
• Sinks, toilets, tubs, faucets have numerous stylish options for the budget-minded.
• Lighting is a key element in the bathroom, so function is the top priority. Talk with your sales design consultant or contractor so they can help you get the best value for your needs.

Contribute to the labor

Doing some of the prepping and finishing yourself can help you on labor costs. If you have the time and are able to, do some of the demolition before the remodel and contribute to the painting and/or staining at the end of the project.

Think about storage

If you are not expanding your bathroom’s footprint, it may be a challenge to get all the storage you desire. Here are some ideas for thinking about storage in a different way.

• Vertical storage: Upper wall space is typically not used in bathrooms. Think about getting a freestanding multi-tiered shelf to go over the toilet or installing a shelf over towel racks to maximize wall space.
• Moveable storage: Use baskets on the floor to hold towels, or floor-standing coat racks to hold wet towels or clothes.
• Maximum utility storage: Try adding slide-out trays to vanity cabinets to provide full access to stored items.

Select a contractor with expertise

Contractors with expertise will help you work within your budget and still deliver quality services. Ask about their interior design experience. Before you sign the contract, read it over carefully and make sure it has a detailed description of the project scope, services, timeline, and cost.

To get started with your bathroom remodel, call Callen at (414) 765-2585. From design through completion, our experts deliver the highest level of care and attention to your bathroom remodel and will help you work within your budget.

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