Budget bathroom renovations

The bathroom is an essential area of your home. If you are selling your home, it is also one of the most important rooms that a potential buyer will consider when making a purchase decision. Budget bathroom renovations can add value to the selling price of your home.

What is the average cost of a budget bathroom renovation?

The cost of a bathroom renovation can be anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. This depends on the extent of the renovation and the materials that you choose. The national average in Australia is $20,000. We are going to focus on the budget range of these figures and how you can get the most value from your expenditures when it comes to the final sale price.

Benefits of a budget bathroom renovation

There are several ways that you can benefit from affordable bathroom renovations.

• Aesthetics. Aesthetics add to the perceived value of your home. If your bathroom looks old and outdated, then the potential buyer will see this as a future expense. They will expect a discount based on the perceived work that they will need to do.
• Added value to your home. A bathroom that looks like it has been maintained gives the impression that the mechanical and plumbing systems are on good working order, too. This adds value to your home because there are no obvious significant repairs that will need to be done soon.
• Cost-effective cheap bathroom renovations. When you are selling your home, the idea is to make renovations that will cost less, but that will add significant value to the house. The first impression when someone walks into the space has a substantial impact on making this work. Walk into your bathroom and focus on the first thing that draws your attention. This tells you where to begin.

How to renovate your bathroom on a budget

If your budget is on the smaller side of the average range, then there are certain things that you will not be able to do. For instance, you might not be able to replace walls, ceilings, do major plumbing or get a new shower installed. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve the aesthetics of your space.

Walls

The walls are one of the first things that most people see when they walk into a bathroom. They are at eye level, and if your walls have seen better days, it will not give a good impression. There are several ways to improve your bathroom walls to give your bathroom the lift that it needs.

• Tiles. New tiles give your bathroom a fresh, clean look. There are a wide variety of tiles available. When choosing tiles, be sure to pick ones that are consistent with the fixtures and vanity. You can look on the Internet for plenty of cheap bathroom tile ideas and ideas for bathroom tile designs on a budget.
• Paint. Paint is the most popular of all of the choices for redoing walls. It is quick and easy, and it can instantly refresh a bathroom that looks tired. You can also carry the colour throughout the entire design with accessories.
• Wallpaper. Wallpaper can give the bathroom a big “WOW!” factor. There are hundreds of different patterns from which to choose. Suppose you do not want to put wallpaper throughout the space. In that case, you might select one wall or area, such as behind the bathroom mirror and vanity to create a focal point. This is one of the best cheap bathroom wall ideas.

Flooring

The bathroom flooring takes a lot of abuse. It can become dull and damaged over the years from water and wear. Replacing your flooring is essential when trying to attract buyers. Here are a few bathroom flooring ideas on a budget that will give the room the feeling of being well-maintained.

• Tiles. Tiles offer the most variety of styles and sizes. You can choose tiles for both the walls and floors that match for a consistent look.
• Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and practical. You can choose from vinyl sheeting or vinyl tiles. This can give your bathroom a quick update.
• Floorboards. Floorboards are popular in many styles. The best part is that in many cases, you can use the original flooring in the bathroom. However, if you get new ones, be sure to get boards that have been treated for wet environments. Also, be sure to use several coats of a good sealer on them, whether they are the originals or new.
• Concrete. Concrete, specifically polished concrete is a popular option for industrial and modern bathroom designs. You can lift up the old flooring and expose the concrete underneath. This is a cheap way to give your bathroom a modern and trendy look.

Lighting

The right bathroom lighting can change the mood of the space instantly. Also, the lighting can make the area feel open and airy. Here are a few bathroom lighting ideas to make your bathroom look brighter and more spacious.

• LEDs. LED lighting adds a brightness that you cannot get with incandescent bulbs. You can get strips to place along with your mirrors or LED bulbs for your lighting fixtures. They also take less power and are cheaper in the long run.
• Pendant. A unique pendant lamp can give your bathroom a feature that makes it unique. When choosing a pendant light, make sure that it is a design that can withstand the steam and heat.
• Downlights. These are the most common type of bathroom lighting. There are many styles available, and you can find a style that fits your needs perfectly. They are often one of the more inexpensive lighting options.

Fixtures

The bathroom fixtures can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom. The little details can often be replaced inexpensively, and they can make a significant impact. Here are a few simple bathroom ideas on a budget that you can do quickly and cheaply.

• Reuse and Recycle. Sometimes, you can reuse or recycle the existing fixture, fittings, and furniture. You might be surprised what a good cleaning and a little bit of paint can do.
• Replace the little things. Replacing the taps, doorknobs, curtain rods, handles, and drawer pulls on the vanity are little things that can make a big difference.
• New Vanity. Getting a new vanity will stand out and make a significant impact. It can make the bathroom look like it has had a complete makeover. You can take your bathroom from old and outdated to fresh and modern with one small improvement.

DIY

Certain parts of your budget bathroom makeover can be considered DIY. For instance, you can often paint, wallpaper, and install new tiles yourself. Also, things like replacing the vanity can usually be done by yourself. However, knowing where to draw the line and on your capabilities can save you money because you will not have to hire a professional later to fix your mistakes.

Where will you need assistance?

Although you can do many things on your own, sometimes, it is best to hire a professional. It is suggested that you do not attempt any parts of the project that require a licence, are dangerous, or that would void a homeowner’s warranty. Here are a few areas where you should hire a professional.

• Plumbing. Plumbing is an area that requires a licence. If you make a mistake, it could cause a leak and affect the structural components of your bathroom. Also, there are specific drainage and sewer requirements that must be met. This is one area that is best left to the pros.
• Electrical. Unless you are a licenced electrician, you should never attempt to do the electrical work yourself. The risk of fire is too significant, especially in a wet environment.
• Building. It would help if you did not attempt to renovate the structural components of your bathroom. If you need new structural members of your flooring, inner walls, ceiling, or door frames, you need to hire a licensed and experienced professional. If your bathroom had water damage in the past, then you need to hire someone who can get the job done right to protect you from liability in the future.