Planning ahead is integral to a budget reno. The next important thing you should do is set a budget and stick to it! The key is to asses the bathroom to see what should stay and what should go.
1. Do this budget reno during the slowest season! Retailers are looking to get rid of past season products and bring in more foot traffic will run promotions with lager discounts. This allows you to buy the higher grade products that normally maybe out of your price point.
2. Keep in mind the labor cost is what can gets you. So opt to do the paint job (walls refurbishing vanity) yourself this you can get away with doing without a pro.
3. If refurbishing vanity or repurposing a piece of furniture to become a vanity -change out or purchase counter and sink. You can locate new counter at a stone yard. Ask to see if they have remnants from larger cuts from other orders. They are they happy to sell it at a discount rate rather then throwing it out.
4. If you are satisfied with the vanity and or are not looking to change it but just want to update, you can change out the cabinet hardware. Which brings me to my next point....#5
5. Change out the fixtures (faucets, towel bar etc...) to coordinate the fixtures with said hardware. Coordinate does not necessarily mean that everything has to be matchy-matchy. It means you can purposefully mix metals finishes but make sure they compliment. I like to mix the warm undertones of brushed nickel to a matte, antique or distressed gold. Copper looks beautiful with oil rubbed bronze and gold as well.
6. Tubs and Toilets- Those can be expensive to replace! Tubs can be expensive since taking them out entail of also replacing the tiles that surrounds them, especially if you have a tub and shower combo. to avoid that you can have the tub refitted or for porcelain reglaze. Now this is cost effective if this the main thing you need for this face lift. With toilets it depends on what you are looking for generally going to a big box stores like Home Depot or Lowes for inexpensive is a great place to start just look for those promos.
7. Tiles- there is so much out on the market that you will be able to find your hearts desire. Yes going with a larger tile means less tiles therefore you save money but if you are looking to make an impact there are tiles that are painted with patterns. and porcelain tiles that look like marble or wood. Going to a big box store is great but try looking at tile shops there is a plethora of tiles at ALL price points. Again going during slow season is great time to make purchases even if you have not started the project.
8. Lighting- Finding the perfect lighting can change the way a room looks and feels. It is anyway to up grade a bathroom and that people over look in general. You can find great pieces through salvage yards, just make sure to have the wiring checked, online retail, big box stores such as home depot. Nothing beats going to a lighting store to experience a larger variety as well as seeing it in person to view the lighting itself.
9. Sometimes a bathroom is perfectly fine but just needs purging and organization. organization of a vanity cabinet to help declutter the surfaces of the bathroom such as vanity top, the surround of the tub area and yes even the top of a toilet tank. If your budget is super tight then think on splurging that on the accessories. Such as a bright and poppy shower curtain, luxe towels, a beautiful tray filled lovely jars and containers for your toiletries.
10. If you decide to do a full on reno but still are on a budget all of the previous still applies. Opt. to do the demo such as removing all the fixtures, tilework and sheetrock just make sure to turn off the water valve and the electricity to that bathroom before starting. Do have the professional electrician and plumber to properly install your water fixtures and electrical work DIY the rest.
Remember start your project during slow season or at the very least purchase your supplies during that time even you are not ready to start.
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