In 2022, a huge 76% of homeowners chose to revamp their main bathrooms, putting them at the top of the home improvement list. These bathroom upgrades were not just about adding comfort and style; they also turned out to be smart financial moves. The 2023 report of Cost vs. Value by Remodeling Magazine highlighted the average ROI of midrange bathroom remodels to be approximately 60% to 70%.
The average cost to remodel your bathroom is around $10,978 but can range anywhere from $2,500 to $80,000 depending on the type of project, labor, and location. For example, you’re likely to spend three times more doing a major bathroom renovation that includes shower upgrades than minor renovations. Since a grander project is more complex and time-consuming, it will also increase labor costs because they charge by the hour.
However, your location significantly impacts your expenses because everything, from materials to labor, will cost more if you live in an expensive area. For example, suppose you live in Chicago. Living here is 50% more expensive than the national average but is 42.9% cheaper than in New York. This data means that bathroom renovations in Chicago will be more expensive than most places in America but cheaper compared to places like New York. With all these factors influencing the costs, how do you stay within budget? Luckily, the following article contains budget-friendly ideas to spruce up your bathroom!
Replace old fixtures
Though replacing old showerheads and other fixtures might not be as expensive as other major renovations, it can still be costly if you live in a place like Chicago, which is the 24th most expensive city in America. However, you can research different contractors to find the most affordable options. Take The Bath Center, for example. It is a Chicago bathroom remodeling company that offers quality services, attractive financing options, and a free consultation to help you get your dream bathroom without cutting corners. Since installing showerheads or other fixtures like faucets is a tricky task, you can’t avoid hiring contractors because it requires precision and skill. Doing it yourself might result in plumbing issues that can become a more costly problem later on. Hence, hiring bathroom experts ensures you get top-quality service.
You can add stunning and sleek new fixtures that can completely transform your bathroom, giving it a neater and more modern appearance. You can install different types of fixtures at varying prices depending on your needs. For example, a basic handheld showerhead costs around $30 to $200. On the other hand, you can install a Ceiling-Mounted Showerhead that costs approximately $80 to $300 if you want to go for a unique and chic vibe.
Paint the cabinets
Painting the cabinets in your bathroom is a fun and cost-effective way to instantly transform your space. If you’re tired of the same old monotonous paint job, then you can try adding a splash of color. Go for a pop of yellow if you want to make your cabinets the focal point, or select pastel colors if you want a more subtle vibe. The right color palette is crucial.
You can either DIY or hire professionals, but the average cost is around $50 to $100. Since your bathroom has a lot of moisture and humidity, it can cause the paint on your cabinets to fade and chip away. This wear and tear decreases the appeal of your space and gives it an unkempt appearance. So, refreshing the paint or giving your room a new vibe is an excellent way to revamp your bathroom.
Add a vintage vanity
Suppose your bathroom lacks storage space and is missing a bit of flair. In that case, all you need is a vintage vanity to satisfy both your functional and aesthetic needs. If you don’t have a rustic piece lying around, it’s no issue. Chicago has numerous thrift stores where you can purchase unique second-hand furniture for the best price. However, remember to measure the space in your bathroom where you want the vanity to go before you go ahead and purchase an item that doesn’t fit. It would be best to keep a list of requirements to help you find the vanity that best fits your needs, like storage requirements, style, and budget.
Sneak in more storage
One of the primary reasons your bathroom may look unappealing is because of the clutter. A bunch of makeup and skincare clattered on the sink, a bunch of towels shoved on one rack, and rolls of toilet paper scattered across the floor. An unkept bathroom has no designated space for these items. However, you can find the perfect space to keep all your bathroom essentials by cleverly adding more storage options. For example, the space above your toilet is often empty. Adding a shelf there is the perfect spot to keep toilet paper. You can also utilize every inch of your bathroom by installing corner shelves and above-the-door shelves.
Add plants
Your bathroom has a lot of excess moisture that can cause the air to become sterile and full of bacteria. However, adding plants can freshen up the space by providing fresh air and lowering the humidity. Not only is adding plants extremely functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. Each type of plant offers an entirely different vibe and requires little to no care to thrive in your bathroom. For example, Paphiopedilums Orchids are a great choice if you want to add color to your space. You’ll only have to water these orchids once a week, and they are very cost-effective. On the other hand, you can also choose a classic Pothos plant if you want a stylish vine trailing across your mirrors and vanities. The potential to decorate your bathroom with plants is enormous! Just remember to not overdo it.
Revamp your floor with tile stickers
Typically, changing your bathroom’s tile is a costly project that costs around $400 to $8,000 per 40 to 60 square feet. However, what if you didn’t have to replace the entire flooring? Using tile stickers, you can experiment with funky patterns and new colors to change your bathroom tiles without tearing them out. This option is also renter-friendly for those who want to change the look of their bathroom but cannot make permanent renovations. The best part about tile stickers is that they’re easy to remove and place, making it an affordable makeover for your bathroom.
Conclusion
You don’t have to break the bank to achieve your dream bathroom. By taking inspiration from the ideas in this article, you can create the modern and stylish bathroom you’ve been wishing for. You can also do these minor upgrades slowly over time instead of all at once to save more money and eventually see the fruit of your efforts. All a perfect bathroom transformation needs is creativity and patience.