Costing homeowners an average of $24,000, and recouping 70% at the closing table, a midrange bathroom remodel is a project with a fairly good return rate. Compared to an upscale bathroom renovation, where you can expect to spend nearly $72,000 and only recover about 42% when you sell your home, investing in a more modest bathroom remodel makes the most financial sense if you plan to sell in the next 3-5 years.
Interested in a bathroom remodel that is budget-friendly? Here are the most cost-effective ways to update your space.
Subway tile
Subway tile has been a mainstay in kitchens and bathrooms for decades. Homeowners can’t seem to get enough of the clean lines and classic look of the subway tile. If you are hoping to save money on a bathroom remodel, choose inexpensive subway tile for your walls and shower surround for a timeless look and a money-saving option.
Use remnants
Rather than ripping out a still-functioning vanity just because it has a dated countertop, keep the existing cabinets and use remnants from a slab yard for the countertop.
Keep the existing footprint
Project costs can quickly escalate when you start changing the footprint of your bathroom. To make the most of your smaller budget, work within the confines of the existing space and use clever storage solutions to solve space issues.
Don’t go custom
A custom-built vanity can easily break your budget. Shop big box stores and browse options online for a more affordable vanity that works within your space to save thousands.
New doors/drawer fronts
Another option to save money with an outdated cabinet that’s in good shape is to simply replace doors and drawer fronts and paint everything in a color that compliments your bathroom’s hard finishes/decor.
Keep the garden tub
Rather than ripping out the garden tub and opting for a sleek, free-standing tub, consider keeping your garden tub and updating it instead. Demo the dated tile around your garden tub and choose a neutral stone that will stand the test of time.
