Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or make upgrades for your own enjoyment, it’s nice to know you’ll get more for your money on your bathroom remodel. Of course, doing the work yourself is one way to save! But you can take that even further by knowing where to spend your budget and where to conserve. Read on for more tips on how to get the best ROI on your DIY bathroom project.
What’s the Bottom Line?
The cost of a bathroom remodel varies depending on the size of your bathroom and how extensive the job is. If you plan to gut your bathroom and start from scratch, you could spend up to $20,000! The quality of the materials and fixtures you choose make a difference, too. You could recoup plenty of your costs if you sell your home, so the more you save during the remodeling process, the more you gain in the long run. The more you spend, the less likely you are to recoup your entire investment.
If you have no immediate plans to sell, think about how much you’re willing to spend to make yourself (and your family) comfortable. If your dreams are bigger than your bank account, you can always tackle one project at a time to cut down on the upfront costs.
Save Water, Save Money
Thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, you can find appliances for your bathroom in a variety of energy-efficient models. Showerheads, toilets, and faucets with the agency’s label are at least 20 percent more efficient than federal standards. The good news is that with all of the technological advances and options, you can find showerheads with good water pressure that still meet the flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
Today’s low-flow toilets could save the average family of four 16,000 gallons of water. A faucet with an aerator can reduce water usage by 30 percent or more.
Make Space
The popularity of “his” and “hers” sinks has reached its peak and waned. Many couples are opting for more counter space, instead. Is being able to brush your teeth in your own sinks really that important? Nixing one of your water sources will not only free up more vanity space, but you’ll also save room under the sink for more storage, too.
It’s in the Details
Lighting provides an opportunity to save, as light fixtures typically have consistent performance no matter what they cost. If a high concept design is important to you, however, you can shave costs on other little things. Choosing a basic finish on faucets and fixtures could save hundreds of dollars without compromising quality.
You can also save money by making sure your pipework and plumbing systems are efficient and making the most of every drop of water. For more on that, check out our DIY tips to save money and water this summer!
Work with What You’ve Got
Look at your existing space and think about how you can maximize it. Removing doors on showers and tubs can instantly update a space and open it up. If you have a large vanity, a pedestal sink will take up less space and make the area look more open. Keep in mind that you will lose counter space and storage, so be sure you’re okay with that and have a closet or other place to store essentials and linens. You could also replace your mirror with a deep medicine cabinet to win back some of the lost storage.
Splurge Smart
So, where should you spend? According to trend reports, large spa showers are commanding a large share of DIY bathroom budgets. A modern low-flow toilet is great, but you’ll get a bigger return from a new spa shower with multiple showerheads and steam generators. You’ll love using it, and it will dazzle prospective homebuyers when and if you ever sell your home. Don’t be afraid to trade your oversized tub for an extra-large shower with all the bells and whistles. However, we don’t recommend eliminating your tub if it’s the only one in the home. This can diminish your home’s value.
Another way to save money on a fancy spa shower is to eliminate the door. If you have the space for a 5’ x 7’ stall, you can direct the showerheads so the water spray doesn’t reach beyond the shower area. You’ll even save money on your bathroom remodel.
Hire the Right Labor
Remodeling your bathroom on your own can cut costs, but some things are best left to the professionals. A skilled tile setter, for example, can take a budget-conscious tile and make it look expensive. Or, you could spend a good deal of your budget on high-end tile and the results could look amateurish and cheap. Likewise, if you aren’t a skilled plumber, you should consider leaving any pipe repair, toilet installation, or large-scale plumbing issues to the pros. Risking a plumbing emergency down the road due to poor plumbing connections to save a few dollars on the front-end just isn’t worth it.
Looking for additional tips on remodeling your bathroom? Trust the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas. When you’re ready, contact us so we can help you get the most out of your budget. Our team of professional plumbers is available throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, and surrounding areas to handle all aspects of your bathroom project, including tub replacement, faucet installation, toilet repair and installation and plumbing relocation. We look forward to serving you.