Ganser Company

Homeowners often get discouraged by the cost of remodeling bathrooms. While it’s no secret that bathroom renovations can come with significant expenses, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Believe it or not, there are many ways to lower the expenses of your bathroom remodel without compromising on quality. Here are some tips.

Keep Your Current Layout

You can save a lot on your remodeling expenses if you keep the same layout for your bathroom. Moving plumbing and electrical components is usually expensive, and it can incur additional, unexpected costs. For instance, moving a toilet even just a few feet away can already cost you thousands of dollars. Your costs could further increase if the plumbing is old or has some extensive problems.

Keep in mind that changing your bathroom layout is not really necessary in transforming your space. If space is your issue, there are far better and cheaper ways to free up your bathroom floor space. For example, you can consider taking out an old bathtub or choosing a space-saving storage system.

Select Durable Flooring

When it comes to flooring material, you should look for a product that is durable, low maintenance and water resistant. Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be expensive, so you might want to consider more affordable options such as luxury vinyl tiles. Luxury vinyl tiles can mimic the natural and sophisticated look of tile and wood, allowing you to achieve the design you want for less.

Choose Your Tile Carefully

Review your tiling options carefully. Quality tile comes in different price points. And sometimes even the cheapest options can significantly add up to your expenses. That said, you might want to look for quality tiles with a color body, meaning the body of the tile matches the face of the tile. This allows for polished edges and less expensive trim pieces.

Additionally, select a tile pattern that isn’t labor-intensive. Some patterns like basket weave and herringbone tend to require more effort when being installed, which can drive up the cost of labor and installation. They often create a lot of tile waste as well.

Be Strategic When Using Accent Tile

Accent tile typically costs more per foot than a standard wall tile, so plan the use of your accent tile wisely. Make sure to use accents in areas where they can provide the most visual impact. The advice of a design professional can be very useful in this matter. Make sure you have reliable experts on your team so that you can maximize your budget and ensure the best results.

Reuse Old Materials

“Old” isn’t always a bad thing. Check your bathroom for existing pieces that can be refurbished. For instance, if you have a good-quality vanity that needs a little refresh, you can update its look by adding a stain or paint. A stylish new countertop can also do the trick and help enhance your bathroom design.

Generally, the larger the vanity, tub or furniture piece that you can reuse, the greater the savings on your bathroom remodel. So, think twice and hard before throwing out any old bathroom or furniture pieces. Sometimes, a little creativity can do so much for your space.

Focus on the Wet Area

Your bathroom’s wet area – which consists of the shower and bathtub as well as the walls and flooring around them – usually needs remodeling the most since it is the part of your bathroom that takes the most abuse. Every day, it is subjected to water, soap, body oils, soap and scum – so it’s common for the wet area to look outdated more quickly. That said, if you want to save on remodeling costs, you should concentrate on updating this part of your bathroom instead of doing a full-scale bathroom renovation.

Below are some ideas on how you can upgrade your wet area. You can choose to do any or all of the following to give your bathroom’s wet area a fresh look.

Bathtub Replacement

If your bathtub is old, deteriorating, hard to clean or growing mold, find a replacement that will address your particular concern. High-quality acrylic tubs are generally a good option to consider since they offer an easy and effective upgrade.

Shower Replacement

Showers with mildew and rust are definitely not a good look in any bathroom. And if you have a large shower, it can certainly be difficult to clean. Consider replacing your shower and opt for waterproof shower products.

Wall Surrounds and Liners

The walls in your shower and bath area can become dingy over time, especially if they’re made with cheap materials. Upgrade your wall surrounds and bathtub liners to create a significant impact on your bathroom’s design. This bathroom remodeling project usually doesn’t cost much, and it’s an easy way to spruce up an outdated bathroom. Consider high-quality, triple-thick acrylic panels for your wall surrounds, particularly those that snap into place over existing bathroom walls.

Flooring Replacement

Swap out your peeling, outdated and hard-to-clean flooring with waterproof shower floor materials. Remember that your bathroom floor should be slip-resistant so that you can avoid accidents and injuries in your bathroom.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion

If you rarely use your bathtub or you simply want to maximize your bathroom space, a tub-to-shower conversion might suit you. Get rid of your old, unused bathtub and install a shower in its place.

Walk-In Shower Installation

Installing a walk-in shower is a great way to improve the safety and accessibility of your bathroom. Make sure to include no-slip flooring and no-barrier shower entry features in the design for a more accessible bathroom space.

Get a Bathroom Remodeling Quote Today!

Ganser Company is a family-owned and -operated company committed to providing excellent craftsmanship and top-notch customer service. We offer a range of exteriors remodeling services, and we also have expertise in bathroom remodels, windows, doors, skylights and more. Our team is fully trained and experienced in various home improvement projects, so we can certainly assist you throughout your remodel. Simply give us a call at (608) 222-1243, or fill out our contact form to request a quote.