There are two remodeling projects in a household that can cost a homeowner a lot of money. One of those remodels is a kitchen and the other remodel is a bathroom. Both of these projects can cost upwards of $25,000 if a homeowner seeks an outside contractor and decides to gut the whole kitchen or bathroom. However, for those individuals who do not have $25,000 to spend on a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are smaller projects a homeowner can complete on their own to give the space an entirely new look.
One way to save money on a bathroom remodel is by completing many of the projects yourself. On a complete bathroom remodel, a homeowner can save upwards of $5,000 by investing the time to complete do-it-yourself projects. While the plumbing and electrical should be left to the professionals, there are many projects that homeowners can complete without the help of a contractor. Before a homeowner begins any do-it-yourself project, it is important that they do as much research as possible so they are familiar with all aspects of the project. The Internet has many resources that could be very useful for a do-it-yourselfer.
When it comes to the bathroom, there are a lot of do-it-yourself projects that even amateur remodelers can complete. One simple update that can brighten up a bathroom is painting the walls. This is a relatively inexpensive way to update a bathroom in need of some repairs. Another simple update that can be relatively inexpensive is updating the fixtures in the bathroom. A new faucet, lighting fixtures and vanity hardware can really update a bathroom. When looking to replace all of the fixtures in the bathroom, it is important that the homeowner makes sure that all of the elements complement one another. Miss matched fixtures can lessen the appeal of a bathroom.
Another project that ambitious do-it-yourselfers can complete is tiling the shower, wall and floor. Adding tile to a bathroom is a great way to increase its value. This is a project that takes a lot of time and research in order to complete it correctly. Before the tiles are placed, homeowners need to make precautions to make sure that the floor is water proof around the shower. Then the homeowner needs to make sure that they use the correct solution to place the times in the shower, on the wall or on the floor. Tiles come in all different sizes, colors and designs, therefore there are numerous patterns that homeowners can choose from.
The vanity is one of the focal points in any bathroom, therefore it is important that it is up-to-date and matches the theme of the bathroom. A vanity in a bathroom can cost a lot of money, however there are some creative ways to save a few dollars when replacing this piece and also create a custom vanity. Antique shops and thrift stores are a great place to look for a piece of furniture that can be turned into a vanity. Once a homeowner finds a piece of furniture that would work, the piece can be refinished to fit with the bathroom. Among other things, homeowners will need to replace the top of the vanity with a sink and countertop.
Homeowners can also shop at their local remodeling store for bathroom features that have been damaged or returned. Often times, stores will discount these pieces to a reasonable price. Then homeowners can work with the feature in order to make it new again. For instance, if a door on a vanity is damaged, the homeowner can simply replace the door and then paint or stain the piece to finish it. Being a thrifty shopper and finding creative ways to save “damaged” pieces is the perfect way to save a few dollars.
When it comes to resale value on a house, the bathroom has one of the biggest returns-of-investments in regards to a remodel. Whether it is as simple as replacing the fixtures and lighting or as intricate as refinishing the whole bathroom, homeowners are going to see a return-of-investment upwards of 75-percent.
