Small Bathroom Renovation Tips To Maximize Space and Save Money

You have probably decided to do a total renovation of your small bathroom but have second doubts because of how expensive and daunting this project could be. Thankfully, there are cost-saving measures that you can implement while maximizing your small space. This article will cover renovation tips to help you achieve your desired results without breaking the bank. 

Maintain the Bathroom’s Size and Layout

Doing otherwise would mean more costs and expenses since you would need to move plumbing pipes, which is expensive. The toilet discharge and sewer pipe, in particular, could take up much of your budget.

Only enlarge or alter your bathroom’s size if you have to accommodate some of your needs. Moving objects easily becomes the most expensive aspect of your bathroom remodeling. Therefore, weigh the benefits of these alterations against the financial implications before deciding. 

Stick With A Prefabricated Shower or Bathtub

Prefabricated showers are typically cheaper than tiled showers. Going with the latter could be one of the most expensive improvements you make while remodeling your bathroom. Therefore, installing a preformed, one-piece shower stall is best to save costs. The labor cost is also relatively cheaper for prefabricated showers since you won’t hire tile setters. Furthermore, tiled showers are more time-consuming as they take several days to set up, while prefabricated shower stalls are easily installed in two to four hours. Tiled showers will also require more maintenance over time. 

To further maximize space, it is best to use a compact shower stall as it is the perfect option for your small bathroom. It takes up less space and, if designed correctly, can make your bathroom look bigger and more open.

Refinish Your Tub

Bathtub refinishing is a great option when remodeling your bathroom if it is still in good working condition. Replacing the bathtub is more time-consuming and expensive as you will need to pay someone to remove the tub and install the new one. Therefore, consider refinishing your bathtub, as it can help make it look good as new and increase its longevity. (It is best to use professionals specializing in bathtub refinishing; you can get a quote from us.) Bathtub refinishing takes a day or two to complete, much less than a bathtub gut job would take. 

Additionally, consider refinishing other bathroom elements instead of outrightly replacing them as far as they are still functional. For instance, you can repaint your bathroom cabinet instead of disposing of it. 

Best Not To Tamper With Load-Bearing Walls

Load-bearing walls usually provide support to floors above it and the roof structure. Tampering or removing these walls is expensive and involves a lot of structural changes and much labor. On the other hand, non-load-bearing walls are easier to tamper with since they hold little or no weight. As such, it is best to explore the non-load-bearing walls if you plan to expand your bathroom while remodeling your small bathroom, especially because you are working on a thin budget. These walls can be removed with moderate cost and effort. 

Consider A Sliding Door

A sliding door adds character to your bathroom and takes up less room on the floor than a normal door. While a sliding door may slide into a wall pocket to expand the area, conventional swing doors usually need a clean arc of floor space to open and close, taking up more space in the process. 

Save Any Bathroom Drywall You Can To Save Cost

Due to the high moisture levels in this space, some bathroom drywalls will need to be entirely replaced after remodeling your bathroom. Drywall replacement is a common phenomenon during bathroom remodeling and something you should anticipate. It is advisable to tear off any drywall that has even the slightest mold damage. The more walls you knock down now, the more you’ll have to rebuild afterward. Each wall that is closed up requires additional drywall, paint, and labor. 

However, don’t be so hasty to replace all bathroom drywall, as it is not uncommon for some to still be in good condition. Keep those to save cost, and only remove and replace the damaged areas. It is usually necessary to replace the drywall behind or near bathtubs and showers because they are most susceptible to damage. However, the drywall in the bathroom’s other spaces can still be in fine condition.

Maximize Your Bathroom Space With A Shelf

You may be wondering if there is any additional space in the bathroom you can make use of. Remember to look up when looking for additional storage and space-saving options. You can optimize your bathroom and storage space while still having extra floor space by adding shelves high up on the walls. Feel free to explore your vertical options when trying to save space. High shelves can help you store many things while keeping your bathroom open.

Choose The Right Paint

As basic as it sounds, choosing the right paint will save you money in the long run. Most homeowners need to pay attention to the paint finish when remodeling their bathrooms. A semi-gloss finish is preferable because it will withstand cleaning and humidity, preventing wear and peeling. Some companies even make paint specifically for bathrooms resistant to mold and mildew. Before painting your bathroom space, as with repainting any other room, apply test swatches and ensure that you love the color. 

No Need To Go Overboard With The Toilet

Bathroom remodeling could involve installing a new-water saving toilet in place of an old, water-wasting one. However, brand-new toilets typically include many features that can be unexpectedly pricey and might require high-end maintenance in the future. Therefore, choose a well-designed, straightforward toilet that gives a decent flushing function while using minimal water to save cost. Unless you have a specific need for one with many additional features, toilets don’t need to be expensive to function well.

You can consult us if you are ready to kickstart your bathroom remodeling project but need help figuring out how to begin. We will guide you through the remodeling phases. Or even better, you can hire us to undertake the whole project. We proudly provide bathroom renovation services to all of New York’s five boroughs and in Bergen County, New Jersey. So, contact us today for a free estimate, and let’s get started!