How to Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget

A aging bathroom can be an eyesore in a beautiful home and cause stress every time you step into the shower or stand in front of the sink. Although major remodeling is an option for some, it can be expensive. Here's how to remodel that bathroom without going to the poor house.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Take inventory of both structural and cosmetic issues your bathroom has. Pay attention to any rot in the walls, problems with piping, old electrical outlets, chipped paint, an unattractive vanity, poor lighting and anything else that you want included in your bathroom remodeling.

2. Prioritize structural issues first; these will affect the functional ability of your bathroom for years. Structural issues also will cost more to address since you probably will need to hire a professional to do the work.

3. Consider what pieces of the remodeling you can do yourself. Almost everyone can paint, but you probably also are capable of removing old tile, adding light fixtures, installing shelves and a host of other small tasks.

4. Look for easy options. For instance, self-adhesive tiles are easy to install. Consider how a change in lighting might mask any cosmetic flaws in the bathroom. You can hide some flaws with strategically placed paintings or posters.

5. Replace the low-cost items and see how the bathroom looks. A new, colorful bath mat, toilet seat and medicine cabinet (they cost little and are easy to install) can work wonders.

6. Wax your bathtub to return its sheen. See the eHow article "How to Wax a Bathtub."

7. Add new low-cost elements to your bathroom. Screw sconces into the wall and uses them as candle holders. Illuminate the room with candle power for a relaxing evening bath. Use scented candles to further soothe your senses.

8. Shop around for sub-contractors who come well recommended and will listen to your specific requests. This may take some time, but you are staying on budget by finding the specific sub-contractors yourself.

9. Chose fixtures that meet your needs, but are reasonably priced. This will also require some shopping around, but often great deals can be found in home improvement stores and specialty stores when older makes and models must be cleared out to make room for the newer models.

10. Buy everything you need yourself. If you let the professionals buy tiles, paint and other items for you, they will mark it up simply because they spent time gathering everything.

11. Replace only what needs to be done. A new sink can be placed inside of an old vanity, using the same fixtures and keep you on budget. You don't have to replace the entire thing.

[CBPope]

on 11/23/2008 These are good tips:)