Step1
Decide on a budget. You can remodel a bathroom for a fraction of the cost. Renovating inexpensively doesn't always mean going with cheap materials. It is finding ways and means to renovate using good materials and staying on budget.
Jot down how many tiles you need to buy, what kind of sink or faucet you will choose. Are you going to have a full remodel or a partial remodel? Will you be re-using existing cabinetry or existing shower doors or are you replacing them? The answers to these questions will impact your budget.
It is important to have a fixed budget and to stick with it!
Step2
Draw out a plan. Before you start ripping off the old tiles, you need to have a good plan. If you are doing a full remodel, are you going to change the footprint of the bathroom? If you are doing that, then that would mean you may have to re-work the plumbing and electricity. Include the new locations into your plan.
Step3
Do most of the work yourself and know when not to do it yourself. The biggest amount of money people spend goes to labor more than materials. If you do most of the work yourself, you would be amazed at how much money you would save.
If you are not a handy person, do some things that are easy for someone to learn to do. Demolition work is probably one of those that can be easily learned, making sure you know how to avoid the pipes and electrical wiring to avoid accidents and damages that could add to the cost later.
Know when to hire. For example, if you do not know how to do the plumbing and electrical, hire an expert. You may pay but you will be sure that the work will be done correctly. You will save more in the long run if you have the things you cannot do be done by a reputable contractor.
Step4
Hire reputable workers and contractors by being your own subcontractor.
Eliminate the middle person, and hire the contractors directly. You can go to home improvement stores and request information of contractors they can refer to you. They would be more than willing to assist since you are buying materials from them. If you have friends who had their recent remodels, ask for referrals.
Step5
Buy materials directly and shop around for best prices. Make sure to measure correctly. Buy a little bit of extra tiles for future repairs, especially if you are buying styles that would be discontinued someday. Discontinued tiles are priced lower since they will no longer be available; just make sure to buy an extra box or two for future needs.
There are internet discount stores you can buy from as well. Like a set of glass vessel sink and vessel faucet for a budget-friendly price. If you are planning on buying granite to replace your current counter, you can buy directly from manufacturers. Ask for scraps and see if your measurement fits, then pay a little bit of extra for finishing the edge and cutting a hole. A standard sized one sink vanity would cost anywhere between $100-200 if the scrap materials are available. Most manufacturers and dealers would be willing to negotiate on the price rather than just letting these unused pieces go to waste. If you cannot afford high-end materials, buy the second option. If you cannot find bargain granite slabs, buy granite tiles instead to keep that look. Or you can buy other solid counters cheaper than granite but also look great.
Step6
Re-use existing cabinets, toilets, bathtubs and shower doors if they are still in good condition. You can refurbish or refinish them to make them look good again. Do not buy a new mirror if your existing one still works, you can frame it to make it look attractive.
Step7
Go to salvage yards to find pieces that you can use for your bathroom renovation. For example, claw foot tubs are inexpensive when you buy them at salvage yards as opposed to going to antique dealers. You can also use an old dresser table or furniture that you can turn into a sink by drilling holes for your fixtures and plumbing. They would look better than those manufactured cabinets you see at home improvement stores.
A master bathroom remodeled inexpensively.
Enthusiast 
Comments
WriterGig said
on 12/5/2007 We have a bathroom that needs remodeling; thanks for the great tips!
CleaningLady said
on 11/27/2007 These are great tips! If you talk to the sales people at your local home improvement store about any projects you are considering you can get some great advice about how to do things on your own too. I can't wait to get rid of the scary designs that the previous homeowner painted on my bathroom wall!