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How to Save Thousands on a Bathroom Remodel

How to Save Thousands on a Bathroom Remodel

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Most DIY bathroom renovations cost upwards of $10,000.00—especially when they include new plumbing and installing a shower, tub, vanity, toilet, and flooring. Here’s how I did mine for under 9% of that figure.

The guest bathroom needed an entire ‘gut remodel.’ There was no tub, shower or plumbing for it. And no flooring. Everything was outdated and old. This is the before photo. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of the other side of the bathroom, just picture a cement floor and bare walls with laundry hook ups.

How to Save Thousands on a Bathroom Remodel

This is the after.

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The entire remodel ended up being quite affordable. (See the actual figures below.)

Remodel Costs:

I paid a plumber to come in and jack hammer a hole into the cement and run a shower and bathtub water line. He charged about $350.00. That’s pretty inexpensive. He is a family friend and plumbed 6 rooms in my house, so I got a great discount.  I’m sure there are plumbers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and other big cities that can provide even deeper discounts.

Next, I found a used tub on the local online classifieds: $25.00.

I got the shower head/faucet and handles etc. at a discount store new for $55.00.

How to Save Thousands on a Bathroom Remodel

I found Italian tile remnants for both the flooring and shower on the local classifieds. The tile plus the grout was about $150.00. I borrowed a tile saw from my dad. You can rent these from home improvement stores if you don’t have access to them. I found that tile is quite easy to install/DIY if you are precise, patient, and have a good blade!

The vanity (faucet, sink, and cabinet) was $50 used on classifieds, but I sold the old one that was in the bathroom for $30–net $20.00.

bathroomshowercurtain-2

New toilet $89.00.

Brand new bathroom light was found at a garage sale for $3.00.

The paint was a mis-tinted gallon for $1.00.

bathroomdecorzebra

Curved shower rod was $25.00.

Bendable shower rod for the shower liner: $75.00. This bendable shower curtain rod is great for weird/non-standard sized bathtubs and showers!

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So without the decor the total remodel was: $793.00

Decor costs:

I found the majority of the decor, including the Zebra head mask, vase, and other knick knacks at garage sales. Here is a tutorial on how I score such amazing finds at garage sales. Total: $11.00.

bathroomdecor

Succulent mini plants TJ Maxx: $12.00

Zebra canvas TJ Maxx: $30.00

bathroomshowercurtain

Shower Curtain:$13.00

Total for the decor: $66.00

Entire remodel and decor totaled $859.00!

When using principals of thrift, it is possible to have a fairly nice bathroom for under one grand.

Check out the other rooms in my home at this post here:

How to Save on Home Renovations How to Save on Home Renovations

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How to Save Thousands on a Bathroom Remodel
Here is the details on how this bathroom ending up costing 91% less than a typical bathroom remodel costs.  #bathroom #remodel #bathroommakeover

Here is the details on how this bathroom ending up costing 91% less than a typical bathroom remodel costs.  #bathroom #remodel #bathroommakeover

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Jackson

Thursday 5th of January 2017

You always have such awesome tips. Im remodeling my bathroom in a few weeks and this will be super helpful! thank you

Anita Fowler

Friday 6th of January 2017

I'm glad this helped you!

jeff

Saturday 10th of December 2016

i'm doing a bathroom re-model right now. where did you find the deals on the vanity, sink, faucet, and commode? also, where did you go for instruction on tile work?

btw. it looks awesome.

Anita Fowler

Thursday 29th of December 2016

I bought them off of a local classified called KSL.com it is similar to Craigslist. I watched YouTube videos on laying tile. Recently I retiled my other shower and rented a tile saw from Home Depot. I'd recommend that because the blades are really sharp and they take good care of their saws.

tamparemodelingpros.com

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

Hey very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I'll bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I am glad to search out so many helpful information here within the post, we'd like develop more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

Jennifer Field

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

Thank you for adding in the part about the accessories you bought to really personalize the space, that's often left out of bathroom renovations. This was great! I will be pinning this to my bathroom remodeling board! Thanks!

Anita Fowler

Wednesday 25th of May 2016

You're welcome Jennifer. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

John

Friday 8th of April 2016

Wow, great job with the saving! It seems like the key to saving money on home renovations like this is to be resourceful and determined to find a deal. Not only that, but establishing connections and fostering relationships with people who can get the work done will be a benefit to both of you, especially if you end up renovating multiple rooms.

Anita Fowler

Monday 11th of April 2016

Thank you John for the comment. yes being resourceful is a great way to save!