Let’s face it, there are a lot of downright ugly, outdated bathrooms, which is why renovating the bath is one of the most popular home improvement projects around. While you can go all out and spend a bundle on your bath, you don’t have to break the bank to make it look like new. Here are some ideas for making the most of your budget whether it’s big or small.
Bathroom Budgeting Options
Homeowners on a limited budget should consider a cosmetic upgrade for their bath. You’ll be amazed at the difference a coat of paint, along with new hardware and faucets can make, and it can be an easy do-it-yourself project as well.
Those with more to spend could go for a complete remodel by gutting the existing bath and replacing everything from fixtures and cabinets to countertops and flooring.
For the ultimate in luxury for cramped, older baths, consider removing an existing wall and expand the bathroom into an adjoining closet or rarely used guest bedroom.
Bathroom Remodeling Tips
To make your bathroom seem more like a castle than a dungeon, consider some of these remodeling tips:
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- Painting with light colors keeps a small bath from feeling claustrophobic.
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- Laying floor tile diagonally makes a bath seem larger than it is.
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- Adding mirrors to the walls expands the feeling of space in a bathroom.
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- Stay with white or neutral colored countertops and fixtures.
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- A 36” tall vanity can make the sink easier to use.
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- Consider replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower.
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- Using pocket doors in can save space in small baths.
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- Cultured marble is a durable, budget friendly alternative to natural stone that can be used for shower stalls, countertops, and sinks.
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- A window seat in a bathroom can make dressing easier and provide storage space inside.
- Utilize wasted space by mounting a hanging cabinet on the wall above the toilet.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Tips for Cleaning Glass Shower Door
White vinegar works great for removing soap scum from the glass on your shower door. When the door is clean, spray a car windshield sealer, such as Rain-X Glass Treatment, on a rag and wipe the door down thoroughly. Once the sealer has dried, use a clean rag to remove any remaining sealer.
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Milwaukee M-Spector Camera
The Milwaukee M-Spector Cordless Camera can be equipped with a 3’ or 8’ long waterproof cable that can fit through a 3/4” diameter hole to see inside walls or down plumbing pipes. Adjustable zoom and a three stage LED light enhance the image on the LCD color screen. The M-Spector Camera is available at The Home Depot.
Thinking Green:
Reusing Plastic Containers
All manner of items can be reused rather than being thrown away, and plastic containers are a perfect example. Once they have been cleaned out, plastic containers can be cut to shape and reused as scoops, birdfeeders, or planters. The tops make great containers for small items like push pins or paper clips.
