Retrofit
A full bathroom refit is where the dollars will start to add up. Director at Watara Home, Mitch Curtis says, "If you want to change the layout, the costs for labour will contribute to a high percentage of the overall budget."
In particular, leaving the plumbing where it is will be a huge money saver.
"Maintaining the placement of your existing toilet, shower and vanity waste locations allows you to achieve a more cost-effective renovation. Within this you can increase the storage, introduce a walk-in shower and a stylish wall faced toilet to achieve a great visual impact at a lower cost," says Kia Howat, Interior Designer at GIA Bathrooms and Kitchens.
Think very carefully about tiling
They may be small, but the cost of tiles adds up – quickly.
"Tiling can easily get expensive depending on what style and brand you choose," says Reece Bathroom marketing Lead Daniela Santilli. "A great way to get the look you want while avoiding a hefty price tag is to restrict tiling to just half the wall length, or consider only tiling your feature walls in the wet areas, like behind the bath and in the shower zone."
Don’t overdo it
Less is more when it comes to decorating your bathroom – especially if you are on a budget.
"You can save money by keeping things minimal and refrain from saying yes to every accessory that fits your theme," says Daniela. "Find a focal point of your bathroom and allow for one statement accessory, and then work with just a few supporting items."
"Consider dual-purpose accessories like mirrors that act as a centrepiece while providing function."
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens
