Whether you’re planning to sell a house or update its interior, bathrooms are one of the best places to start. Data shows that it’s one of the best rooms to get a good return of investment. The problem is that it can be costly. The average cost to remodel a small bathroom is $6,500, with a significant portion going to labor fees.
To reduce the cost of your remodel, do some of the work yourself. Here are some bathroom projects that you can and can’t DIY:
Plumbing
Save money by buying the soil and waste couplings, pipes, and other materials yourself. But leave the dirty work to the professionals, unless you happen to be a licensed plumber. The main purpose of doing home projects yourself is to cut costs. But if you try to do a task that you don’t have the skillset for, you may end up spending more in the long run. You may accidentally damage something that only a professional can fix or replace. Permits are another factor to consider. If you’re planning a large-scale project, you may need permission from the local government. If you want to save yourself the hassle, consult a plumber.
Tiling
One way to give a bathroom an instant makeover is to change the tiles. You can replace outdated and discolored tiles with new ones to give it a more modern look.
Before you start, make sure you remove any obstructions. It will be easier for you to work so you can get an accurate measurement of the floor and to avoid breaking anything. You should also make sure that you have the right size of tiles especially for sharp corners. You can use quarter rounds or glazed edges to avoid uneven installation.
An important thing to note is the drying time of the grout. It may take at least a day to dry so make sure you have an alternative bathroom you can use in the meantime.
Upgrades
You can bring your bathroom to the 21st century with a few tweaks. Instead of a regular old light bulb, why not get install hidden or recessed lights? They look modern, sleek and clean. Another option are backlit mirrors. They’re easy to install and gives your room an instant upgraded look.
Besides the lighting, you can improve the experience by getting a fan or exhaust. This is especially useful if you always have people over at your home. You can also give Japanese toilets a try. Depending on the brand and model, they typically boast a built-in air purifier, heated seats and posterior wash. While they’re more expensive than their traditional counterparts, their high-tech features are like no other.
If you have a lot of accessories or toiletries, consider installing a floating shelf. You won’t lose any floor space and you’ll have more options for storage.
Because of its plumbing and drainage system, bathrooms are arguably the most complicated rooms to remodel. While it’s unavoidable to spend a pretty penny to spruce up your room, you can still save money along the way. Weigh the pros and cons and think of the big picture.
