Bathroom Remodeling: Where to Save

If your bathroom is reminiscent of decades gone by – complete with peeling linoleum and pastel tiles – it’s definitely time to think about changing the look. As you begin the redesign process, keep in mind that bathroom remodeling is a serious undertaking, and costs can quickly escalate if you go in without a plan. Fortunately, there are several places where you can reduce costs and save money when it comes to furnishing your new bathroom, while still creating a beautiful, modern space in which to begin and end your day.

• Accessories. Little touches make a huge difference, but when it comes to bathroom accessories like cabinet hardware, faucets and showerheads, you don’t have to go all-out right away to get the look you want. There are a lot of attractive and affordable options to tide you over until you’re ready to switch them out for upgraded models. So for now, resist the temptation to splurge on high-end alternatives.
• Mirrors. There’s no denying that contractor-grade frameless mirrors are a little boring, but hold off on buying an expensive replacement. It’s actually quite easy to add decorative trim yourself, or even find a frame that will fit your existing mirror, both of which can be done at your leisure when you have the extra time and money.
• Vanities. If you have a creative eye, consider thinking outside the box when it comes to your bathroom vanity. With a little imagination, an old piece of garage sale furniture can be turned into a stunning bathroom vanity for a fraction of what it would cost to buy a new one. For the countertop, look into granite remnants, which are pieces left over from big jobs that can often be purchased at a discounted rate.
• Plumbing fixtures. As labor costs make up 50-75% of your bathroom remodel (assuming you’re contracting out the work to a remodeling company), avoid relocating the sink, toilet and tub/shower if at all possible. Using existing piping can save you up to $5,000 in labor per fixture, so it’s definitely worth the effort to design your remodel around what’s already there.

If you’re planning on doing some remodeling but aren’t quite sure where to start, Callen can help. We have talented design specialists who would love to assist you in creating the bathroom desire. Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 to set up a consultation.