How I remodeled my bathroom for just $2,400

Read article : How I remodeled my bathroom for just $2,400

By: Amy Fontinelle, July 21st 2013The average cost of a midrange bathroom remodel is $15,782, according to Remodeling Magazine's most recent cost vs. value remodeling report. While the conventional wisdom says that bathrooms and kitchens sell homes, such projects typically only recoup 65.2% of their cost in the home's resale value in today’s market, the report shows. Even so, that return makes bathroom remodeling one of the most valuable home improvements on our list. Of course, averages can be misleading. People who do expensive projects push the averages far beyond what the typical homeowner spends. Despite the high cost and negative return on investment, Consumer Reports says bathrooms are second to kitchens on homeowners' lists of rooms they want to remodel. The guest bathroom was high on my list of things to remodel in the fixer-upper home my husband and I bought in 2008. How we budgeted We weren’t about to spend $16,000 to remodel the bathroom. We were thinking more like $1,500 to $3,000. We faced a much lower potential expense because our bathroom is only 5 feet by 7 feet. That’s about the smallest space into which anyone outside of New York City can squeeze a bathtub, toilet and sink. We decided not to touch the bathtub, the surrounding tile or the shower doors. We don’t love them, but we also don’t use them, and they can be hidden nicely behind a shower curtain. We also wanted to reduce our risk of experiencing a bad remodel with an expensive leaky shower problem. To avoid laying out a ton of cash at once to pay for the remodel, we bought things gradually over five months and stored them in our garage. This strategy also let us take advantage of sales and coupons as they came up, which saved us $150. Time and money trade-offs Our plan was to hire a professional contractor to do everything. We had waited so long to remodel that we didn’t want to mess it up with an overzealous attempt at doing it ourselves. After some difficulty in finding a reliable professional, we learned that an acquaintance worked for a general contractor. The catch? We would have to take a chance on someone less experienced. But then, we only had to pay $600 for labor, or 25% of our total cost. What we didn’t foresee was that our contractor would need a lot of help from my husband. He didn’t have a crew. We ended up with a combination of professional help and DIY. The project was supposed to take three days. It took much longer, but we were happy with the finished product. Here’s what threw off our schedule: The bathroom vanity we so meticulously picked out didn’t match up with the sink plumbing. We had to shorten one of the drawers and cut out an extra notch in the back of the cabinet to make it fit — a multiple-day project. We had to replace the piece of wood flooring that transitions from the hallway to the bathroom. That meant two trips to the store to find a matching piece and a lot of woodworking to make it fit. After the first intense week of renovation, we dragged our heels finishing up out of sheer exhaustion. All in all, we didn’t have full use of our bathroom for three weeks instead of three days. Total cost Fortunately, we didn’t have any significant unforeseen expenses. What really added to the total bill were all the little things we didn’t think about budgeting for: tile spacers, caulk, a mixing bucket, assorted plumbing parts. All told, the remodeled bathroom cost just under $2,400, including tax and labor. Here’s how we spent our money: Bathroom Budget Breakdown

Item	Cost
Professional labor	$600
Floor cabinet	$318
Granite counter top with built-in sink and granite backsplash	$240
Toilet	$231
Wall cabinet	$173
Ceramic floor tiles	$130
Light fixture	$113
Grout, tile spacers, floor base, thin-set mortar, trowel, bucket and sponge	$90
Sink faucet	$85
Paint, primer, sandpaper, paint samples and paint tray liners	$59
Plumbing supplies	$55
Toilet seat	$32
Wood floor trim	$29
Trash can	$27
Shower curtain	$27
Granite samples	$26
Mirror	$26
Towel ring	$20
Shower curtain rod	$19
Caulk and liquid nails to seal toilet and counter	$17
Light switch and electrical outlet covers	$15
Toilet flush handle	$12
Baseboard	$7
Pull chain for bathroom vent fan	$4
Total	$2,355

If we hadn’t already owned tools like a screwdriver, level, drill and wrench, we would have spent a little more.

Where we didn’t skimp

We could have saved money by purchasing floor tiles that were sold by the tile instead of by the box. We weren’t able to return six unused tiles worth about $20.

We also could have purchased less expensive tiles, but since we had such a small space to cover, we didn’t mind splurging on a pricier choice.

We could have spent $100 less on a toilet, but we hated our current toilet and didn’t want to repeat the experience. We went with a highly ranked, best-selling model.

The plastic seat that came with our toilet looked and felt cheap, so we shelled out another $30 for a nice enameled one. Same goes for the toilet flush handle.

We didn’t buy apartment-grade fixtures. We knew from experience that they aren’t a good value in the long run.

Had we been on a tighter budget, we could have cut our expenses.

But it was worth saving for longer to get what we really wanted.

How to make your own remodel affordable

If you’re planning your own remodel, here are some tips for cutting your costs without sacrificing quality.

• Don’t borrow money. Paying interest adds to your cost. Save up and pay cash.
• Do anything yourself that you can. Most people can at least paint.
• Design your project yourself, if you have a decent eye.
• Buy nicer stuff from the big-box stores instead of high-end stuff from a specialty store.
• Pick out what you want, then wait to see if it goes on sale or you find a coupon.
• Don’t rent a trash container. Instead, gradually throw out the waste with your regular trash.

Whether your goal is to remodel a bathroom for resale or for your own enjoyment, doing it the way we did makes a lot of financial sense because you may never see a financial return on your investment.

The latest dining chairs

Read article : The latest dining chairs

Save money on your bathroom renovation with these tips and advice from industry experts. Includes advice on design, planning and choosing your materials.

Scroll down to read more or jump to a topic from the list below…

‘Keep your existing layout and consider functionality’

Nick Rowland, product manager at Heritage Bathrooms says: ‘The key to a successful renovation project is planning. As soon as you start repositioning plumbing the job can become very expensive, so stick to the existing layout if possible.

‘Although installers can find great deals, do your own research as well to see what other bargains are out there. Ask yourself whether you need the installer to fit the whole bathroom. What could you do yourself? Picking up the smaller, less technical tasks, such as hanging mirrors, putting up towel rails and painting walls, can lead to considerable savings. Check whether a “good price” really is value for money – does it offer quality? Will the product stand the test of time? Is it guaranteed by the manufacturer?

‘The only area where you may want to consider cutting corners by spending less is on fittings without a working function. For example, static pieces, such as a basin and pedestal, are only required to hold water and allow it to drain away. In contrast, the WC has more moving parts and the pan and cistern need to operate properly for years to come. With this in mind, I recommend only buying a WC from a recognised manufacturer that will understand its functional needs and will carefully manage the manufacturing process to ensure that the cistern and pan do not leak.

‘A bath needs to be robust enough to hold your weight as well as the water. If you are satisfied that this basic requirement has been met then you won’t need to spend money on baths with additional reinforcement, which have little benefit for domestic use.’
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‘Consider what you can do for yourself’

Jamey Seaman, bathroom expert at Ikea says: ‘There are many ways to make your budget go that bit further when it comes to improving your bathroom. It’s surprising just how much work you can do by yourself. Save money by purchasing ready-to-assemble basin and bathroom cabinets, and avoid paying someone else to fix units to the wall.

‘You can also make savings by buying a complete set of bathroom furniture, including a basin, cabinet and mirror, rather than individual pieces, which could cost more. You don’t have to blow your budget on bathroom storage all at once. Start by fitting storage beneath and above the sink and add more at a later date when you have the time and budget.’
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ABOVE (left-right): Venice shower-bath, (H)47x(W)85x(L)170cm, £525; basin and pedestal, (H)85x(W)60x (D)45cm, £273; close-coupled WC, (H)83x (W)36.5x(D)63cm, with cistern and soft-close seat, £432, all from the Zaar collection at Heritage Bathrooms; Godmorgon/Vitviken washstand with two drawers and porcelain basin, (H)66x(W)63x(D)49cm, £170; Dalskar chrome-plated basin mixer tap, (H)18cm, £65; Godmorgon mirror cabinet, (H)96x(W)60x(D)14cm, £180; high cabinets, (H)192x(W)40x(D)30cm, £150 each, all Ikea.

‘Mix inexpensive ceramic tiles with luxury mosaics’

Beth Boulton, head of marketing at Topps Tiles says: ‘Instead of tiling an entire room in expensive mosaics, keep down costs by using them sparingly as a feature wall or to zone a shower area.

‘With the latest advancements in the ceramic printing process, there are now ceramic tiles available featuring highly realistic interpretations of natural stone, marble and wood. By cutting sheets of tiles in half or into strips to create a vertical feature behind a basin, or a horizontal statement around a bath and corner of a shower, you can make a real impact without overspending.’
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‘Spend wisely and look out for bargains’

Rob Whitaker, brand director at Fired Earth says: ‘In general, you will get what you pay for. While cheaper products may look very similar to more expensive equivalents, they’re unlikely to have the same quality of finish or to last as long. For example, the chrome on very inexpensive taps may start to peel, or the surface of a bath may be more likely to crack or stain, so it is worth spending as much as you can afford to save money in the long term.

‘Think about installing a shower over the bath rather than building a separate shower area. As well as saving on product and installation costs, this is a good space-saving solution, too. If you would love a classic, freestanding cast-iron bath but it is beyond your budget, a bath made from a resin and stone composite is a great, cost-effective alternative. Factory shops often have fantastic bargains, so it’s well worth paying them a visit. If you can, it’s a good idea to wait for the winter and summer sales as the discounts on large items such as baths, washstands and boxes of tiles can be considerable.’
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ABOVE (left-right): Glossy flat ceramic wall tiles in white, (W)20x(L)25cm, £7.60 per m²; Slate square glass mosaic tiles in silver, £13.99 for a (W)30x(L)30cm sheet; large-format Crystal porcelain floor tiles in white, (W)44x (L)44cm, £49.54 per m², all Topps Tiles; Flow roll-top bath, made from resin and ground stone with chrome feet, painted in Mercury Eggshell, (H)66x (W)80x(L)175cm, £1,650; Avebury bath and shower mixer tap, (H)42x (W)18x(D)20cm, £1,125; Abbey Fountains porcelain floor tiles, (W)19.9x (L)19.9cm, £74.70 per m², all Fired Earth; Athena Black 1700 freestanding bath with chrome feet, (H)56x(W)75x(L)170cm, £349.95; Modena 60 Semi Pedestal bathroom suite with ceramic basin (H)48x(W)58.5x(D)39.5cm, and ceramic WC, (H)83.5x (W)37x(D)65cm, £179.95, all Better Bathrooms.

‘Think about selling your old suite’

Joe Cummings, product advisor at Better Bathrooms says: ‘The rising popularity of auction sites has provided a fantastic platform for selling secondhand items. Any unwanted fixtures in good condition are worth selling, from taps and basins to tiles. This is the perfect way to recoup some of the expense you have lavished on your new bathroom.

‘Labour costs are the greatest outlay in any renovation project, so try doing some of the work yourself. Demolition and debris removal, along with tiling and brassware installation are simple jobs even for the most novice of DIYers. There are installation videos on the Better Bathrooms website (betterbathrooms.com) offering step-by-step guidance on how to install a range of sanitaryware in your home yourself, including shower enclosures, basins and baths. This will help to eliminate high-cost construction bills. However, it’s not always a good idea to undertake all of the work a bathroom renovation entails yourself – this can end up costing you more rather than saving money. Large, technical jobs, including any changes in plumbing, will require experienced tradespeople, so shop around in order to find the right person for the task. You will need someone you trust who will do the job at the right price. Acquiring multiple quotes from different contractors will not only give you an estimate of the cost of the work, but will ensure the price is fair and help with your planning.’
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‘Research affordable options for flooring’

David Snazel, buyer at Carpetright says: ‘Updating your bathroom flooring doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to lay out a huge amount of money. If you like the look of stone or hardwood floors, but want a more practical and affordable option, it’s certainly worth considering vinyl. Functional yet stylish, vinyl is waterproof, remarkably durable and comes in a variety of styles – from natural wood and classic tiles to modern patterned designs – making it the ideal bathroom flooring solution.’
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‘Never cut corners when it comes to brassware’

Leanne Robey, senior designer at Ripples says: ‘There are lots of ways to save on a bathroom project, but you should always invest in quality brassware as this includes the items that are in use every day, in particular concealed valves that regulate the temperature of the water in your home.

‘Always buy a good quality showerhead, especially if you prefer to take a shower than a bath, and look for “rub clean” showerheads with easy-clean nozzles that will prevent the build-up of limescale – great if you live in a hard-water area.

‘For further savings choose an eco-friendly showerhead with a sophisticated flow restrictor, various jet options and air infusion, which all work together to cut your water consumption by up to 60 per cent. This will help keep down water costs and will also cut energy bills, as less water will need to be heated.’
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ABOVE (left-right): Urban Planks vinyl flooring in Eden Walnut 857, £44.99 per m², from the Tegola range at Carpetright; Crema Marfil marble wall tiles, (W)30x (L)60cm, £68 per m²; Fairfield easy-clean showerhead, (dia.)20cm, and arm, (L)41cm, £433; ¾-inch concealed flow control stop valve, £292; thermostat, £675, all Ripples.

All prices and stockists correct at time of publishing

Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

Read article : Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

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  The LAUFEN Pro A washbasin with stand not only looks stunning but is a clever way to store towels. Photo: Supplied.

• Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied." title="Go streamlined with the Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied." />

  Go streamlined with the Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied.

• trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied." title="The on-trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied." />

  The on-trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied.

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  Slimline products such as from the Hideaway+ collection can be matched with toilet pans for a sleek look. Photo: Supplied.

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  Opt for timber with the Omvivo range with timber vanity and mirror. Photo: Supplied.

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  The ISSY Glide is a wall-hung vanity that offers storage. Photo: Supplied.

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  Slimline products such as from the Hideaway+ collection can be matched with toilet pans for a sleek look. Photo: Supplied.

Along with the kitchen, bathrooms and powder rooms are the big ticket items in building or renovating. Chances are if you haven’t a neutral palette to start with you may not find it as easy to add seasonal decor or change simple items such as towels or even the tapware.

But, help is at hand with Bunnings’ national bathroom buyer Adam Cole and Reece Bathroom business manager Daniela Santilli offering some advice on how to make some simple and easy changes to the bathroom or powder room - without breaking the bank!

“A great bathroom can be a luxurious retreat to relax and unwind in after a busy day, or a functional space for the family’s daily rituals. But updating the bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive or timely exercise,” Adam says. “With the right tips, tools and products, a bathroom makeover can suit any budget, whether it is a complete overhaul or small updates to spruce up the space.”

What are some of the newest trends that are coming through for bathrooms?

Daniela says bathroom trends in Australia are “constantly evolving, taking cues from both international and local design trends in the bathroom and the broader home, changing consumer needs and fostering new innovations”.

“For many, the bathroom is no longer a purely functional space, but a place of rest and relaxation – ‘the living room for one’ and a destination in which to retreat from outside stressors,” she says. “With this focus on the bathroom as a living space has come a new emphasis on bathroom furniture. We are also seeing growing demand for personalisation in the bathroom, as consumers seek solutions that perfectly suit the size and style of their bathroom space.”

Some of the top trends she has noted, include new shapes and silhouettes, using natural timbers for vanities and mirrors.

“When it comes to tapware, we’re seeing a rise in popularity for wall-mounted basin mixer sets, rather than vanity mounted options,” she says. “ Products are incorporating a modern aesthetic using contemporary shapes and lines, as seen in the seamlessly simple yet refined appearance of Laufen’s living square collection of basins, made using Saphirkeramik technology. This innovative technology showcases the use of impossibly thin, yet exceptionally strong fine lines. We’re also seeing growth in products using organic shapes with soft, gentle curves inspired by nature. Sweeping contours flow effortlessly to create a soothing and relaxing space.”

As for inspiration, Adam says look for images to help determine the desired look and feel of the new bathroom. “The Bunnings website has an interactive brochure available to provide inspiration and product suggestion.”

What are some easy updates I can make to my bathroom without having to renovate?

Adam says replacing a vanity is an ideal way to spruce up the wet room. “Replacing a tired old vanity is a great way to give the bathroom a quick makeover. Choose a vanity that will reflect the style of your bathroom and maximise storage options,” he says.

Adds Daniela: “There are lots of easy ways to get a new bathroom look without a complete overhaul. One of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to refresh your bathroom is to update existing fittings like taps and showerheads. Using existing plumbing points keeps the process relatively simple while delivering a big impact. Inject new life into your bathroom by switching to a contemporary-look basin mixer.”

She says a wall-mounted vanity creates the illusion of space, clears clutter and adds style. “​A modern shower head can (also) create a whole new experience, and the invigorating drench of an overhead shower head can make all the difference to your daily bathing ritual. Waterrail showers are another great retrofit option - they are like standard rail showers and have the flexibility of adjustable height and the ability to take the shower head off-hook, with the bonus of a cleaner aesthetic.”

Adam says if your budget cannot extend to a new toilet, simply replacing the lid and seat of the toilet is an easy revamp to change a look, as is changing cupboard handles. “This is an affordable and easy way to update the bathroom on a budget,” he says. “Change the smaller details, such as the tap ware and light fittings, to give the bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

“A great bath can also transform the look of the entire bathroom. A freestanding bath is easy to install and will make a strong design statement, particularly if used as a centrepiece for the room.”

Always consider WELS ratings if you do replace the toilet, he says, to ensure ongoing cost savings.

What is the first step in a bathroom renovation?

For Adam, creating a budget - and sticking to it - should be the first step in any renovation project; then consider the space you have to work with before purchasing any items that create your desired look and feel in the new or revamped bathroom.

“This will affect the products chosen and the updates made. Prioritise the changes that are most important to freshen the look of the bathroom and then choose products that reflect your chosen budget,” he says. “It is (also) crucial to take measurements of the room and outline space requirements before purchasing and installing any new bathroom products. Be aware of existing fixtures that aren’t easily moved, such as the plumbing, and take current decor into consideration.”

Knowing where to start and what you want is the key for Daniela: “A little inspiration can go a long way when it comes to bathroom design. Magazines, design blogs and the Inspiration section of the Reece Bathrooms website are great places to start gathering ideas for the looks, products and layouts you’d like to incorporate in your new bathroom.”

She agrees that understanding the space you’ve got to work with will make for a successful renovation.

“Measure the bathroom and start mapping out layout, thinking about where key items like the shower, bath and toilet can be positioned.  Also consider whether you’ll be retrofitting the bathroom using existing plumbing points or renovating completely. This can influence both budget and product positioning so it’s best to determine your approach early in the planning process. Reece’s 3D Bathroom Planner is a great tool for setting up and designing your virtual bathroom, whether you’re building or planning a renovation.”

How can I make my powder room feel bigger?

Says Daniela: “A smaller bathroom space doesn’t mean compromising on style. Mirrors create the illusion of space, but avoid those with fancy or ornate borders as these will easily clutter the room. Stick to clean and simple lines. (And) use the same tile on both the floor and walls to significantly make the area look and feel more spacious. Light colours also create the illusion of space, and larger tiles will make your floor look bigger as they have less grout.”

Both Adam and Daniela agree you should always consider making making use of extra wall space by mounting shelves to store essential bathroom items and decorative pieces.

“Try an under-counter basin for your unit as it will make your space feel larger because of its uncluttered bench space. There are also a wide range of petite basins designed specifically for smaller bathroom spaces,” Daniela says. “Float the vanity. Besides just visually helping the bathroom appear bigger, mounting a vanity above the floor frees up a little space for small items and is easier to clean too.

“Slimline products such as wall hung toilets and in-wall cisterns are perfect for enhancing space.They are one of the biggest growth areas in the bathroom. Mixing and matching flush buttons and your ideal toilet pans will create a seamless and modern finish, as well as saving valuable inches and freeing up floor space.”

How can we incorporate stylish storage into a bathroom?

A bathroom filled with clutter is not the relaxing sanctuary of calm that you had in mind. Savvy and multi-functional storage solutions are key for any modern bathroom, particularly in smaller spaces. Daniela says clever storage options include wall hung units and products with side shelves or compartments within drawers,which are a great way to create storage space and reduce clutter. “Linen cabinets and tallboys are also ideal for conserving space,” she says. Daniela’s other tips include:

• Use recessed shelves or niches add extra storage space while giving bathrooms a sleek look. Architectural Designer Products offers vanity ranges that include handy hidden auto bins, internal cosmetic drawers and even LED lighting.
• Mirrored bathroom cabinets make a practical furniture piece for all bathrooms. In smaller bathrooms they can give an illusion of more depth and space as well as offering integrated storage space. Consider recessing the cabinet into the wall, as some can sit completely flush with the wall, saving on precious space.
• Accessories are a great way to personalise a bathroom space - the Milli Edge freestanding toilet column combines a toilet roll and brush holder. A washbasin with stand is a clever way to store towels.

Investing in a heated towel rack can be a luxury, Adam says, but a purchase will be money well spent as it will ensure floor space remains clutter free. “It’s a simple way to add a touch of luxury and will keep towels warm and crisp.”

At what point in the renovation process should I start talking to a plumber or builder?

Daniela says that for any renovation, it is best to work closely with qualified tradespeople such as plumbers, builders and electricians to avoid costly mistakes.

“Our research shows that many Australians prefer a ‘Do It Together’ approach to creating their dream bathroom, but while you may think you can tackle some of the plumbing jobs yourself to save money, it can end up costing a lot more to rectify a DIY job gone wrong.

“It’s important to engage tradespeople early in the planning and design process, as they will be able to advise you on the realms of possibility when it comes to creating your desired look, as well as advising you on costing and time frames.”

As for the finishing touches once you and/or the tradespeople have finished, Daniela says it’s the little things that make a difference for any room of the house.

“So for an even simpler update, small touches such as buying good quality towels, scented candles or flowers will make a space feel inviting and reinvigorated,” she says.