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While
you won’t be able to include imported tiles and top of the
line fixtures, it is possible to update your bathroom space
without breaking the bank. These budget friendly ideas are great
options if you feel like you can’t live with your outdated
bathroom any longer, but aren’t yet ready to do the “big”
remodel. Also, if you’re planning to sell your home soon and
need to do some updating, these tips will help you do that
without blowing all of your potential profit.
1.
Tile Choices
Yes,
that tumbled slate is fabulous, but it’s also $9.00 (or more)
per square foot. You can find tile that looks great for a
fraction of the cost, or you may consider vinyl. Vinyl floor
offerings today are NOT the same as 20 years ago. Choices today
include high quality vinyl that can mimic the look of other
flooring options. Also, it’s easy to install, so you can
definitely do it yourself.
2.
Paint/Wall Choices
It’s
so easy, after watching those home improvement shows, to think
that your bathroom is substandard if every wall is not covered
in imported Italian something or other. When you’re redoing a
bathroom on a budget, however, you’ll have to make some
different choices. Good old fashioned painted walls are still
acceptable. Just be sure you choose a paint that was intended
for use in a bathroom. Choose something with at least a
semi-gloss finish and a mold inhibitor.
Another
option is to install bead board on the lower half of the wall.
This look is perfect when you wish to create a cottage or beach
feel in your bathroom. You can purchase faux bead board (made of
compressed fiberboard) for less than traditional bead board, and
the look is identical.
3.
Fixtures
When
working with a budget, you must become familiar with compromise.
You won’t be able to purchase the bowl sink right off the
decorator’s showroom floor, but you can still get the look you
want with a little creativity. For example, one homeowner found
an old sideboard at a garage sale for $20. Then she purchased
two high quality ceramic bowls and had holes cut in them to
accommodate the plumbing. She painted the sideboard and had
holes cut into to the top to accommodate the 2 bowl sinks. She
created a custom, designer look double sink for less than $100.
4.
Other Tips
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If you know you’re going to be updating the bathroom within
the next year, start keeping your eyes out for sales. When you
see some tile you like on clearance, or a fabulous fixture at a
garage scale, scoop it up.
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To save even more on paint, shop the “Oops” section at your
local hardware or home improvement store. When customers return
paint, many stores sell it for a fraction of the cost. You may
even find inspiration if you’ve been having trouble choosing a
color.
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Check your local classified newspaper for plumbing and bathroom
fixtures. Many people sell their old stuff when they update
their home.
Anytime
you are working with a limited budget, creativity is key. By
thinking outside the box, you can create a bathroom that is the
envy of all of your guests, and you’ll still have enough money
left to entertain them!
By:
Jessica Ackerman
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Interior-Tip.com
