Bathrooms are essential spaces in our homes, and giving them a makeover can significantly enhance the overall appeal and functionality of our living spaces. However, the prospect of bathroom renovations often comes with the concern of hefty expenses. In this blog post, we will explore how to redo your bathrooms without breaking the bank, focusing on making smart choices and investing in the right elements.

Assessing Your Needs:

Before diving into any renovation project, take a moment to evaluate each bathroom’s purpose and frequency of use. Identify which rooms require the most attention and which ones can be more budget-friendly. By prioritizing your spending, you can allocate resources where they matter the most, saving money in the process. 

Investing in Quality:

When it comes to high-traffic areas like main bathrooms or kids’ bathrooms, it’s crucial not to compromise on quality. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper fittings, remember that these rooms endure daily wear and tear. Instead, invest in durable shower valves, toilet systems, and sink and shower units. By choosing quality products, you ensure longevity and avoid the headache of having to replace them prematurely. It’s a false economy to buy cheap kit in these rooms. Spend the most you can afford on things like shower valves and toilet systems. Go for real quality on the bits you can’t see here because they will last for years. You’ll really kick yourself if you have to rip out expensive tiling because you scrimped on a shower valve and had to replace it after 18 months.

Main ensuite: where we spent the most money
Main ensuite: where we spent the most money

This blog focuses on sanitary ware and units, but the same principle applies to tiling, which we go through in another post.

Saving on Less Frequently Used Spaces:

Spare rooms or guest bathrooms that are rarely utilized provide an opportunity to save money. What’s the point of spending money in a spare room that gets used a couple of times a year? Since these rooms don’t see as much traffic, it makes sense to opt for more affordable fittings that still maintain an acceptable appearance. By going for budget-friendly options here, you can allocate more funds towards essential areas that require higher-quality fixtures.

redo your bathrooms without breaking the bank - spend less on low traffic spaces
Spend less on low traffic spaces – like a spare room ensuite

Budgeting and Planning:

Creating a budget is the cornerstone of any successful renovation project. It’s the key step if you want to redo your bathrooms without breaking the bank. Begin by making a basic spreadsheet listing all the necessary items and their estimated costs. Start with the rooms that demand more investment, and then determine how much you can allocate for the other areas. This approach ensures that your spending aligns with your priorities and available resources.

The most used bathroom on the ground floor - we made sure the kit was quality here
The most used bathroom on the ground floor – we made sure the kit was quality here

Seeking Professional Assistance:

Collaborating with a reputable bathroom supplier can be immensely helpful during your renovation journey. Look for local suppliers who understand your budget constraints and are willing to work within those parameters. In our case, we found Soaks, a company that offered exceptional service. They found us some beautiful bits for our main rooms. And also provided reasonably priced options for shower trays and basic plumbing components for the places we wanted to invest less. Remember, it’s crucial to communicate your specific requirements clearly to find the best deals.

Augmenting with Online Purchases:

While local suppliers can offer great deals, online stores can be an additional resource for cost-effective purchases. However, exercise caution when buying online, as the quality may not always match the visuals displayed. Items that appear impressive in pictures can sometimes turn out to be of inferior quality (i.e. plastic rubbish) upon arrival. Do thorough research, read customer reviews, and opt for reputable online vendors to minimize the risk of disappointment.

Top floor tiling

Conclusion

We’ve shown you how to redo your bathrooms without breaking the bank. It is entirely achievable with careful planning and decision-making. By assessing your needs, investing in quality for high-traffic areas, and seeking the right balance between cost and value, you can transform your bathrooms without straining your finances. Remember, a successful bathroom renovation is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality and longevity. With a little creativity and smart choices, you can create a space that rejuvenates both your home and doesn’t fry your wallet.