It probably comes as no surprise that it requires a large budget to renovate a bathroom. According to our interior designers, the average cost to remodel a bathroom can range between $17,000 and $25,000. As a major investment, we suggest studying effective bathroom remodel ideas rather than making mistakes and risking being unhappy with your investment.

Like any upgrade, the foundation of an affordable bathroom remodel comes down to planning. To get you inspired, we’ve culled savvy tips from our designers for a successful bathroom renovation that will keep you within your remodeling budget.

Here, Décor Aid designers share their expert tips to successfully renovate a bathroom while staying within your budget.

Keep an eye on new bathroom remodel trends

In the age of information, it’s much easier to keep yourself in the know on the latest bathroom renovation ideas and trends. Water efficiency, energy efficiency, water purification and LED design are smart, cost-effective trends to consider as you plan to renovate a bathroom. Aside from helping to protect the environment, they make going green even sweeter. Who wouldn’t want an eco-friendly bathroom as these bathroom renovating ideas are certain to lower your utility bills.

rain shower eco bathroom design

Image via Tendir

Keep it simple

One of the best affordable bathroom remodel ideas is to keep everything simple. There’s no need to have multiple handles to operate the water flow and temperature in your shower or tub. These fixtures don’t need to be an absolute priority when you remodel your bathroom, as they will increase the overall bathroom remodeling cost. To save money on your bathroom renovation, focus on priorities important to you and eliminate the unnecessary.

simple modern bathroom design

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Reuse materials

In any bathroom remodel, there are several ways you can recycle the materials you currently have in your bathroom remodel. For instance, you don’t need to purchase a new slab of granite if you only need a small piece for your vanity. If you currently have granite tiles that are in okay to good condition, we suggest sticking with them instead. Another tip to lower your bathroom remodeling cost is to use applicable materials you may already have in your garage and storage areas which can and should be recycled when possible.

modern white bathroom

Image via Maison Valentina

Search for Low-Cost Substitutes

If recycling elements you already have for your bathroom makeover isn’t possible or is simply not on your agenda, there’s certain to be a bounty of options at your local flea market. It could take more time searching for items to include in your renovation, however a treasure hunt is a fun tip when remodeling a bathroom on a budget while looking to add a sense of personality. If you are patient enough, you just may be able to find accessories to use in your bathroom upgrade. A few key vintage pieces are certain to make your bathroom to stand out while also saving on your bathroom remodel cost. Our designers recommend taking measurements before you hit the flea market, antique stores and secondhand shops. That way, you’ll know for sure that you’re buying something with the right dimensions and scale, avoiding costly mistakes and stocking up on things you won’t need for your bathroom renovation.

vintage bathroom design

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Buy Better-Quality Products

Investing in high-quality products may stretch your renovation budget thin, however a few important splurges when you renovate your bathroom can help you save money in the long run. Avoid buying builder grade materials for your bathroom renovation, they may be cheap, but their poor quality can alter the lifespan of your bathroom. These materials tend to easily get damaged which will keep you continuing to spend money and time on having to replace them. As a rule of thumb for commonly used high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens, it’s to your benefit to go for high-quality fixtures when you remodel your bathroom. They may be more expensive than you had anticipated, yet should be considered a priority and worthy, lifelong investment.

modern bathroom interior design

Image via Designrulz

Invest in tile

Of course, tiles are key in bathroom makeovers as they play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your bathroom.  Even though you are trying to save money on your bathroom remodel cost, you shouldn’t skimp on tiles. Strive for high-quality, attractive and durable tiles to install in your bathroom for floors and walls. Porcelain tiles make a great choice when you renovate a bathroom. They are denser, less porous and are infinitely durable. For more information about bathroom tiles, refer to our guide on how to select the perfect bathroom tiles.

modern bathroom tiles design

Image via Home-Designing

Storage is king

It’s always a great feeling walking into a well-organized and clutter-free bathroom, especially when it comes to small bathroom remodel ideas where storage should be priority, even as you are trying to save money on your bathroom remodel cost. This is rings true for those who tend to keep a lot of toiletries in their bathroom. Be sure that your storage options are practical for you or they will defeat their purpose. Recessed shelving works well for small bathroom renovations since the shelving helps to maximize the space.

bathroom storage ideas

Image via Hative

Fittings & fixtures

Keep in mind that while fittings and fixtures may be small items, they shouldn’t be overlooked as you renovate your bathroom, even if you don’t need to spend a lot of money on them.  There are DIY remodel bathroom ideas for every budget that you can follow to complement your bathroom fittings and fixtures. If you are new to DIY practices and don’t know what fixtures to choose when you renovate a bathroom, opting for matte black and chrome finishes often make for fail proof options. If you want a modern look for your bathroom makeover with an elegant attitude, brass and copper are terrific choices.

copper bathroom design

Image via Labiciazul

Lighting

A key aspect to consider in your bathroom remodel is lighting. Maybe your bathroom has only one dim light, or those garish exposed vanity mirror bulbs. As in any room, a smart bathroom renovation tip is to bring in as much natural light as you can into your bathroom space. However if that’s not possible because of your budget or structure, a combination of built-in ceiling lights and stylish pendant fixtures are both practical and chic bathroom remodel ideas. Alternating lighting fixtures also allows you to create varying moods in your bathroom.

modern bathroom lighting