5 Affordable Bathroom Upgrades That Won’t Break the Bank
Transform your bathroom from ordinary to elevated with these 5 affordable bathroom upgrades—no construction contracts or complex budgets are required. Let’s get started.
Let’s face it – bathroom renovations are not cheap. If you’re a homeowner on a budget, a bathroom makeover can feel completely out of reach.
But if you’re looking to add value to your home, the bathroom is a great place to start. According to Remodeling Magazine, bathrooms had the second-highest ROI rating of any single-room renovation. Return on investment (ROI) measures the profitability of an investment by comparing the return to the total cost.
In 2023, a mid-range bathroom remodel averaged an ROI of 66.7% nationwide, second only to a minor kitchen remodel, which averaged an ROI of 85.7%.
This is a great time to invest in your bathroom. Set a budget you’re comfortable with, and check out our top 5 affordable bathroom upgrades that will add style, function, and value to your home.
1. Revamp the Vanity
Why pay for a new vanity when you can update the one you have? The trick is to refresh the front-facing elements rather than replacing the structure altogether. Focusing your investment on paint materials and cabinet hardware is a cost-effective way to update the look of your cabinets without expensive alterations.
Start by stocking your toolkit with a can of primer, a paint roller to cover the large surfaces, and a paintbrush for the smaller details. Since bathrooms are exposed to high moisture levels, it’s important to buy moisture-resistant paint that protects your vanity from mold and mildew.
When selecting a paint color, consider how long you plan to live in your home. If you plan to put your house on the market in the next 12 months, I recommend choosing a neutral paint color that appeals to the most buyers.
However, if you’re staying in your home long-term, this is a great opportunity to incorporate a pop of color in your space to enjoy for years to come.
Another easy way to update your vanity on a budget is by replacing the dated hardware on the cabinet doors. You can match the cabinet hardware to your bathroom fixtures for a cohesive design or mix metal finishes for a high-end look.
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2. Upgrade the Countertops
What if I told you there was a way to upgrade your existing countertop without paying top dollar for a stone slab? The key is to buy remnant stone. Remnants are the leftover pieces of stone slabs cut for previous orders. Instead of tossing those unused pieces, stone fabricators sell them at a discount.
Remnant stone is a great way to incorporate marble, quartz, or granite into your bathroom design without paying full price. The downside is availability. Supply is limited to whatever stone fabricators have left over from other jobs, so it’s important to keep an open mind when evaluating your options.
Remnants vary in size, but the larger pieces can accommodate a single or double vanity, so be sure to measure the exact dimensions of your existing countertop before purchasing.
3. Spruce Up the Tub
Whether you prefer soaking in the tub or taking a quick shower, it’s important to have at least one tub in your home to attract more home buyers (especially those with children or pets). Instead of replacing your dated tub, consider refinishing it.
You can actually remove the grime, cracks, and discoloration on your tub by having it professionally refinished. This option is great for homeowners with a functional tub (no leaks or mold) and superficial imperfections.
Bathroom remodelers offer polishing and re-glazing services to remove surface imperfections and provide a color-perfect seal at a fraction of the cost of replacing your tub. Combined with re-caulking, this tub transformation will make your bathroom appear new and refreshed.
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4. Refresh the Grout
Replacing the tile in your bathroom can be tedious and expensive. Luckily, there’s a budget-friendly way to upgrade the look of your tile without breaking the bank. The solution? Grout pens.
These budget-friendly pens come in a variety of shades, allowing you to enhance the color of your existing grout or change the look of your tile altogether. Our favorite Grout Pen costs under $10 and covers up to 150 feet of 2mm grout.
Amazon
Waterproof Grout Pen
Grout pens come in water-based, mold-resistant formulas, which allow them to be used in high-humidity areas like the shower. Be sure to test the grout pen in a small area before applying it throughout to ensure the color complements your tile and overall design.
Keep in mind that grout pens are only a temporary fix and may require touch-ups over time. However, if you’re looking for a quick, cost-effective solution for surface stains, grout pens are your best bet.
5. Update the Fixtures
Think of your plumbing and electrical fixtures as accessories for your bathroom. Although they may be small in size, they have a huge impact on the look and feel of your space. Bathroom fixtures come in a variety of finishes (brass, matte black, chrome, etc.) and are easy to replace once they’re installed.
If you have a traditional design style, select fixtures with a chrome finish and intricate details to complement the rest of your home. If you love contemporary design, opt for a sleek, matte black finish with clean lines and a minimal silhouette. Like any accessory, bathroom fixtures are the finishing touch in a bathroom design. Take your time selecting fixtures that complement the existing features in your bathroom and align with your design style.
Need some inspo? Here’s a roundup of our favorite fixtures under $150 from Amazon.
Fixtures
This post is all about affordable bathroom upgrades.
