How to update your bathroom on a $5000 budget (or less)

Despite popular belief, the cost of remodelling a bathroom doesn’t have to be astronomical. In fact, if you approach it in the right way, it’s entirely possible to revamp your existing bathroom without spending a bomb. 

So, what can you achieve on a limited bathroom renovation budget and what’s the best way to go about it?

Read on for some expert tips.

Avoid major structural changes

Matthew Menichelli is a Hipages tradie member and builder at Elevate Building Group. A regular on The Block, he has plenty of excellent advice on working to a budget on remodelling projects. 

“If you’re looking for a bathroom makeover on a tight budget, opt for a simple cosmetic renovation. It’s amazing what a refresh of fixtures and tiles can do, and you might be able to tackle some of it on your own,” he says.

“Leave layout and plumbing points in the same position and design your space around them,” Menichelli adds. “You will likely need plumbers to help you with new installations but you’ll avoid the pricey, bigger and time-intensive jobs.”

Laura Pittaway, interior designer at The Build by Temple & Webster, agrees that while a sleek and stylish bathroom is at the top of most people’s renovation wish lists, the cost of modifying an existing layout can be disheartening. 

She says that since the bathroom is both a functional and a recreational space, determining the balance of each activity will help you prioritise focus areas and make cost savings easier. “Is the majority of your time spent in front of the bathroom mirror, for example, or do you love a long hot soak in the tub after work?” 

There are so many small things you can do for next to no money, Pittaway adds. “Soften the room with plush towels and bath mats, buy matching sets of bathroom storage containers or create a bathroom vignette by placing a timber stool near the bath and a print on the wall.”

Revitalise tiles and grouting

Resurfacing has become a popular option for home owners eager to refresh their bathroom without the cost of tearing out existing tiles.

“With new paint products available on the market, existing tiles and grout can be given an updated look with a simple prep, prime and repaint. This option saves on extra trades and additional materials as well as saving on time,” Menichelli says.

For the confident and experienced handyperson, a DIY bathroom resurface is certainly doable. Also, it’s one of the jobs that can be outsourced for a reasonable price tag. So, if in doubt, save yourself the stress and consult a professional. 

Refresh fixtures and fittings

Affordable designer tapware is everywhere these days and renovation enthusiasts are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a luxe look for less. 

Budget doesn’t stretch to a full cabinet refresh? Replacing old and outdated taps, spouts, mixers, shower sets and towel rails with a co-ordinated set of eye-catching hardware is a great way to improve your bathroom for less, according to Pittaway.

“The easiest option is to go with classic stainless steel or chrome, as it has the largest range of affordable tapware and will keep your bathroom looking timeless,” she says.

Pittaway adds that if you’re committed to making a bolder statement with your bathroom fixtures, matt black (a “decor darling” in recent years) or brass (currently the “luxe finish of choice”) can also be sourced for affordable prices if you shop around.

Make an impact with lighting

“Think outside of the box when it comes to your lighting,” Menichelli says. “It can really change the mood of a room and help you tie a theme together. You’ll need an electrician for your fitting but it could completely change how things look at a fraction of the price of a remodel.”

Another idea is installing a dimmer switch for an ambient effect without having to replace the fixtures. That way, you can turn the lights down for a soothing bath or up to full brightness for make-up and grooming.

Mirrors with in-built lighting are also a great way to elevate the look of a bathroom and gain added functionality. “Upgrading your vanity with a smart LED mirror can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. And they’re perfect for make-up application,” says Pittaway.

DIY do’s and don’ts

DIY work is clearly a way of saving on a bathroom revamp. But it’s important to be realistic, and to balance doing things yourself with the support of a professional tradesperson.

When is using a builder or tradie absolutely non-negotiable?

“All structural and licensed trade work needs to be done by a qualified, registered tradesperson,” Menichelli says. “Waterproofing, plumbing, electrical and timber framing should never be attempted by a DIY-er.”

When you hire a builder or tradie, it’s often a leap into the unknown in terms of what you might have to pay, and costs can spiral if the scope of the project changes. 

If you really can’t bend the budget, a fixed cost installation deal can give you much more clarity and certainty about the overall cost of buying fixtures and fittings and having them installed.