A house is a tremendous investment in money, time, and energy that must be invested in continual upkeep. Part of retaining and growing the value of a house is periodically updating heavily used rooms such as the bathrooms. For many homeowners, updating their bathroom may seem like an impossible task due to the high cost of home renovation. However, it is entirely possible to update a bathroom and stay within a limited budget.
Tile the Bathroom Counter Top
Tile has made a comeback and is favored by many home buyers. Homeowners who wish to add value to their property and make it more attractive for sale can give their bathroom an inexpensive update by tiling their bathroom’s counter top. In addition to being less expensive than natural stone, tile is also relatively easy to install; therefore, this small renovation can be a DIY project.
Paint the Floor
Restoring worn wood floors may be cost prohibitive on a tight budget. However, simply painting wood floors with a glossy porch paint can revive the floor’s overall look. For best results, a tinted paint that matches the bathroom’s color scheme should be used.
Paint the Walls
A simple coat of paint can make a world of difference in a bathroom that has begun to show its age. Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc. says, “for a striking decorative touch, the paint on the wall can be matched to the color of the flooring to create a monochromatic color scheme. An all white bathroom that has a cold feel can be made to feel cozier by using an accent color below the chair rail.”
Use Wainscot
Water-resistant wainscot can hold its own against sloshing, and the surface will never need to be repainted. Wainscot is less expensive than tile and requires less maintenance than wood.
Dress Up Plain Mirrors
A plain, unframed mirror can be given a more elegant look by framing it. An inexpensive wood door frame can be purchased from a local hardware store and constructed around the mirror. Those who are more savvy with tools can also use wood from a lumberyard, construct a custom frame, and give the frame the desired finish. Tile can also be used to inexpensively frame a mirror that is already attached to the bathroom wall.
Change Lighting Fixtures
By simply changing the existing light fixtures, homeowners can change the overall appearance of their bathroom. An outdated room can be transformed and given a more modern sleek look while a plain bathroom can be made to look more elegant when the right fixtures are installed. Dramatic hanging fixtures can be used to change the focal point of the room; however, DIY renovators must be careful to comply with their local electrical code, especially when hanging fixtures over a tub.
Add Window Dressings
Window dressings can be an economical way to add character to a bathroom while affecting the way light is dispersed in the room. Installing plantation shutters can allow more outside light to enter the bathroom while also giving the option of greater privacy. Roman shades in vibrant colors can be used to dress up an otherwise plainly-decorated bathroom.
Despite the recent years of diminished economic growth, there has been a rise in the number of homeowners who are expressing an interest in completing home renovations. Among those who are looking to remodel a part of their homes, 28 percent would like to remodel their bathroom. Some homeowners are hoping to add value to their home in preparation to sell within the next couple of years. Others simply believe it is time to improve functionality and overall appearance. Whatever a homeowner’s reasons may be for renovating, to those who wonder if it is possible to renovate a bathroom on a budget, the resounding answer is yes.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/04/remodeling-projects-on-rise_n_3016153.html
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20514187_20995428,00.html
