The Ultimate Guide To British Bathroom Renovations on a Budget
Renovating a bathroom on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or quality. With a bit of planning, careful selection of materials, and knowing where to cut costs, you can create a fresh, modern bathroom without breaking the bank.
Below, we’ll guide you through every aspect of a bathroom renovation and we’ll even give you top tips on how to save money at each step!
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Planning and Design
The planning and design stage is arguably the most important part of any bathroom renovation – and can also be the most fun. Getting this phase right can save you from costly mistakes later on, so it’s not just about picking random tiles and taps – it’s about creating a cohesive design that fits within your budget while still delivering the style and functionality you need. That can be a tall order though!
Setting Your Budget
When it comes to renovating a bathroom, one of the first steps is to set a clear and realistic budget. Having a budget in place will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Be honest about how much you’re willing to spend, and factor in a buffer of around 10-15% for any unexpected costs that may arise during the project.
Top Tip: Break down your budget into categories such as materials, labour, fixtures, and accessories. This way, you’ll have a clearer idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back if needed.
Finding Inspiration
Don’t be afraid to look at what others have done to inspire your design choices. Taking ideas from lots of sources can help you create a stunning look that’s entirely your own and also help you pick up ideas on saving money along the way!
So go to YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and wherever else you can think of to find inspiration – like this video from Plumbing Doctors:
Deciding on the Layout
If you’re looking to save money, keeping the existing layout of your bathroom can be one of the smartest moves. Moving plumbing and electrics can significantly increase costs. By keeping the toilet, sink, and shower in their current positions, you’ll avoid the need for major plumbing work, which can often be the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation.
However, if your current layout isn’t working for you, it may be worth the investment to change it. For example, if your bathroom feels cramped or awkward, changing the position of a bath or shower can improve functionality and make the space feel larger.
Choosing Materials
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face during the planning stage is choosing materials for your bathroom. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great look. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that can give you a stylish bathroom without breaking the bank. For instance, instead of high-end porcelain tiles, consider ceramic tiles, which are often more affordable and still look great.
Top Tip: Consider using a combination of inexpensive materials with a few higher-end touches. For example, opt for budget-friendly tiles on the walls but splurge on a high-quality vanity or taps. This mix-and-match approach gives your bathroom a luxurious feel without the hefty price tag.
Hiring Tradespeople
Once you have your design and budget in place, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be doing any of the work yourself or hiring professional tradespeople, such as bathroom fitters. If you’re handy with tools, you might save on labour costs by tackling some of the easier tasks yourself, like painting or tiling. However, for more complex jobs like plumbing and electrical work, it’s usually best to hire a professional.
Top Tip: Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople to compare costs. Be clear about your budget and ask if there are ways they can help you cut costs without compromising on quality.
Demolition and Preparation
Once the planning is done, it’s time to get your hands dirty. The demolition and preparation stage involves tearing out the old fixtures and getting the space ready for its new look. This phase can be messy, but it’s also an opportunity to save money if you’re willing to do some of the work yourself.
DIY Demolition
Doing your own demolition work is one of the easiest ways to save money during a bathroom renovation. Removing old fixtures like the toilet, sink, and bath isn’t as complicated as it might seem, and with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can handle this yourself. Just make sure you’ve turned off the water and power before you start removing anything.
Top Tip: Be careful when removing fixtures to avoid damaging any existing plumbing or wiring that you might need to reuse. If you’re unsure about anything, consult with a professional.
Preparing the Space
Once the old bathroom fixtures have been removed, you’ll need to prepare the space for the new installation. This often includes repairing any damage to the walls or floors, plastering over holes, or dealing with damp or rot if it’s present. If your bathroom is particularly old, you might need to reinforce the floor before installing new, heavier fixtures.
Top Tip: If you find any structural issues during demolition, such as rot or damp, deal with them straight away. It might add to your initial costs, but ignoring these problems can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line.
Upcycling and Reusing Old Fixtures
If you’re working with a tight budget, consider reusing or upcycling some of the old bathroom fixtures. For example, a bath that’s in good condition could be re-enamelled instead of replaced, or a vanity unit could be sanded down and repainted to give it a fresh, modern look.
Top Tip: Check online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for second-hand bathroom fixtures in good condition. You’d be surprised at how many people sell barely-used baths, sinks, or toilets after changing their mind about a renovation.
Plumbing, Electrics, and Structural Work
This is one of the most critical stages of the renovation, and it’s where having a clear plan really pays off. Any plumbing or electrical work needs to be done correctly to ensure your new bathroom functions properly. While you might be able to do some tasks yourself, it’s best to leave the technical jobs to the professionals.
Plumbing Installation
Plumbing is often the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation, especially if you’re moving pipes or installing new ones. Even if you’re keeping the same layout, you’ll still need to make sure all the plumbing is up to scratch. Old or damaged pipes should be replaced, and new pipes need to be correctly fitted to prevent leaks.
Top Tip: Consider installing water-saving fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets or low-flow showerheads. Not only are these environmentally friendly, but they’ll also help reduce your water bills in the long run.
Electrical Work
Bathroom electrics are another area where you don’t want to cut corners. Whether you’re installing new lighting, an extractor fan, or a heated towel rail, it’s important that everything is up to current UK safety standards. Make sure you hire a qualified electrician who can ensure the work is done safely and meets building regulations.
Top Tip: Stick to simple, functional lighting options if you’re on a budget. Recessed LED lights or an affordable vanity light can provide plenty of brightness without costing a fortune.
Structural Adjustments
If you’ve discovered any structural issues during the demolition stage – such as rotten floorboards or damp walls – now is the time to fix them. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could involve reinforcing the floor, adding new joists, or treating walls with damp-proofing solutions.
Top Tip: If your bathroom is on an upper floor, check that the floor can handle the weight of any new fixtures, especially if you’re installing a large, heavy bath. Reinforcing the floor might be necessary to prevent any future issues.
Installation of Fixtures and Fittings
Now that the plumbing, electrics, and structural work are complete, it’s time to install the new fixtures. This is where your bathroom really starts to take shape, and it’s also an area where you can save money by making smart choices about the materials and fixtures you choose.
Fitting the Bath, Shower, and Toilet
The first step in this stage is installing the major fixtures like the bath, shower, and toilet. It’s important that these are installed properly to avoid leaks or other issues down the line. If you’re not confident in doing this yourself, it’s worth hiring professional bathroom fitters to ensure everything is fitted correctly.
Top Tip: Look for discounted or second-hand baths, toilets, and showers online. Many suppliers offer clearance sales or discounts on end-of-line products, allowing you to get high-quality fixtures at a fraction of the cost.
Tiling and Flooring
Next up is tiling and flooring. Tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms because they’re durable and water-resistant. However, they can be expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, consider using tiles only in areas that are most exposed to water, such as around the bath and shower, and using paint or waterproof panels elsewhere.
Top Tip: Vinyl flooring is a great budget-friendly alternative to tiles. It’s easy to install, waterproof, and comes in a wide range of styles that mimic the look of more expensive materials like wood or stone.
Installing the Sink and Vanity
Once the major fixtures are in place, you can move on to the smaller fittings like the sink and vanity unit. This is also the time to install taps, mirrors, and any other accessories.
Top Tip: Don’t feel like you have to buy everything new. A vintage or second-hand vanity can add character to your bathroom and save you a lot of money compared to buying a brand-new unit.
Finishing Touches and Final Checks
The final stage of your bathroom renovation is all about the finishing touches. This includes sealing, painting, and adding any last-minute accessories to make the space functional and stylish.
Sealing and Waterproofing
One of the most important steps is ensuring that all the fixtures are properly sealed. This includes applying silicone around the edges of the bath, sink, and shower to prevent water from seeping into the walls or floor. It’s a simple but crucial step in protecting your bathroom from future water damage.
Top Tip: When applying silicone, make sure the surfaces are completely dry before sealing them. If there’s any moisture, the silicone won’t adhere properly, which can lead to leaks later on.
Painting and Decorating
If you’ve opted for tiles only in certain areas, now’s the time to paint the remaining walls. Choose a moisture-resistant paint designed for bathrooms to prevent mould and peeling. This is also the stage where you can add any decorative touches, such as towel rails, hooks, or shelving.
Top Tip: A fresh coat of paint can transform your bathroom on a budget. Opt for light, neutral colours to make the space feel larger and brighter.
Final Checks
Before you can call your bathroom renovation complete, it’s essential to check that everything is working as it should. Test the plumbing for leaks, make sure all the electrics are functioning properly, and check that the toilet flushes and the water pressure in the shower is adequate.
Top Tip: Keep an eye on everything for the first week after the renovation is complete. Sometimes small issues, like slow leaks, can appear after a few days of use. Addressing them quickly can prevent more significant problems down the line.
Wrapping Up
Renovating a bathroom on a budget in the UK is entirely possible with careful planning and smart decision-making. By understanding the five key stages of the process – from planning and design to the finishing touches – you can make informed choices that keep costs down without compromising on style or quality.
Whether you’re handling parts of the renovation yourself or hiring professional bathroom fitters, these tips and tricks will help you create the bathroom of your dreams without blowing your budget. And of course, if you’d like the professionals to step in, you can always call Prowess Developments to give you a helping hand.
Looking for someone to install your bathroom? Prowess Developments are ready to help! Just reach out to speak to your friendly Bathroom Fitters and schedule your FREE consultation. We’ll go through where you’re at, where you want to get to and whether we’re a good fit. Call 07878380036 or fill in this form to get started!