In a post Brexit & Covid world, the cost of all renovations are going up at an alarming rate. Whether it’s the rising cost of labour due to excessive demand or increased production costs trickling down to us consumers. Thus, renovating a bathroom can be a costly project to undertake. Luckily though, there are ways to save money without compromising on the end result. In this post our designers have compiled their top tips on how to save money on your bathroom renovation. And if you fancy seeing some recent bathroom projects by us, explore Project Finchley or Project Dulwich.
How to save money on your bathroom renovation
Keep the plumbing in same place
Moving plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers can not only be quite complex and not always possible, but it can be very expensive. If you can keep the existing plumbing in place, it would always be our suggestion to do so. This can save money on installation costs and avoid the need for extensive plumbing work. Of course, if it’s not possible, speak with your builder well in advance to get projected costs first.
Keep pipes externally surface mounted
By this we mean shower pipes & taps. If you want to have wall mounted taps where pipes are hidden within the walls, or shower pipes where again the pipes are concealed within the wall, this requires additional labour time to install. So, consider keeping your shower & taps simple and surface mounted if you want to do things on the cheap.
Keep white goods where possible
If your bathroom fixtures are still in good condition, consider refinishing or painting them instead of replacing them. This can save you a lot of money as not only do you not have to buy the product new, but it also means no labour costs to plumb in new products. In project Dulwich, we decided to keep the existing bath but just re-paint it instead to give it a new lease of life. We also love this tip as it’s the most sustainable too.
Don’t tile on all walls, everywhere
Purchasing tiles can be expensive as a product, as well as the cost to install. So, consider using tile alternatives like vinyl flooring, or only tiling in places that are absolutely necessary (around the sink, shower, bath area etc). Always clarify up front as well what tile pattern you are thinking of installing, as certain tile patterns like a ‘herringbone’ pattern will be more expensive to lay. This is due to the amount of time it takes to plan & cut the tiles. Additionally, some extra large tiles may require special machinery, so be mindful of this.
Opt for chrome or black hardware
You may be surprised to learn that having a brass finish in your bathroom on fixtures & fittings like taps & radiators, is usually more expensive to purchase than chrome or black. If you want to keep things really affordable, consider chrome or black fixtures and you’ll notice you’ve save a small fortune.
Hire a professional interior designer
Hiring an interior designer may seem like an additional cost, but it’s a bit of a 1 step back, 2 steps forward approach. Interior designers can actually save you money in the long run. People like us have the expertise and knowledge to help you get the most of your budget. Therefore, we can truly help you avoid costly mistakes.
By planning ahead with a designer, using cost-effective materials in the right places, and allowing them to shop for sales and discounts, you can save money and time, while still achieving your desired bathroom design for a price your comfortable with.
If you’re looking for expert advice and guidance on your bathroom renovation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Pop us an email over on contactus@topologyinteriors.com. Our experienced team of interior designers would be happy to help you create the bathroom of your dreams within your budget.
