If you’re on a tight budget, then you may be appalled to learn that a bathroom renovation can easily cost you $7,000 or more. Luckily for penny pinchers everywhere, there are easy DIY bathroom projects you can do to save money and enjoy a new bathroom. We live in the age of do-it-yourself, so don’t be afraid to get crafty (even if you’re not a crafty person.) Doing your own upgrades will save you money on supplies as well as labor, and you’re more likely to be happy with the finished product. Here are a few easy and affordable tricks you can use to give your powder room a unique look that you’re sure to love (and a price you’ll definitely be happy about.)
Easy DIY Bathroom Projects
Start with the Hardware
Your bathroom might not be extremely dull or outdated, but depending on how old the house is, it might just be that you need new hardware. Buy a new faucet and don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of installing it yourself. Start by shutting down the fresh water supply and bleeding the lines by turning on the old faucet. Once the dripping stops, use a razor blade to cut the caulk from around your existing faucet. Unbolt it from beneath and disconnect the supply lines. Put the new one in place, tighten the supply lines and fasten the bolts. After testing the faucet and checking for leaks, caulk around the new faucet. Even easier projects than replacing your faucet are upgrading your showerhead and replacing any cabinet handles. You’ll be surprised at how shiny and new your old bathroom will look with some new hardware.
Cabinet TLC
If your cabinets are dated, consider updating them some color or a new finish. If you choose to add a pop of color, you may want to create a more durable finish by using oil-based paints. A good quality paint can provide you with a smooth finish that’s better able to withstand the humidity and heat of the bathroom. Take the time to remove the hardware and doors for a more professional finish. Regardless of the paint you choose, sand the surface lightly first for better adhesion. As mentioned above, adding new handles and knobs to your cabinet will work wonders. If you’re unsure of what colors fit best with the style and design of your bathroom, look on Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration.
Upgraded Lighting (Without the Upscale Price)
Nothing makes a bathroom look outdated faster than light fixtures that are obviously from ten or twenty years ago. You can easily replace most light fixtures yourself, and you can find surprisingly stylish fixtures at your local hardware store. The new lights will have installation directions that you can follow one step at a time. Be sure to shut down the power to the light in question before you start working. It’s also wise to wear leather work gloves just in case you get shocked.
Organization Station
If you feel like your bathroom is a bit lack-luster, it might be time to amp up the structure a bit. Don’t forget—we are living in the age of DIY, and you can easily add a little style and order to the bathroom by creating your own storage and organization solutions. One popular organizational tool for the bathroom is using mason jars for storage—they are functional and fashionable, so everybody wins. You can fasten mason jar to a wood panel and label each jar for items that you frequently use (Q-tips, cotton balls, safety pins, makeup brushes, etc.) You can also find varying sizes of jars or vases and place them on the counter to hold other frequently used items. This will cut down on clutter on the counter tops as well as in the limited drawer space.
You may not want to wait to give your bathroom an upgrade, but you also may not be able to spend thousands of dollars on a bathroom remodel. As you can see, the good news is that you don’t have to delay your bathroom beautification plans, or fork over your entire wallet either. All of these DIY bathroom projects are very affordable, and most homeowners can handle the work themselves. Before you give up on your dreams of a new bathroom, see if any of these changes will work for your home. There are plenty of tutorials for projects like these on Pinterest and YouTube if you need some ideas or a little extra help bringing the look together.
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written by: Dixie Somers
