8 Inexpensive Bathroom Renovations

In many parts of Canada bathroom renovations are the most popular changes in a home. Whether it is replacing the entire space or just a toilet homeowners tend to change bathrooms with styles and trends more than other parts of the home.

Cosmetic Surgery in the Bathroom

Bathrooms have come a long way since the days when water was a constant menace. They are finished off with more water-tight materials and so rot is not the problem it once was. In many cases where remodeling is desired the bathroom looks dated and so thousands of dollars can be saved by replacing just a few items or redesigning the décor.

If the home has an old steel tub with a plastic tub-liner this could really date the bathroom's look. However replacing this with a single fiberglass, tub unit is not practical because there is no way to get it into the present space without taking out a wall. A three-piece, fiberglass shower-tub can easily be brought into the bathroom and gives the same, clean effect. Make certain that the space underneath and walls behind the old enclosure do not show evidence of a water leak before putting the new unit in. If so a professional should be called in to fix the problem.

2. Changing the Toilet

Another way to clean up the bathroom is to replace the toilet. Not only will the bathroom get a fresh look but the mechanism will also be new so there will be little chance of problems in the near future. Stylish, new toilets cost less than $300 and are quickly installed by a handyman. When the old toilet has been removed be sure to check the floor for any water damage.

3. Sinks/Vanities

A new sink with vanity can also renew a bathroom with a minimum of cost. In the home improvement stores a new vanity with granite top can be purchased for less than $250. Be sure to buy new, quality taps instead of using the old ones even if the present ones are working. A $50 investment can save $125 for a plumber if the old faucet fails.

4. Flooring

Since moisture is the main culprit to do with the integrity of a bathroom the floor is the most vulnerable simply because of gravity. If changing out the floor take up the present flooring to check the subfloor. This is a good time to check the piping as well and the extra time will bring piece-of-mind.

Home design magazines expound the attributes of tile as a material for bathroom floors. However, for simplicity, style, cost and maintenance nothing compares to a quality cushion-vinyl, flooring product. The installation simple ins a standard bathroom and there is no mess as there is with laying tile and grout. Make sure the edges are sealed so no water can get underneath.

5. Storage

In a small bathroom storage is a premium so space has to be invented.

Shelving: Most home stores sell wire shelving with a white, plastic coating. Easy to install this is can be installed up over the sink or toilet, even near the ceiling.

Vanity: Not so many years ago pedestal sinks were the rage. However, these sinks create a waste of space. Choose a vanity model. Not only is there a gain of storage but, unlike the pedestal sinks, there is no tricky plumbing work needed to hide the pipes.

Door Shelves: There are many types of shelves that are made to be hung on bathroom door. These can provide storage for smaller items.

6. Bathroom Lighting

The trend for bathroom lights used to be three and four light-fixtures. Not only was this overkill for lighting it was a waste of electricity. Choose a fixture that uses, at most, two energy-saving bulbs. These can be a cheap as $25 and save on energy.

7. Paint

Nothing changes the appearance of a space with less outlay of money than simply painting the walls and ceiling.

8. Adornments

Although not really a renovation buying a new shower curtain and window dressings, along with matching towels and other bathroom items, will be the finishing touches to any bathroom renovation.

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