Where You Should Save vs. Splurge on Your Bathroom Reno, According to Pros

If a new set of bath towels and cute wall decor haven’t transformed your outdated bathroom as you had hoped, perhaps it’s time to consider a bigger makeover.

If that triggers the sound of cash registers, you’re right—bathroom remodels can be pricey. But they don’t have to completely blow your budget, either.

Here’s what you need to know about budgeting for a new bathroom, where to save, and where to splurge, according to two renovation experts.

Budgeting Tips for Your Bathroom Remodel

The cost of any bathroom remodeling project depends a lot on the current state of the bathroom. For example, are you tired of looking at the vanity, or is it falling apart? Knowing what needs to be done versus what you want to have done is a good start toward budgeting for your remodel.

Alice T. Chan, designer and project director at Freemodel, says that if your bathroom has old fixtures, water damage, or can no longer be referred to as “charming vintage,” you should consider a complete redo.

“If your space is generally in good shape and just needs a bit of updating, a simple refresh might do the trick,” she says.

For example, replacing a showerhead—even if you splurge on a deluxe rainfall showerhead—won’t bust your budget like replacing the entire shower can. Here’s the breakdown of the key elements you’ll need to focus on when redoing a bathroom:

• Bathtub or shower
• Vanity and sink
• Countertops
• Flooring and tiles
• Toilet
• Lighting 
• Painting or wallpapering 
• Accessories and decor
• Labor

So, How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?

The two main costs of any home improvement project are labor and materials. Both have wildly varying price points, depending on the current contractor costs in your area and your taste, but remodeling a bathroom costs an average of $12,000 with an actual range between $6,700 and $17,600.

Where will the money go for your bathroom renovation? It depends on where you want to spend it. Here’s a quick breakdown of what different levels of a bath remodel might look like.

• Light refresh: New hardware (ex., faucet or showerhead), lighting, and decor; repainting/wallpapering
• Bigger refresh: Any of the above, plus replacement of key elements like the sink, toilet, and vanity or countertop. The layout won’t change, but the bathroom will look brand-new.
• Gut remodel: Requires demolition and perhaps layout reconfiguration.

How to Save Money on a Bathroom Makeover

Unless you are an experienced DIYer, you’ll likely have to hire a contractor. But you can save money with good design choices, says Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi.

• Update elements, not the layout. If possible, upgrade the toilet, sink, and shower in their current spots. “You can save a lot of money by keeping your bathroom’s current layout or footprint,” Micetich says.
• Reface, don’t replace. Cabinets and shelving can easily eat up 25% of the total cost of your remodel, says Micetich. Refacing them saves a ton; otherwise, you could skip custom cabinets in favor of more affordable prefabricated designs.
• Select less expensive finishes. “Choosing affordable materials and finishes is one of the easiest ways to save money on a bathroom remodel,” says Micetich.

That last one doesn’t mean giving up on your dream of a spa-like bathroom.

“Today’s marketplace offers something for every budget,” Chan says. “Bidet seats that were once a luxury upgrade are available in various price points and functionalities, allowing you to tailor them to your needs without blowing your budget. 

What Experts Think Are Worth the Splurge

Obviously, there are basic requirements for a bathroom—you can skip the bidet, but sorry, there’s no getting around not having a toilet in the room. There are certain elements that experts think are worth spending on.

“The most important consideration is choosing materials that align with the level of property being upgraded,” Chan says. “Going for budget-friendly options in a luxury home or splashing out on luxe finishes in a more modest home can throw things off balance.”

• Splurge on necessary fixtures, like toilets and showers. Concentrate your budget on fully functioning elements, like a toilet and shower. It may be tempting to start with fun projects like installing new countertops, but you should always start by fixing broken things first, Micetich says.
• Splurge on labor or help if you’re not a DIYer. Don’t risk it if your skills aren’t up to the task. If you do it incorrectly, you could end up damaging your bathroom or wasting money and materials, says Micetich. Assess your expertise by asking yourself whether you have the time, tools, and talent. “If your answer is no to any of these questions, bring in a pro who can do the project quickly and correctly,” she says.

Your bathroom is arguably one of the most important rooms in your house. While you want to avoid remodeling costs that rival the down payment on a new home, you want a bathroom that’s fully functioning and nice-looking, too. With some careful thought and good decisions, it can be both without breaking the bank.