Good design is a balance of many things, including practicality, esthetics and of course, budget. This last point can be a slippery slope when it comes to big-ticket renovations such as a bathroom, where costs can quickly escalate. As a designer, my role is to guide clients through their wants and needs, and offer solutions to achieve that perfect mix, while staying on budget. To that end, there are places where you can splurge and save on your next bathroom renovation, leaving some money in the bank, while still meeting the must-haves on your list.
As a general rule, I don’t cut corners, but there are some items that don’t require the same level of investment as others. And, because at the end of the day you may not notice a difference when it comes to quality or style, I say it pays to save where you can.
The vanity
This is one of the key focal points in your bathroom, so it needs to look great and offer enough storage space to keep your bathroom organized and ensure a smooth start to your day. Sometimes, this means having a custom-designed vanity to accommodate specific needs or room dimensions.
With that said, unless your bathroom has an odd shape or intricacies, an off-the-shelf vanity will give you the best bang for your buck. In many cases, to keep costs down, you can be confident in choosing a ready-made piece that comes with the sink and counter. Our Meadowlane project (pictured above) featured bathrooms with non-custom vanities, which served the clients’ needs while hitting our esthetic goals for each space.
The plumbing
Sometimes a bathroom renovation requires a plumbing re-do. This may involve replacing old pipes that are damaged or not up to code, or it may require reconfiguring the plumbing entirely to accommodate a change in layout or new fixtures, such as that freestanding clawfoot tub you’ve been dreaming of! Pipes are generally hidden beneath the floors, so moving the sink, toilet and bath or shower means tearing up the floor and subfloor and reworking the plumbing between the floor joists. This adds time and materials to your final bill. If you’re looking for ways to save, keep your current fixtures and the plumbing that is attached to them in their original location.
Marble countertops
Marble is the Mecca of magnificence, but believe it or not, there are some fabulous fakes on the market that are designed to mimic the look of marble without the inflated price tag. Faux-marble porcelain tile is a great go-to for those trying to keep costs down.
In the principal bathroom at Meadowlane, we chose to feature porcelain marble-look tile, which came at a lower cost and allowed us to splurge on the real thing in the guest bath.
Chrome fixtures
There’s no better way to elevate the look of your bathroom than with a little polish and shine by way of chrome fixtures. Chrome is the classic choice and the neutral option, complements most materials and finishes, and offers versatility in terms of your bathroom’s broader style, whether classic or contemporary. It’s also cost-effective, leaving room in your budget to splurge elsewhere.
The shower
In many homes, the shower has become the new must-have feature, with advancements such as lighting, steam and materials that raise the bar. But what about the shower itself? As indicated by its name, a curbed shower design features a four-inch curb that contains the water and glass enclosure. However, some argue that the curbed design isn’t as esthetically pleasing, while posing challenges to those with mobility issues. On the other hand, a walk-in shower is level with the floor and features a sleek, seamless design, but this option can cost upwards of double the curbed option, so it’s really a matter of preference and budgetary allowance.
Equitable solutions
Choosing where to splurge and save in a renovation can be a challenge, but thanks to advancements in materials and manufacturing, there are a lot of solutions out there. You can rest assured that saving money doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality or style.
Tip
Speaking of tile, you can give your bathroom look a lift by getting creative with your tile layout. Consider pairing a simple subway tile with a bold, patterned floor tile.
