How to Get Your Dream Bathroom for Less
Creating a super-stylish bathroom needn’t break the bank. These insider tips reveal where to save and where to splurge
Sophie Baylis
6 October 2020
Houzz UK Contributor: I'm a London-based freelance journalist with many years of experience writing about interiors for leading magazines in the UK and overseas. Follow me at @InteriorsInOut on Facebook and Twitter.
Houzz UK Contributor: I'm a London-based freelance journalist with many years of... More
Whether you’re starting from scratch or making small, cosmetic changes to your bathroom, the first step is to set your budget. Once you know how much money is available, you can work out how best to spend it.
Make a wishlist. What do you need in your new bathroom? What do you want? Then consider which items should be assigned more of the budget than others.
Confused about where to spend and where to save? Our bathroom experts have the answers.
Professional advice from: Gary Fullwood of Gary Fullwood Designed Living; George Poole of BathroomsByDesign; Lucy Hyner of Style Ideas
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Make a wishlist. What do you need in your new bathroom? What do you want? Then consider which items should be assigned more of the budget than others.
Confused about where to spend and where to save? Our bathroom experts have the answers.
Professional advice from: Gary Fullwood of Gary Fullwood Designed Living; George Poole of BathroomsByDesign; Lucy Hyner of Style Ideas
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Don’t move, just improve
If at all possible, retaining the original layout of a bathroom can help to reduce the cost of a refurb considerably. “It isn’t just a matter of moving a few things around,” Lucy Hyner explains. “Reworking a layout means ripping up and replacing tiles, extra plumbing costs due to moving pipework, and new paintwork if things don’t go to plan and you get a slight leakage.”
All this will expand your labour bill. Moving a soil pipe is typically the most expensive rearrangement, so if you can avoid this, it should reduce your fitter’s fee.
The good news is that new bathroom fixtures can, almost painlessly, be installed where previous ones once stood. “And there will be no need to disrupt any plumbing or electricity supply,” George Poole says.
If at all possible, retaining the original layout of a bathroom can help to reduce the cost of a refurb considerably. “It isn’t just a matter of moving a few things around,” Lucy Hyner explains. “Reworking a layout means ripping up and replacing tiles, extra plumbing costs due to moving pipework, and new paintwork if things don’t go to plan and you get a slight leakage.”
All this will expand your labour bill. Moving a soil pipe is typically the most expensive rearrangement, so if you can avoid this, it should reduce your fitter’s fee.
The good news is that new bathroom fixtures can, almost painlessly, be installed where previous ones once stood. “And there will be no need to disrupt any plumbing or electricity supply,” George Poole says.
Save on sanitaryware
As a general rule of thumb, floor-standing sanitaryware is cheaper, simply because more build work is required for wall-mounted models, which hang from a frame embedded in the wall.
Unfortunately, floor-standing fixtures tend to occupy more space, so careful consideration needs to be taken if square inches are at a premium. However, shopping for short-projection designs – ie, space-saving, compact – is one way to solve this.
Buying a whole bathroom suite is often more cost-effective than sourcing pieces individually. Also, consider forgoing strong trends and opting for a classic style that won’t date instead.
As a general rule of thumb, floor-standing sanitaryware is cheaper, simply because more build work is required for wall-mounted models, which hang from a frame embedded in the wall.
Unfortunately, floor-standing fixtures tend to occupy more space, so careful consideration needs to be taken if square inches are at a premium. However, shopping for short-projection designs – ie, space-saving, compact – is one way to solve this.
Buying a whole bathroom suite is often more cost-effective than sourcing pieces individually. Also, consider forgoing strong trends and opting for a classic style that won’t date instead.
Decide framed or frameless?
Typically, a frameless shower enclosure is more expensive than one with a frame. The good news, though, is that you can still achieve a minimal look by shopping around for a slim frame and glass that’s just 8mm or 10mm thick. “Combining this with a slim, low-level shower tray will still give you that minimalist, expensive walk-in shower feel,” Gary Fullwood says.
However, if a seamless aesthetic is top of your list of priorities, go back to your budget and work out where you can save elsewhere in order to splash out on a frameless design.
It can make financial sense, too, George says. “Frameless shower enclosures are generally longer-lasting than framed enclosures, due to their reinforced glass and easy-to-clean surfaces,” he explains. “Frameless shower enclosures also offer more versatility than framed ones, as you can potentially create a shower area consisting of a single glass panel.”
Typically, a frameless shower enclosure is more expensive than one with a frame. The good news, though, is that you can still achieve a minimal look by shopping around for a slim frame and glass that’s just 8mm or 10mm thick. “Combining this with a slim, low-level shower tray will still give you that minimalist, expensive walk-in shower feel,” Gary Fullwood says.
However, if a seamless aesthetic is top of your list of priorities, go back to your budget and work out where you can save elsewhere in order to splash out on a frameless design.
It can make financial sense, too, George says. “Frameless shower enclosures are generally longer-lasting than framed enclosures, due to their reinforced glass and easy-to-clean surfaces,” he explains. “Frameless shower enclosures also offer more versatility than framed ones, as you can potentially create a shower area consisting of a single glass panel.”
Show the workings
Generally, an exposed shower system (as seen here) is less expensive than a concealed one. This is because the latter, to create a minimal aesthetic, has all the pipework hidden in the wall. The extra work involved in doing this is what will typically ramp up the cost. In comparison, exposed systems are quick and easy to install and can look just as beautiful. Shop around – there are plenty of different designs out there.
Think carefully, too, about the showerhead. Swap inefficient, water-hungry models for eco-friendly designs that will have lower running costs.
Looking for the right company for your renovation? Read reviews of local bathroom designers in the Houzz Professional Directory.
Generally, an exposed shower system (as seen here) is less expensive than a concealed one. This is because the latter, to create a minimal aesthetic, has all the pipework hidden in the wall. The extra work involved in doing this is what will typically ramp up the cost. In comparison, exposed systems are quick and easy to install and can look just as beautiful. Shop around – there are plenty of different designs out there.
Think carefully, too, about the showerhead. Swap inefficient, water-hungry models for eco-friendly designs that will have lower running costs.
Looking for the right company for your renovation? Read reviews of local bathroom designers in the Houzz Professional Directory.
Budget for bath time
Why budget for a separate bath and shower when a shower-bath combines the convenience of both? Alternatively, do away with the bath altogether and spend extra money on a sleek walk-in shower with a flush-to-floor tray and simple glass panel.
If you have enough space for both bath and shower, but use the bath infrequently, don’t fritter away precious funds on an expensive model when an affordable acrylic bath will do. Opt for a more affordable fitted design over a freestanding one (although manufacturers are working hard to bring down the price of stand-alone tubs, so do your research) and choose a nice bath panel – wood strips or floor tiles carried upwards can both look smart.
Why budget for a separate bath and shower when a shower-bath combines the convenience of both? Alternatively, do away with the bath altogether and spend extra money on a sleek walk-in shower with a flush-to-floor tray and simple glass panel.
If you have enough space for both bath and shower, but use the bath infrequently, don’t fritter away precious funds on an expensive model when an affordable acrylic bath will do. Opt for a more affordable fitted design over a freestanding one (although manufacturers are working hard to bring down the price of stand-alone tubs, so do your research) and choose a nice bath panel – wood strips or floor tiles carried upwards can both look smart.
Invest in good taps
While there may be elements of your bathroom where a less expensive option will work well, don’t skimp when it comes to buying brassware, as it needs to be tough enough to withstand everyday use. Invest in a reputable brand that uses quality materials and offers a generous guarantee.
“While customers should spend within their means, they should also assess the cost-effectiveness of their purchases,” George says. “Skimp on quality now and you might be stung with repairs and replacements later on. Whereas if you invest correctly, fixtures and fittings are more likely to stand the test of time.”
While there may be elements of your bathroom where a less expensive option will work well, don’t skimp when it comes to buying brassware, as it needs to be tough enough to withstand everyday use. Invest in a reputable brand that uses quality materials and offers a generous guarantee.
“While customers should spend within their means, they should also assess the cost-effectiveness of their purchases,” George says. “Skimp on quality now and you might be stung with repairs and replacements later on. Whereas if you invest correctly, fixtures and fittings are more likely to stand the test of time.”
Shop on or offline?
Online shopping is undoubtedly convenient, enabling you to compare prices and products easily. Although great for research purposes, Gary stresses that it’s always good to touch and feel the quality of a product before you buy it. “Also, you get to build a relationship with the company,” he adds.
If buying online, thoroughly research the product you are considering; remember, looks can be deceiving. Don’t forget to research the company, too, to help you assess quality.
Alternatively, cash in on sales and special offers. Many bathroom retailers run seasonal promotions and sell off ex-display items. Even though it may take a little longer to get everything you need, it’s a good way to get quality fittings at reasonable prices.
Online shopping is undoubtedly convenient, enabling you to compare prices and products easily. Although great for research purposes, Gary stresses that it’s always good to touch and feel the quality of a product before you buy it. “Also, you get to build a relationship with the company,” he adds.
If buying online, thoroughly research the product you are considering; remember, looks can be deceiving. Don’t forget to research the company, too, to help you assess quality.
Alternatively, cash in on sales and special offers. Many bathroom retailers run seasonal promotions and sell off ex-display items. Even though it may take a little longer to get everything you need, it’s a good way to get quality fittings at reasonable prices.
Try cosmetic updates
If you don’t have the cash for a complete bathroom update, cosmetic changes can work out to be a cost-effective solution. “A new coat of paint can go a long way to improving the appearance of a bathroom,” George says. Make sure you pick a finish that’s suitable for hot and steamy conditions.
“Even the way you accessorise your bathroom can make a big difference – towels, plants, ornaments. Being creative is a tool homeowners should exercise,” he adds.
Update the handles on your cabinet doors and theme your scheme with a new pedal bin and toilet-brush holder. Add hooks on the back of the door for dressing gowns. Small, subtle changes can make the world of difference.
If you don’t have the cash for a complete bathroom update, cosmetic changes can work out to be a cost-effective solution. “A new coat of paint can go a long way to improving the appearance of a bathroom,” George says. Make sure you pick a finish that’s suitable for hot and steamy conditions.
“Even the way you accessorise your bathroom can make a big difference – towels, plants, ornaments. Being creative is a tool homeowners should exercise,” he adds.
Update the handles on your cabinet doors and theme your scheme with a new pedal bin and toilet-brush holder. Add hooks on the back of the door for dressing gowns. Small, subtle changes can make the world of difference.
Find value in vinyl
Vinyl flooring comes in two formats – sheet or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). It can be an affordable option that’s also moisture-proof and long-lasting, thus great for a bathroom. What’s more, it comes in a wide range of designs including wood- and stone-effect.
Read more about choosing and installing vinyl flooring.
Vinyl flooring comes in two formats – sheet or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). It can be an affordable option that’s also moisture-proof and long-lasting, thus great for a bathroom. What’s more, it comes in a wide range of designs including wood- and stone-effect.
Read more about choosing and installing vinyl flooring.
Tap into tiles
Porcelain tiles can be another cost-effective solution – rather than, say, marble or wood. Durable and easy to clean, they now also come in designs that replicate the look of natural, more expensive materials, but they require comparatively little TLC.
Do bear in mind that the smaller your tiles, the more they’ll potentially cost to lay. If you fancy a small, mosaic type of tile, sheet mosaics will cost less to install than tiny, labour-intensive individual tiles. Equally, the more nooks and crannies you tile, the more your tiler has to cut your chosen tiles, and the longer the job will take.
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Porcelain tiles can be another cost-effective solution – rather than, say, marble or wood. Durable and easy to clean, they now also come in designs that replicate the look of natural, more expensive materials, but they require comparatively little TLC.
Do bear in mind that the smaller your tiles, the more they’ll potentially cost to lay. If you fancy a small, mosaic type of tile, sheet mosaics will cost less to install than tiny, labour-intensive individual tiles. Equally, the more nooks and crannies you tile, the more your tiler has to cut your chosen tiles, and the longer the job will take.
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Use a reliable installer
Never underestimate the importance of quality installation. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on your bathroom, if it’s fitted badly, you’ll have to splash the cash to correct mistakes.
Some bathroom showrooms offer an installation service or are happy to recommend local tradespeople. Always research any recommendations and check out their customer reviews and testimonials, even when they come from a showroom. “A sign of a good installer is that they will have 5-star reviews across multiple platforms,” Gary says. “It’s also advisable to ask to look at some of their previous work and speak to their clients.”
Another way of finding a reliable installer is to go with recommendations from friends or family. “This way you can easily see the work that’s been completed,” Lucy says. “We recommend getting around three different quotations to make sure you’re getting the best possible price and work quality. It’s always a good indication if the installer is willing to take you to view his previous work. Never be afraid to ask.”
However, it always pays to be prepared. “Unfortunately, unseen costs cannot always be avoided, as no matter how good the installer is, things can still go wrong,” Lucy adds. “You should always allow for a contingency budget.”
Tell us…
How have you saved money doing up a bathroom? Share your tips and ideas in the Comments.
Never underestimate the importance of quality installation. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on your bathroom, if it’s fitted badly, you’ll have to splash the cash to correct mistakes.
Some bathroom showrooms offer an installation service or are happy to recommend local tradespeople. Always research any recommendations and check out their customer reviews and testimonials, even when they come from a showroom. “A sign of a good installer is that they will have 5-star reviews across multiple platforms,” Gary says. “It’s also advisable to ask to look at some of their previous work and speak to their clients.”
Another way of finding a reliable installer is to go with recommendations from friends or family. “This way you can easily see the work that’s been completed,” Lucy says. “We recommend getting around three different quotations to make sure you’re getting the best possible price and work quality. It’s always a good indication if the installer is willing to take you to view his previous work. Never be afraid to ask.”
However, it always pays to be prepared. “Unfortunately, unseen costs cannot always be avoided, as no matter how good the installer is, things can still go wrong,” Lucy adds. “You should always allow for a contingency budget.”
Tell us…
How have you saved money doing up a bathroom? Share your tips and ideas in the Comments.
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I’m slap bang in the middle of a bathroom refurb at the moment (no hot water, no suite and only an outside loo) so obviously found this article extremely interesting!
I haven’t got a budget as such but we are intending to move pretty soon so wanted the room to look nice but also be functional for us for the next six or nine months while not costing the Earth.
Readers may be interested to know where we sourced what was needed. We are lucky that we have an original roll top bath (temporarily residing in the spare bedroom) The toilet and pedastel sink are traditional style and were bought online for a great price. The basin mixer tap, Hudson Reed shower, bath pipe sleeves and oval shower rail were all from eBay. Great prices and free delivery. We are replacing all the old radiators in the house with column style ones and these are also from eBay and the heated towel rail was from the same seller.
Tiles from Wickes and lovely vinyl flooring from a reliable local shop we’ve used previously.
We have an excellent local plumber (finally!!) but the tiler and builder (who is plastering the whole room for £200) are unknown quantities, having seen them advertised locally. Eek!
As with our recent kitchen refurb it is the tradesmen that push up the cost....we have ended up replacing our cold water storage tank and cylinder with a pressurised system but this will mean a decent shower at long last. It seems pointless to do what we’re doing just to end up with something as bad as we ripped out! We also have to replace our antiquated asbestos soil stack as the new toilet goes out of the wall at a different angle.
My husband has removed all the old tiles and I am painting the walls and bath. I love F & B paint but in this instance I am using Valspar paint matching to give me ‘Dimity’ on the walls at a fraction of the price.
I’m a firm believer that fixtures and fittings can be easily replaced but having the plumbing, tiling and building work done properly at this stage is money well spent! You really don’t need to spend a fortune to get something special.
Rush is right about the importance of getting the floor levels correct! We stayed in a hotel in Norfolk which was being refurbished and were the first users of a brand new “Premier” room. The bathroom was large and looked a picture but next morning, we enjoyed the open, walk in, frameless shower which was lovely to use but then the steam cleared and found a lake had formed heading into the bedroom and saturating the carpet as the whole floor was angled to drain the wrong way. The owners were rather dismayed and moved us to another room but it turned out that whilst the installers of the wet room style floor had run the shower, it was only to see if it worked and never ran it long enough to watch the water flow away. So yes...make cast iron sure that you are certain the floor is angled to drain the water properly as it flows when in use!