Bathroom Remodel without the Investment

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The average cost of a mid-scale bathroom remodel is $15,899, while the cost of an upscale bathroom remodel is $51,455 according to the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report from Hanley Wood. You shouldn't let these figures scare you, however. If you want a big bang for your bathroom remodeling buck, follow these low-cost bathroom remodel ideas:

Reglaze Your Tub: Around $500
If your bathtub is still in good condition, you don't need to replace it. You can simply have it reglazed or refinished. According to CostHelper.com, the average cost of bathtub reglazing or refinishing is $500. On the other hand, the cost of a new tub is estimated to be around $800 to $3,000 (point average of $1,900), while the average cost of tub replacement service ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 (point average of $3,000).

Replace Your Showerhead: Around $60
You should definitely replace your showerhead with a water-saving model. Green remodeling is a hot home improvement trend, and this extends to the bathroom. By installing a water-saving showerhead, you can drastically reduce your water consumption and, if you plan to resell your home, increase your home's appeal to green-aware buyers. High-end water-saving showerheads cost around $60 at Amazon.

Expand Bathroom Storage: Around $300
Enhance your bathroom's utility by expanding its storage capacity. First, you can install a cabinet. At NexTag, the prices of different bathroom wall cabinet brands vary widely. You can, however, get a good wall cabinet for $200. Then, you can also add towel baskets (towel baskets also make great accents); a simple rattan basket costs approximately $10. All in all, you can get a new cabinet, towel baskets and miscellaneous bathroom storage enhancements for around $300.

Install Bathroom Ventilation: Around $250
This is an essential bathroom fixture. As you know, if moist air from the bathroom is not vented out, your bathroom will become a breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria. Note: do not vent moist air into the attic or into crawlspaces as this will lead to mold buildup in these places. Consult a remodeling contractor about your bathroom fan installation and vent configuration just to be safe. Energy Star Qualified ventilation fans generally cost less than $250 at Amazon.

Upgrade Lighting: Around $80
In bathrooms, lighting is definitely an important component, and the way you light your bathroom up can make it look fantastic – or not. Installing a wall sconce on each side of your bathroom's wall mirror is a simple lighting upgrade that will make your bathroom look nice; more importantly, it will also surround your face with light, thereby increasing your wall mirror's functionality. A simple one-light bathroom sconce costs only $36 at Amazon; you can probably find more inexpensive models at your neighborhood home improvement store.

The above kitchen remodeling suggestions will cost you only a little bit over $1,000. For such a low investment, however, these low-cost remodeling ideas can effectively make your bathroom more visually appealing and even more functional.

by Jinky Bagagnan