Splurge or save? What to spend more on during your bathroom remodel

Home remodels are very costly, especially those in the bathroom and kitchen, so if you’re redesigning your bathroom you may be looking for a way to keep costs down as much as possible. While high quality is important for many aspects of a bathroom, you can get away with buying lower-quality items in some instances without risking the aesthetic appeal or durability of the space. Here’s a quick guide for what to splurge on and what to save on while remodeling your bathroom:

Tiles
If you’re installing a backsplash or using tiles in your shower, they’re a good place to save some extra money. Ceramic tile ranges in price, but generally speaking, tiles on the cheaper end don’t lack much in quality and durability. Plus, broken tiles are pretty easy to replace by yourself in the future, and repairing them won’t cost a lot of extra money. If you’re really looking for a specific style that’s only available for a more expensive price, consider using it minimally as accents, and using cheaper ceramic or porcelain tile for the rest of your tile work.

Faucets
For bathroom faucets, the cheapest options aren’t usually the best, but mid-range options can be affordable and good-quality. The durability of bathroom faucets is important because they’re one of the most-used fixtures in the room, and running water can damage some of the cheaper options. Look for bronze or brass faucets that will last for years, but don’t feel like you need to spend a lot on the highest-end styles.

Flooring
Bathroom floors should be waterproof and slip-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on them. Tile flooring is a good option that’s both long lasting and fairly affordable, as opposed to pricier options like solid surface or natural stone flooring.

Fixtures
For permanent fixtures like the sink, toilet and tub, quality should rule over price when you’re making your choice. For these bathroom parts, do some research beforehand to figure out which materials and styles will work best for your needs. If you’re going to splurge on any bathroom fixture, it should absolutely be the tub. Many bathtub materials are hard to repair, so if it gets damaged, you may have to spend a small fortune on a new tub and installation down the road.

Lights
Only splurge on light fixtures if you’re looking for a specific style or material that can’t be found cheaper. Low-end lighting fixtures will work just as well as others, and they’re easy to replace. Consider adding style with one more expensive statement fixture, then using track lighting or other inexpensive options for the rest of the space.

Countertops
Less pricey laminate countertops are fine as far as style and durability, but splurging a bit on granite will be add value to your home if you’re ever going to move in the future. For this feature, you have to decide what matters more: saving now or getting a return on your investment later.

Installation
In general, a good way to cut costs during a remodel is to do as much of the labor and construction yourself as possible. If you are handy, you may want to install many of these features or fixtures without professional help.