Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

When it comes to renovating, bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms to update (along with kitchens). However, just because it can cost a lot to renovate your bathroom doesn't mean you just have to accept that renovating a bathroom is expensive and pay up. With some time, planning and taking on some work yourself you can have a bathroom renovation (as well as a total price) that are the envy of your neighborhood. Here's some ideas on how to save money on your bathroom renovation.

Plan and research

• Sure, you've got some ideas about what you want your renovated bathroom to look like, but before you call in a contractor and ask them for some ideas and prices take the time to plan out what you want in some detail. A contractor will probably ask you the same question so if you have a really good ideas before you talk to him, he will be able to give you a more accurate bid.
• Keep in mind one of the most expensive things you can do when renovating a bathroom is to move plumbing, so if possible don't relocate the toilet, sink or tub and shower.
• Shop around for the things you want to put into your new bathroom. While a contractor may be able to get better prices on many new things, you may still be able to get better deals that they would even consider.
• Don't just look at home supply stores, consider some "off  the beaten track" sources for lighting and plumbing fixtures as well as tiles, cabinets  even toilets.
• Online suppliers are a good option and they often include free shipping. Ebay, flea markets, even yard sales and recycle stores are all potential sources of "one of a kind" items not available at supply stores. Old plumbing and lighting fixtures can usually be retrofitted to modern standards.

Get multiple bids from contractors

• You want to select only contractors who have been recommended to you and you feel comfortable dealing with, then ask a number of them (not just one of two) for bids on your renovation.
• Some contractors will have no problem with doing some up front or finishing work on the job and will lower their bid based on the amount of "sweat equity" you're willing to put in.

Do some work yourself

• Save yourself some money by doing some of the demo work yourself. Removing lighting or plumbing fixtures as well as medicine cabinets, storage units and even toilets are all jobs you could take on rather than pay a contractor to do.
• Save some money on disposal fees as well. Since a contractor will likely just throw everything into a dumpster and take it to the landfill where he (then you) will be charged for disposal, donate the items you take down to a  recycle store and save yourself disposal fees.
• Some finishing details you can add to your new bathroom might include installing towel bars, wall mounted mirrors or even baseboards.

Murray Anderson is an experienced freelance writer whose work has appeared on numerous web sites, as well as in newspapers and books  in both the US and Canada. He is often cited as an expert on home related topics and is a regular contributor to DoItYourself.com.