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Guest Article submitted by Ray Flynn | DiyGuys.net

Do you have a bathroom that’s overdue for an update? Most of us enter these small yet necessary spaces at the beginning and end of every day, and when it’s ugly, crowded, or out of fashion, it can really drag you down. Here is how a well-planned remodel can breathe fresh life into a tired bathroom without straining your budget.

How Much Should You Spend?

 Establishing a practical budget is the perfect starting point when planning your bathroom remodel. Think about who will use the space, since you’ll make different choices for children versus guests. Weigh your must-haves, such as tile flooring, tub surround, or new vanity, along with your wants, such as a towel warmer or heated floor. Research your supplies and materials so you can best gauge what options will be practical and where you need to cut corners. For materials and supplies, stretch your dollars with online savings options like discounts and cashback opportunities at Lowe’s Hardware. Clipping a few dollars here and there from your must-haves can mean more money toward those wants!

DIY – Yes or No?

When doing your budgeting, take into account what parts of the remodel you can tackle yourself and when you would be better off hiring a professional contractor. As the Spruce explains, DIY bathroom remodeling can mean saving big bucks, but only if you are skilled and can dedicate enough time to the work. Some of the skills involved with renovations can require specialized expertise, such as plumbing and electrical work, so you could end up doing damage if you exceed the scope of your abilities. You should get some estimates for labor to help calculate that part of the job. Are you planning to DIY all of your project? Flooring, toilets, paint, and lights are likely to be within the skills and abilities of most homeowners. Also, you can find online coupons for stores like Home Depot that can help you save money on materials and tools.

What Should I Splurge On?

 If you think you’ll sell your home any time in the near future, a return on investment (ROI) should be a key factor in your decision-making. US News explains some aspects of your bathroom will give you better ROI than others. For instance, the vanity, light fixtures, and toilet might offer the most bang for your buck. Think in terms of what will make the biggest impact in how the space feels, and keep in mind buyers don’t tend to recognize expensive options over less expensive, but attractive, ones. For instance, a simple, inexpensive, attractive, white toilet will catch a buyer’s eye as quickly as an expensive white toilet. Adding an entire bathroom doesn’t offer good ROI unless you have a multiple-bedroom household all sharing a single bathroom.

If you plan to keep your home for many years, you should base your choices more on what you prefer and what you can afford than on ROI. To help keep your project within your budget, join a money-saving website like Honey, which will search the web for the best coupon codes available online to apply when you checkout. The money you save will stretch your budget so you can splurge on that something extra you’re craving, like a Ducoterra SolaRay panel to heat your bathroom. Ducoterra’s SolaRay panels are 35 to 50 percent more efficient than baseboard or wall heaters and provide gentle sun-like heat. Smaller bathrooms can be heated with a 250W panel, and for bathrooms up to 70 square feet or so you should opt for the 375W panels.

Remodeling a bathroom can be a satisfying project in many ways. So, decide what you can fit into your budget and how much to DIY. With good planning are careful budgeting, your investment will be a great addition to your home!