The bathroom is one of the most important parts of any home. As such, we need it to be as comfortable and functional as possible. And because we use this room on a regular basis, it’s generally one of the first to fall into a state of disrepair. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for you to save money on this project, no matter how big the changes you need to make are. If it’s time to upgrade your bathroom or if you want to add another one to your home, here are some tips to get you started.

Think About Your Budget

Your choices should depend on your budget and the reason for the remodeling. You could also opt for easy, inexpensive DIY makeovers, such as painting and replacing your own fixtures. It’s also wise to keep an eye out for deals wherever you’ll be shopping. Lowe’s, for example, is a one-stop shop for home improvement projects, and in addition to their weekly deals, you can also do a quick search online for coupons and cash back deals. No matter the scale of your project, before you begin, make your budget and decide what you can afford to fix. When thinking about which upgrades you want to make, focus on what you actually need and what will be the most cost-effective. You can replace a toilet seat and lid rather than the entire toilet, spruce up an existing mirror by adding a frame, or add granite countertops to save money over replacing the entire vanity. Most of these jobs can be done without hiring a professional, and you can find everything you need for them at a store like the Home Depot. Watch their special offers page so you can keep costs down as much as possible.

Bathrooms cost an average of $10,000 and up to remodel, but this figure depends on the amount of work required and the size of the bathroom. A master bathroom will cost more than a half-bath. The location and amount of renovation needed to build a new bathroom also affects the price, especially if you’re not building near water and sewage lines.

Make It Functional

A functional upgrade might involve switching from a pedestal sink to a full counter, adding in cabinets and drawers for storage, installing extra towel bars, replacing old toilets with efficient ones, creating a better ventilation system, or expanding a shower into a sit-down bathtub. A cosmetic upgrade might include expensive features like new tiles or more attractive countertops, but if you’re going for a budget-friendly DIY, simply adding prettier faucet handles can make a huge bang for very little buck. Retailers like Target offer lots of options that won’t dip too deeply into your budget, especially if you watch out for deals.

Building a New Bathroom

If you’re planning to build an entirely new bathroom, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to convert an existing space to $75,000 to add a luxury master bath. To save money on building a new bathroom, build onto existing floor space that doesn’t require additional construction, and stay close to water lines.

Keep the Future in Mind

Since your home is an investment, keep future buyers in mind when you plan your bathroom model. Remodeling your bathroom is also an investment, so you’ll want to get the best ROI. Bathrooms and kitchens are where you have a chance to make your house shine. Because of this, you’ll want to put some thought into making those rooms an appealing sell. Think about the features that would sell you on a bathroom if you were a prospective buyer.

Many buyers want a master bath and a bathroom downstairs for guests, usually close to the kitchen or living room. If your home’s bathrooms are inside the bedrooms, then consider making it guest-friendly by adding a bathroom in a common area. Other fixtures and furnishings that buyers might find appealing are a great showerhead, good lighting, a water-efficient toilet, a walk-in shower, a free-standing tub, and built-in shelves. A bidet toilet adds a hygenic touch, while a vessel sink can be added to a vanity with plumbing installed. These renovation jobs are best left to a professional contractor, but you can save on the cost of materials by purchasing them yourself. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are great options for purchasing home materials, because not only do they offer deep discounts, you’re also investing in your own community when you shop there.

Any time you decide to make changes to your home, you should do so with money-saving upgrades in mind. It’s in your best interest to save money during the remodeling process, but it’s also wise to get the best bang for your buck with cost-effective, modern renovations. When and if you decide to sell your house, a better bathroom will help you turn a bigger profit. And if you budget your projects correctly, the resale value of the upgrade should be more than your remodeling expenses.

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