Renovating any part of your home can be very expensive. One major lender reports that renovations often cost between $20,000 and $50,000. Many homeowners try to save by doing the work themselves. Although this cuts labor costs, materials, tools, and mistakes can still drive up expenses. More than half of homeowners report spending more than they planned due to simple errors. It’s understandable that DIY projects can feel overwhelming, but you can refresh your space on a budget, even without prior renovation experience.
The bathroom has become one of the most popular spaces to renovate, and we have some quick tips that can help you save some cash in your pocket and feel like “I can’t believe I did all this myself.”
Keep The Existing Qualities You Like
When doing any bathroom DIY renovation, first check what existing qualities you already like. You could save a lot of money by keeping tiles, countertops, or cabinets as is, and focus on the worst qualities. A surprising number of bathroom features can be completely changed with simple tweaks instead of being replaced. A good example is a simple lick of paint. The color scheme of the decor in your bathroom can make or break it, and by changing those outdated greens or yellows to modern whites and grays, you’d be surprised how little you’d recognize it. Even tiles can be repainted if done carefully.
The lighting in a bathroom can change drastically depending on whether it’s day or night. You might have a bathroom with a modern, chic look that looks dreadful as soon as you turn on the lights. Replacing old bulbs with warmer or brighter ones can make everything look newer and cleaner.
Swapping Out And Adding New Features
Other items that are just too tacky or outdated can’t often be saved and simply need to go. Shower curtains and bath mats can be replaced for a fairly low cost for savvy renovators who know where to look. The key is to shop around both online and in-store – you can find many of the same products for less depending on where you find them. Containers for organization can serve a dual purpose, enhancing the look of your bathroom rather than detracting from it. Woven baskets for laundry or more modern soap dispensers can free up space and leave a lasting impression on guests.
Rather than just swapping out features, stale bathrooms that have looked the same for decades can look radically different by adding eye-catching decor. This is where it’s important not to overdo it and add items that can look citque. Plants can make a bathroom feel personally styled to the homeowner’s taste rather than just some boring, functional space. Simple artwork can also give a bathroom more soul and personality, showcasing the homeowner’s creative side.
For those who are prepared to plunge into more complex changes, like swapping out any hardware that you can’t stand. This included the faucets, shower heads, and cabinet handles. With a little bit of knowledge, old brass or copper faucets can be replaced with more modern, aesthetic stainless steel or nickel-plated faucets.
These simple tweaks can change the way most bathrooms look for a surprising amount, without having to do any hard renovations that can go way over budget.
Sources:
AmeriSave, “Average Home Renovation Costs in 2026,” 11 May 2025
SC Herrajes – “Bathroom renovation without construction: ideas to do it with little money” – 29 October 2025
Remodel Again – “Bathroom Remodeling Ideas That Keep Existing Cabinetry” – 21 December 2025
MirrorMate – “2025 Bathroom Refresh Ultimate Guide” – 10 February 2025