How to Renovate Your Bathroom On A Budget

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Upgrading your bathroom basin is a fantastic way to refresh your space without overspending. A new bathroom basin can instantly give your bathroom a more modern and stylish feel, while also making it more functional for everyday use.

There are loads of options to suit every need and style. You might love the clean look of an above counter basin, the space-saving design of a wall-hung basin, or the seamless finish of an undermount basin. For something unique, check out concrete basins, fluted basins, round basins, and rectangular basins. We even have small basins for powder rooms or compact spaces.

When you’re choosing your new basin, think about the size, style, and material that will best suit your bathroom. Larger basins are great for busy family bathrooms, while smaller ones are perfect for guest bathrooms or en-suites. Durable materials like ceramic, porcelain, or stone look are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for high-traffic spaces.

2. Add Some Storage

TIP: Floating shelves are an easy DIY bathroom renovation job - even for beginners!

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Adding storage, like floating bathroom shelves, is a smart and budget-friendly way to make the most of your space and keep clutter under control. Installing bathroom  shelves is simple and affordable, and they’re perfect for storing towels, toiletries, or even a few decorative pieces to add some personality to your bathroom.

When picking out shelves, think about the size, weight capacity, and the material or finish that will best suit your space. If you’re working with a smaller bathroom, narrow shelves are a great choice to save space. And if you need to store heavier items like bottles or jars, make sure your shelves are sturdy enough to handle the load.

With a few basic tools and a little DIY confidence, you can install your new shelves yourself and save even more on your bathroom renovation. For more options, check out the full range of bathroom shelves, including glass shelves and metal shelves, to find the perfect fit for your style and storage needs.

3. Install a New Mirror

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A new bathroom mirror is a simple and budget-friendly way to update the look of your bathroom. Not only is it a practical item that we use daily, but it can also add visual interest (almost like a piece of art) and create the illusion of more space. There are many different types of mirrors to choose from, including framed, frameless, and backlit LED mirrors, depending on your style and how much space you have to play with. When choosing a new mirror, consider the size and shape, as well as the style and finish. For example, a round mirror can add a softer touch to a bathroom with many hard angles, while a rectangular mirror can create a sleek and modern look. Meanwhile, a mirror with built-in lighting can add a practical element to your bathroom.

4. Retile Your Walls & Floor

TIP: For an edgy and eye-catching look, choose brightly coloured tiles like pink and blue. For a neutral and timeless aesthetic, choose beige, white or cream. 

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Re-tiling is a fantastic budget-friendly bathroom remodel idea that can breathe new life into an outdated bathroom. A new tile backsplash, wall tiles or floor tiles can instantly transform the look and feel of your bathroom. There are many different types of bathroom tiles available, including ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, and natural stone.

When selecting new tiles, consider factors such as durability, style, and maintenance. For example, large format tiles can give your bathroom a modern and spacious feel, while patterned or decorative tiles can add interest and texture to your walls or floor.

Opting for beige tiles can help create a timeless and classic look that will stand the test of time. With some basic DIY skills and the right tools, re-tiling your bathroom can be a relatively straightforward and affordable project that can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your space. 

5. Upgrade Your Bathroom Vanity

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Who doesn’t love a new bathroom vanity? Upgrading your vanity can help maximise storage and counter space, while also serving as a stunning focal point for your bathroom. We offer a huge range of bathroom vanities, including freestanding vanities, wall-hung vanities, double vanities, curved style vanities, fluted vanities, and small powder room vanities for compact spaces.

There are also plenty of material and finish options to choose from, such as timber, marble, stone, and modern laminates, so you can add a touch of elegance or a contemporary vibe to your bathroom. Whether you’re after a statement piece or something minimalist, you’ll find a vanity to suit your style and budget. Installing a new vanity can be a straightforward DIY project if you have some experience, but for plumbing or larger units, it’s often best left to the professionals!

6. Accessorise with New Fittings

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Updating your bathroom with new accessories is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh the look and feel of your space. Small details like robe hooks, towel rails, and toilet roll holders can make a big impact on both style and functionality.

You can also add towel ladders, hand towel rails, bathroom shelves, toilet brush holders, and even grab rails for extra safety and convenience. There are plenty of finishes to choose from, including brushed brass, matte black, chrome, and gunmetal, so you can match your accessories to your tapware or overall bathroom theme.

Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, or minimalist look, our wide selection of fittings and accessories ensures you’ll find the right pieces to elevate your bathroom’s style and practicality.

 7. Replace the Basin Taps

TIP: Choose the same colour fittings for taps and towel rails/robe hooks for a streamlined and cohesive look. 

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If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to give your bathroom a fresh new feel, try swapping out your basin mixer taps. These taps are not only essential for controlling water flow and temperature, but they’re also a great way to instantly modernise your space and add a personal touch.

There’s a huge variety to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your style and needs. Whether you love the look of a short basin mixer, a tall basin mixer, or even a wall-mounted mixer, there’s something for every space and taste.

You can opt for classic designs with separate hot and cold handles, or keep things sleek and contemporary with a single lever mixer. There are plenty of finish options too, like antique brass for a vintage vibe, chrome for a timeless feel, matte black for a bold statement, or brushed nickel and brass for something a bit different.

With a little plumbing know-how and some basic tools, replacing your basin mixer taps can be a straightforward DIY project that won’t break the bank—but will definitely elevate the look and feel of your bathroom.

8. Tile a Feature Wall

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to give your bathroom a fresh new look, consider painting or tiling a feature wall. A feature wall is a single wall that stands out by using bold patterns, textures, or colours, instantly creating a focal point that brings character to your space. While a coat of paint in a striking hue can do wonders, tiling offers even more creative potential. With options like decorative tiles, wall tiles, and mosaic tiles, you can add texture, colour, and personality with ease.

For a modern and edgy vibe, try penny round tiles or kit kat tiles in vibrant shades, or keep things timeless with classic white tiles or subtle beige tiles. If you want to make a statement, herringbone tiles or large format tiles can give your bathroom a designer feel without a hefty price tag.

No matter your style, choosing a tile that complements your existing décor will ensure your feature wall feels cohesive and intentional. With so many affordable and stylish tile options, it’s easy to create a bathroom you’ll love—without blowing your budget.

9. Upgrade Your Shower Head

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Upgrading your shower head is a quick and effective way to give your bathroom a boost without breaking the bank. A fresh shower head can instantly revitalise your space and make your daily showers more enjoyable.

There are plenty of options to suit your needs and style, from relaxing rainfall shower heads to practical handheld shower heads and even rose shower heads. If you want to save on water and energy, consider an eco-friendly low-flow model.

Installation is usually straightforward—just a few basic tools and a little time, and you’re set. But if you’re not confident with DIY, a professional plumber can always help you get the job done right.

10. Change Up the Lighting

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Adding new lighting to your bathroom is a simple and affordable way to give your space a fresh new look. Swapping out your old fixtures can instantly brighten up the room and create a more inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

There are so many lighting options to choose from, depending on your style and budget. For a classic overhead glow, you might opt for ceiling lights. If you want to add a touch of elegance or highlight certain features, wall lights or vanity wall lights are great choices. For a modern and seamless look, consider downlights or strip lighting around mirrors or under cabinets.

If you’re after something bold or decorative, pendant lights can make a real statement. And for those looking to save on electricity, LED lights are an energy-efficient option that keeps your bathroom bright while helping reduce your power bill.

With so many choices, it’s easy to find the perfect lighting to suit your bathroom’s look and your day-to-day needs.

Still working on the layout? Here are the key things to consider when planning your space.

11. Upgrade Your Toilet

When planning a bathroom renovation, it’s essential not to overlook the impact of upgrading your toilet. Modern toilets are designed to offer more than just functionality—they can elevate the comfort, water efficiency, and overall style of your space. For those seeking a cleaner and more hygienic option, rimless toilets are a standout choice, as their innovative design makes them much easier to keep spotless. If you’re interested in the latest technology, smart toilets deliver advanced features such as heated seats, automatic flushing, and integrated bidet functions, bringing a touch of luxury to everyday routines.

If you prefer a more classic look, close coupled toilets combine traditional style with modern performance, while wall-hung toilets are perfect for creating a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and making cleaning around the floor a breeze. For those looking to enhance hygiene and comfort even further, adding a bidet or upgrading your toilet cistern can make a significant difference in both water savings and convenience.

Trusted brands like Caroma toilets offer a wide range of options to suit every style and budget, ensuring you’ll find the right fit for your renovation. No matter which type you choose, investing in a quality toilet will noticeably improve both the functionality and appearance of your bathroom, making it a space you’ll appreciate every day.

Steps to Upgrading Your Bathroom (& Avoid Reno Overwhelm)

Step 1: Set a Budget

Before you start any bathroom renovation project, it's essential to set a budget. Not only will this help you determine what changes you can afford to make, but it will also keep you from overspending. It's easy to get carried away with a bathroom renovation, and chances are you’ll end up spending more than you planned anyway (so definitely account for that in the budget).

A budget will help you stay focused on the essentials and prioritise your spending. Plus, it'll give you peace of mind knowing that you won't have to dip into your savings or take on debt to get your renovation project. So, take the time to set a realistic budget and stick to it. What’s “budget” will vary from person to person, but it’s not unrealistic to complete a bathroom renovation for $5,000-$10,000.

Step 2: Prioritise the Changes

It’s important to prioritise the changes you want to make. I know, I know – it’s boring having to fix leaks or replace essential items when all you want to do is repaint your bathroom blue, buy a beautiful new basin or retile the floors, but the functionality and safety of your bathroom are most important. So, once you have the urgent stuff out of the way (leaky shower head, anyone?) you can make a start on the cosmetic changes (the fun part, of course).

Step 3: Decide What Can Be DIY & What Needs Professional Help

Now, deciding which parts of your bathroom renovation you can do yourself and which require professional help is a crucial step in the process. While DIY projects can save you money, not everything can be tackled without professional expertise. For example, electrical and plumbing work should be left to the pros to ensure safety.

However, some projects, such as painting or installing new fixtures, can be done by a confident DIYer. Remember, taking on more than you can handle can end up costing you more in the long run if you have to call in a professional to fix your mistakes. So, be realistic about your abilities and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Step 4: Shop Smart

When it comes to shopping for materials for your bathroom renovation, shopping smart is the name of the game. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, quality is just as important as price. Low-quality materials can end up costing you more in the long run if they don't hold up over time or need to be replaced sooner than anticipated. 

Look for high-quality materials that fit your budget, and consider buying in bulk to take advantage of discounts. It’s also worth mentioning that some branded products from big-name retailers come with a higher price tag, and you can get just as high-quality products at a lower price-point by shopping at boutique and independent homeware and building retailers. 

With some careful research and savvy shopping, you can save money while still getting the quality materials you need to make your bathroom renovation a success.

If you’re shopping for your budget bathroom remodel, head to Buildmat.com.au for a range of premium yet affordable bathroom wares, from quality basins to stainless steel tapware, towel rails, robe hooks and more.

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