BUDGET BATHROOM RENO From 1950's to Fabulous!

Aug 4, 20247 min read

You're gonna see some UGLY!!

What better way to start this post than a warning sign! Totally necessary once you see what I started with. First the backstory.

I bought this fixer-upper 1926 house in the fall of 2007 with intentions of flipping it within a year. Well, we all know what happened to real estate around that time, so things didn't go as planned. Plus, I totally underestimated my dedication to the project while I still had young kids at home. As time went by, we quickly discovered it needed more than aesthetics, so that was another factor. So here I am in 2024, still in this home and still wanting to move, but that's a topic for another time.

The bathroom seemed to have been last renovated in the 1950s or 60s. The workmanship and quality were excellent and have held up well over the years. The vanity base was crafted from solid mahogany, and the flawless tile surrounded and dominated the room. While it wasn't exactly to my taste, my initial plan was to retain the existing elements and only modify the aspects that I found most bothersome.

In 2008, I gave this bathroom a redo by making several changes. I installed self-adhesive tiles over the sheet vinyl flooring, had a handyman replace the drop ceiling with drywall, and removed the wallpaper from the walls. Despite disliking the unique open display shelf surrounded by tile, I found a solution by repurposing used cabinet doors from Restore into closed storage. The original brown tub was reglazed white, but due to an odd-sized toilet, I couldn't replace it until years later. To update the bathroom further, we re-stained the vanity cabinet, added matching molding to the mirror, and installed a new light fixture. The counter shape had to remain the same due to its integration into the tilework, so I replaced it in the same banjo cut shape. A professional installed a much-needed ceiling light and fan/heater, which served as the bathroom's only heat source. Finally, painting the walls and adding an $8 sink/faucet combo from Restore completed the renovation, totaling $3,000.

This sustained us for a while. Over the years, I painted the vanity, mirror frame, and shelf in white. In 2018, a significant sewer break necessitated replacing the floor as it had been torn up for access. I opted for an off-the-shelf vinyl plank that I absolutely adore! After years of searching, I finally found a white toilet that fit the space. Despite the tile still being perfectly intact, it remained an eyesore, so I had it professionally reglazed white along with a touch-up for the tub. The walls were painted a soft gray, and a more glamorous vanity light was installed. Another $2500 was spent on this bathroom that I still didn't completely love.

Do I wish I had completely renovated it from the beginning? The answer is both yes and no. Back then, I couldn't afford a complete renovation, but living with it and making frequent changes actually helped me figure out the design I truly wanted.

After diligently saving all my side hustle income for two years, the moment had arrived at last. I was filled with excitement as my Pinterest board was brimming with ideas that I had to refine and bring to life. All while sticking to a budget, of course!

I received three estimates. One was for a premium bath/kitchen renovation that included designing the space and overseeing the project as the general contractor. In order to cut costs, I informed them that I would source my own fixtures such as faucets, lighting, and mirror. The second estimate was from a remodeling company that carries out projects according to your design, employing their own team throughout the process. The third estimate was provided by a skilled individual who had previously completed two full kitchen remodels and a countertop installation over the course of twenty years for me so I knew his work and skillset.

Do your homework and get several estimates!

I was shocked by the prices of the first two options! One even required an additional $600 for cleaning the completed room, which was not optional! Both options were priced close to each other and well outside my modest budget. It's important to note that the scope of work mainly involved tile removal, drywall replacement, and the installation of a new sink, tub, and vanity. I planned to keep my flooring and toilet and provide my own faucets, mirror, and lighting for them to install.

The third quote I received from my reliable source was significantly lower than the previous ones and even covered the cost of the faucets! I decide to opt out of replacing the special order size tub as a money saving measure, Since I wasn't replacing the flooring and the vanity was a different size, I had to purchase an additional box of flooring. Luckily, I managed to find the it, now discontinued and on clearance for just $27. My contractor seamlessly blended it in without any noticeable patches.

As he doesn't work with tile, he referred me to his contractor, who completed the job for me at the same rate as if it were subcontracted, saving me some more money. This was fortunate because I was eager to renovate the bathroom MY way and this included adding some bling!

I decided to splurge on capiz tile, but opted to use it in a limited area to cut costs. Placing it on the diagonal did raise the installation price slightly, but it was still more affordable than if I had used the same tile in a unique shape. For the bathtub, which I had touched up for $150, I went with a classic subway tile installation, but chose a tile with a naturally wavy, hand-glazed appearance to add some drama. The mirror, lighting fixture, and hardware were purchased from Amazon. I kept my existing toilet but upgraded to a bidet seat * . If you know, you know and will understand the appeal! The closet was redesigned per my vision, and my contractor ordered an additional door for concealed storage. Matching molding was added to match the original in the house (previously there was only tile and no molding in the bathroom). The brass-finish fixtures are top-of-the-line Kohler professional grade (only found at specialized plumbing supply stores like Hajoca, not at big-box retailers like Home Depot or Lowes) that will outlive me. Despite the limited space and inability to expand the layout, I am extremely pleased with the final result - it truly feels like stepping into a spa!

The most enjoyable part was definitely the decorating. To enhance the functionality of the expansive space under the vanity cabinet, I purchased pull-out drawers. A .79 cent clearance hook from Hobby Lobby with a hint of gold was a random find from the universe. The contractor provided a custom paint mix to match the vanity for the closet area, and we took care of the painting ourselves. The walls are painted in Alabaster white, while a stock white semi-gloss was used for the trim. All my accessories are thrifted, and I like to change things up monthly. I bought a brass-toned shower rod, and cabinet hardware from Amazon, but I was excited to discover a new pack of gold shower hooks in the kitchen section of a local thrift store for just a buck! (similiar). Paying attention to details is crucial; changing the toilet handle from chrome to Kohler brass cost only $4 wholesale and kept the finishes cohesive. A brass finish toilet roll holder is as functional as it is pretty. I always felt that blinds/and or curtains didn't work well in this space but we still needed the privacy. An inexpensive roll of privacy film solved that problem. By keeping the tub but adding new tile, the total cost was close to the original estimate and stayed within budget.

To further accessorize this space, I found a vintage ornate towel bar at a yard sale for only $1. The pair of white/gold shelves were also a perfectly timed find, and only $1 for the pair! The vintage canisters for $3/ pair from The American Rescue Workers thrift store are something I will keep forever. They elegantly store razors and dental picks. The vintage mirrors are getting harder to source, but I do have a few for sale in my store. I have several I hold on to and rotate throughout my decor. Other than these items everything else gets changed up monthy.

Here is a breakdown of my accessories:

Purple floral picture $2.99 at Goodwill

Small striped faux succulents $0.25 at a yard sale

Gold Victorian propagation station (a recent find from a WV sourcing trip) $1 (I had a total of 4, 2 will be listed for sale in my shop shortly)

Square wicker planter with faux succulents $3.99 at Goodwill

Small picture standing upright - under $1 from the bins

Mini faux succulent $0.25 from a yard sale

Apothecary jar with gold striping, I got a few of these all $1.99 each at Community Aid

Small wooden spoon inside for Epsom salt $2 from a farm show in York, PA

Purple faux orchids - yard sale, can't remember the price, have had them for at least 10 years

Mercury glass votive holder (stores my eye drops) $1 clearance at Kirkland's

Gold tray mirrors - various prices, both from yard sales

Teal/gold pump dispenser $1 from a yard sale

Purple floral shower curtain $6.99 at Goodwill in Bedford, PA

Baskets from various thrift stores, can't remember pricing - similar sold on Amazon

"New" hand towels $0.25 each from a hospitality yard sale

Crystal decanter - bin find for less than $1

Brass/capiz shell tray $1.49 at Jubilee thrift store

Gold toothbrush caddy $0.50 at a yard sale

Gold liquor decanter is actually a branded bottle, $2 at a yard sale

Small crystal candy dish (stores my retainer) $0.49 at Jubilee

Mini shot glass with stem - bin find for literally pennies

Dried florals $1.99 at Goodwill

Lynne Yancha painting, artist's proof from my dad's estate - was a gift I got for my dad for Christmas one year, it hung in his bathroom for many years, and now proudly in mine.

Live plant in shell planter $1.50 for the planter - yard sale

Vintage towel bar (hangs on the back of the door) $1 at a yard sale

Option:

Do it yourself reglazing kit ( I had mine done professionally but this is a less expensive option)