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There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.

Toilets typically connect to your main vent stack, a vertical pipe that runs through all finished levels of your home and exits through the roof. It’s located behind the walls, but if you have an unfinished basement or a utility closet, you may find a portion of it running the vertical length of the space. Some basement toilets use an air admittance valve instead, which is a small vent located in the wall directly behind the toilet that extends upward a few feet from the drain.

Completing a full standard bathroom remodel offers the best value, with an average return on investment (ROI) of 70%. However, you don't need a full remodel to make an impact. To maximize value, focus on key components like flooring, the tub and shower, vanity, and cabinets. High-value upgrades include installing a walk-in shower, resurfacing a tub, retiling, or expanding the shower. For more budget-friendly options that still increase value, consider repainting with a light, neutral color, or updating the mirror and light fixtures. It's also crucial to address any necessary repairs, such as leaks, mold, or cracked tiles, as buyers will notice these issues. Avoid flashy upgrades like bathtub jets or steam showers, which don't add as much value.