Guest Blogger: Top 5 Easy & Affordable Master Bath Updates

 Entry #1259, June 6, 2012

You may or may not be aware that the master bathroom can require a pretty large budget when it comes to an overhaul, but it can also deliver a decent return on investments when you opt to sell your property down the road. However, if you don’t have a large budget to work with and you’d rather not accommodate a contractor and his crew for weeks on end, there are several upgrades you can do on your own at a lot less expense. While this strategy may not get a new whirlpool tub installed in your bathroom, it can definitely allow you to do away with the outdated wallpaper and tile that make your bathroom look like it belongs in the home of Mike and Carol Brady. So here are just a few tips to create an updated look in your master bath with a limited budget and a DIY attitude.

Top 5 updates for your master bathroom

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1. Paint

The absolute easiest area to address is going to be the wall color. Even if you’re dealing with wallpaper, you’ll be surprised at how easy the removal process can be when you use the right tools. The best option is generally to steam off old wallpaper with a simple and inexpensive hand steamer. From there you may have to do a bit of scraping or sanding, but a belt sander (and a light touch) can make the work go a little more quickly so that you can get to the painting. As for covering existing paint, consider using a paint and primer in one so that fewer coats are needed, and always use a satin or gloss finish that is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

2. Tile

You might be a bit worried about the ease of removing and installing new tile, but the process will probably be a lot easier than you anticipate. Removing old tile is simple enough if you’re not trying to save it; a hammer and crow bar should do the trick. Then you’ll have to scrape the old grout and concrete away to create a clean, smooth surface. From there it’s just a matter of marking your layout, mixing up your concrete, and securing the tiles. If you’re unsure about the steps involved simply pop by your local Home Depot or other hardware store to inquire about lessons. Many offer a variety of workshops for free as a way to drum up business.

3. Lighting

Replacing light fixtures doesn’t have to cost a lot if you frequent Craigslist, hit up garage sales to find steals, or opt for reclaimed furniture and fixture outlets instead of buying brand new. From there it’s just a matter of turning off the proper breakers and installing your new lights.

What budget friendly upgrades can you make?

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4. Cabinets and counters

You don’t need the expertise of master builders in order to address this area of the bathroom. The truth is that you can easily demo existing cabinets and counters and replace them on your own. Generally, you will want to buy pre-built cabinetry, and you can either find it reclaimed or check out discount stores like IKEA (or even Overstock.com) for affordable options. Then it’s just a matter of measuring for the countertop surface so that you can order it cut, finished, and ready to install (the cost depends on materials).

5. Accessories

Mirrors, towel racks, shelving, and other bathroom accessories may be the last items on your list, but you can find second-hand options in abundance at a greatly reduced cost. And with a little TLC these accessories can make for a fun family project that adds character and appeal to your master bath.

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