Bargain DIY Bath Remodel For Under $500
When deciding to renovate the half bathroom, I had to come up with a plan to complete the project on a very tight budget. The space needed updating, and I wanted to increase the home’s value. Money was tight so the budget was set at $500. Here are some tips and tricks to help you do it yourself at a low cost. Read on to find out how to do a bargain DIY bath remodel cheap.
Please note, I make no guarantees on the prices below. These were the prices I paid at the time of this project, which was in February of 2022. Use this as a guide in the hope that you can find something similar. Do your research and shop around for the best prices.
Before You Begin
First, plan out your design. Check out Pinterest for inspiration. Next, go to work scouring the Internet for the best prices. It helps if you can take your time for the planning and research phase of your project. As it can take a few weeks to find good deals on your materials.
Tile
The inspiration for this design had a small honeycomb tile on the entire wall behind the sink.These particular tiles come in 12″x11″ mosaic sheets and average around $10-$12 per sheet. I needed about 42 sheets for my wall (9 foot walls). For this reason, I had to keep looking for the best price. Spending $420 on the tiles alone would kill the budget. I kept searching and finally found something from Home Depot for only $2.49 per sheet! These white hexagon tiles were a perfect dupe. And were a fraction of the cost anywhere else.
It’s also important to realize a DIY tile project calls for other materials. Don’t forget the thinset mortar, spacers, and grout. If you are using a dark colored grout, use the gray thinset. If you choose a lighter colored grout then go with a white thinset.
To learn how to DIY your own tile wall, check out How To Mix Thinset For Tile, How To Tile a Wall, and How To Apply Grout. These articles have complete, step by step instructions for you.
Total Cost For Tile & Supplies = $132.40 plus tax
Vanity / Cabinet
The vanity in this half bath was solid wood, and in great shape. For this reason it was best to keep it and refinish it. A quart of Behr’s Cabinet & Trim Enamel in Semi-Gloss finish, in the color Very Navy was perfect. Painting cabinets is easy by definition, but does take a lot of time. It took several days to get this vanity painted. Don’t skip the prep, primer, and sanding between coats. The longer you can allow for dry time between coats before you sand them, the better the outcome will be. Step By Step How To Paint Cabinets will give you all the DIY details.
If you already have paint brushes and/or a paint sprayer to use, then you won’t have to buy those materials.
Total Cost For Paint, Primer & Sandpaper = $40.94 plus tax
Sink / Vanity Top
The original sink/vanity top was all one piece and was an almond color. This was in excellent shape too so it made sense to keep and refinish it. Rust-oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit is a two part epoxy acrylic formula designed to withstand moisture and extreme hot temperatures. Based on reviews I decided this was the product I wanted to use.
At the time of this project every store and online retailer were out of the white color. I contacted the manufacturer. They informed me they were having a hard time getting the raw materials to produce more. I took to the Internet and found a new, unused kit for sale on Facebook Marketplace for only $38 shipped! Check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to see if you can find one too if the stores are still sold out.
They do suggest a certain type of brush or roller cover so I did have to buy those new.
Check out how to How To Paint Your Bathroom Sink using this product.
Total Cost For Sink Refinishing Kit, Brush, and Roller Covers = $55.65
Wall Paint, Fixtures & Decor
Amazon “Used”
Have you ever filtered the results for “used” before? If not, this is a gold mine! They resell items that other customers return for one reason or another. Or that have damage to the packaging. The items are still brand new. But because they were returns or damaged boxes, they mark them down. When searching for items, always filter for used items. Then click on each item and scroll down to see the used options. The best part is you can still return the items if they do not meet your expectations, so there is no risk.
This 10 pack of brushed nickel cabinet handles were only $14.41 for a “Used – Very Good” condition.
This 2 pack of seagrass baskets were only $20.11 for a “Used – Very Good” condition.
This faucet was only $49.99 for a “Used Very Good” condition.
Amazon Promo Codes
Amazon offers discounts and promo codes on many items. These discounts are available to the Amazon Influencers to share with you. I post deals and promo codes daily for home improvement and decor items in The Daily DIY Facebook page. Follow for the deals.
This light fixture was 40% off with a promo code. That brought the price down to $41.81.
Walmart Price Match
Did you know that Walmart will price match items in their store that are lower on their website? I found a great, 28″ round, black mirror on their website. When I went to the store to buy it, they had it priced $1.80 higher. I was able to show them their online price on the Walmart app and they honored that price in the store.
This mirror was $53.86 at the time that I purchased it. It is now $60 on their website.
Oops Paint
The wall paint I used was a satin finish that I picked up at Home Depot for $9 a gallon. They have an “Oops Paint” section that contains mis-tinted or customer returns. They mark them down for quick sale. I always stop by this section to see what colors they have. If I find something I may want for a later project then I grab it. How To Save Big On Your Next Paint Project will give you all the details on this big money saver. Most home improvement and paint stores will have a section/shelf like this.
Discount Home Decor Stores
Finally, check out Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Ross, AtHome, Big Lots, and Home Goods for great prices on decor. With this in mind, you could find a faux plant and the soap dish like in the picture above for $10 each.
Total For Wall Paint, Fixtures, and Decor = $205.32
As you can see here, it is possible to do a bargain DIY bath remodel on a very tight budget. This is the best way to add value to your home without spending a fortune. It just takes a little time and patience to find the best prices on your materials.
