Money Saving Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Are you remodeling or renovating your bathroom? Before you get started, read my tips below. Three years ago I renovated two bathrooms and a powder room in my home. While I love the results, there were definitely things I could have done better, more efficiently and cheaper. Hindsight is 20/20, so benefit from my experience with my tips below.

I wish I had know this one when I remodeled my master bathroom. I fell in love with a Pottery Barn vanity and spent a fortune on it. I did not realize that I could find similar vanities and save money by buying direct from vanity manufacturers online at Amazon.com until it was too late.

When you buy your vanity from Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware you pay a premium for the name. in most cases, you also end up paying sales tax and shipping costs. Ordering online directly from the manufacturer gives you access to premium quality vanities at factory direct prices. Shop online and you will find many styles similar to the ones you see at PB and Restoration Hardware, for less. See some great Pottery Barn look-alike vanities from Kitchen Bath Collection here

Find high quality bathroom vanities with Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn style online at Amazon.com.

Deciding on the right toilet for your space can be a confusing and time consuming task. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Toilet Bowl Selection Tips:

• Pick an elongated seat toilet - like the Toto Dalton pictured right - whenever you have the space to do so. A round toilet saves space, but is usually considered a less comfortable, less luxurious option.
• Know the trade-offs between a one-piece and two piece toilet. One piece toilets have a sleeker and usually more modern look as there are no breaks in between the tank and seat. They are also considered easier to clean as there are less nooks and crannies for dirt to get trapped in. However, a one piece toilet is considerably heavier to move and install. So if you are planning on doing the installation yourself that is definitely something to consider - especially for an upstairs toilet.

• Replace your old, inefficient toilet with a new low-flow option. If you are updating your bathroom, make sure you consider replacing your old toilet with a new, water saving model. Newer toilets can save your family between 8000 and 20,000 gallons of water per year, each! While low flow toilets used to get a bad rap for clogging and not flushing efficiently, the Toto line of toilets has garnered rave reviews for never clogging, and come in styles for every budget. The Dalton, pictured above is a low cost option with Toto's signature quiet flush and soft close lid.

Do you want to renovate your bathroom to improve your home's resale value? Or just to improve you own quality of life? Either way, a bathroom renovation is a great way to make your home more valuable - to yourself or others. But you may wonder, what is best way to pay for it?

Right now, interest rates are at historical lows, so instead of using your emergency cash, or selling investments, consider taking out a personal loan. To find the best loan terms, use Personal Loans.com to connect you to multiple lenders. Then, you can see all of your options and choose the loan that best suits your needs.

It's easy to get started. Just visit PersonalLoans.com now and answer a few simple questions to get connected to lenders.

When I renovated my third bathroom the budget was tight. I decided to save some money by purchasing a no-name faucet from Overstock.com. Of the four faucets I purchased during my extensive home renovation, this is the one that has given me the most trouble.

Think about it. A faucet in your kitchen or bathroom gets used multiple times a day. The constant turning on and off wears out washers and connectors which can lead to annoying leaks and drips. A poorly made finish can wear off, tarnish or even chip. Better to pick a reputable brand and spend the money on quality that will last, rather than having to replace the faucet 2 or 3 years later.

Now when I say splurge, I don't mean you have to spend a fortune. It is possible to find good, reputable brand name faucets online. Brands like Danze, Moen and Delta are all reputable, have product warranties, and options available in every price range.

And make sure you fill out that warranty card! When my Danze kitchen faucet started leaking when it was 3 years old, all I had to do was email Danze customer service and they sent me a replacement piece free, with no questions asked.

One of the easiest things you can do to give your new bathroom some high-end style is to recess your medicine cabinet. A recessed medicine cabinet does not cost any more than a wall mounted one, but the difference it makes in the space is noticeable. A small bathroom will seem less cramped, and a cheap renovation will seem more custom.

Replicate the look of slate or limestone, for less

Everyone knows that white ceramic subway tiles are an economical (and beautiful) choice for shower and tub surrounds. But did you know that there are ceramic tiles on the market that replicate the look of limestone, sandstone and slate? For far less money than natural stone, you can create a beautifully tiled, economical bathroom.