The 10 most cost-effective ways to update your bathroom, all less than $600

By Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes

As the most used room in your home, your bathroom will most likely need an update at some point it time whether it’s to repair wear and tear or simply to reflect a more modern time. According to Pro.com, the average bathroom remodel in the U.S. costs around $21,000. And while you will probably see a significant return on investment should you go the remodel route, there are plenty of little things that you can do quickly and affordably to keep your bathroom up to date. Here are 10 of the most cost-effective things you can do today to ensure your bathroom remains one of your home’s most valuable assets.

 

Paint Your Walls

A fresh coat of paint in a modern color can liven any room, especially your bathroom. You can make a bold statement with a vivid and rich color or keep with a crisp pastel or neutral color for a clean, bright feel. Painting your bathroom walls can be an easy DIY or you can hire a professional who, on average, will charge between $245-$260 depending on the size of the room.

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Replace the Mirror

With an abundance of mirrors on the market, you can have fun picking one that doesn’t just reflect you, but reflects your personality. Place multiple small mirrors together in a collage or use an oversized ornate one. Depending on how big the mirror is, hiring a pro to hang it should cost you between $40-$50.

 

Replace Your Grout

Over time, grout in your bathroom will dirty and lose its appeal. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, replacing your grout can give your counter, bath or shower a new take on life without completely redoing the room. You should expect to pay a professional between $470-$550 for this service.

[Need help remodeling your bathroom remodel? Click to find a home contractor now.]

 

Switch the Lights

If your bathroom could be brighter or your light fixtures don’t quite fit in, you can change them out as quickly as anything. Brass wall sconces are a fun and modern take on vanity lights and a dainty chandelier will upgrade any bathroom lighting fixture. If you are careful and talented, you can install a light on your own, but your safest bet is to hire a pro who will charge you between $100-$120 per light.

 

Install a Vanity

Big box hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s carry nice prefabricated vanities that can be installed quickly and easily. A new vanity with a marble or quartz top will not only add sophistication to your room, it will also add storage. If you don’t want to attempt to install your vanity yourself, you can hire a professional who will charge between $290-$310.

 

Refinish Your Tub

Refinishing your bathtub is a much easier and more economical solution to replacing it altogether. You can buy all the tools separately or in a convenient kit if you want to DIY, but since this takes a little bit of skill to get an absolutely smooth finish, we’d recommend bringing in a professional who will charge you between $360-$410 to get the job done.

[Click to find a home contractor who can help with your bathroom remodel now.]

 

Replace the Toilet Seat

Skip the terry cloth or faux fur covers your great aunt used to spruce up the porcelain throne. Instead, replace it all together. If you have a screwdriver, you can easily replace the lid and seat to make it look like new. If you need help with this task, a handyman will charge you between $30-$40.

 

Replace Your Faucet

While this upgrade can fall into the more expensive range, an elegant, quality faucet will liven your bathroom for years to come. Show off your unique style with a brushed nickel version, a farmhouse style or vintage inspired faucet. New faucet installation should cost you between $140-$170.

 

Replace Your Hardware

Any easy way to change the face of your bathroom is to swap out your old towel rack, vanity pulls and toilet dispenser for newer, more modern versions. And, you don’t have to break the bank with these updates  - the most important thing is that they match or correspond with one another. Should you need help with installation, you will spend between $30-$40 per fixture.

[Ready to remodel your bathroom? Click to find a home contractor now.]

 

Add Texture to Walls

If your walls appear flat and boring, consider updating them with paneling like wainscot or beadboard. Paneling a wall will add dimension to your bathroom and depending on your style, can efficiently transform your space. Whether you apply it to all of your walls or just one as an accent point, you should expect to pay between $275-$310 for installation depending on the area.

 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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