Affordable bathroom renovation ideas
Smart ways to lower the cost of a new scheme without sacrificing its style or performance
Renovating your bathroom will make a huge difference to your home. Not only is it a space we use every day, it’s also a room that, according to Interactive Investor, is ‘more or less guaranteed to add value to a property’. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a beautiful bathroom. Read these clever tips and tricks for more affordable bathroom renovations.
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Fake a bespoke finish
Upgrade a standard inset tub by creating a feature bath panel. Clad a made-to-measure sturdy plywood sheet with tiles to suit your scheme.

Indas Storm slate-effect matt porcelain tiles. Photo: Topps Tiles
Find a free design service
Take advantage of the free design service offered by many bathroom and DIY suppliers, such as Victoria Plum’s Design + Installation, to help keep bathroom renovations affordable. Bear in mind that you will need to provide measurements. Otherwise, virtual tools such as Roca’s 3R Bathroom Planner can help you visualise its products in your space.

Mode Spencer bath, and double vanity unit and basins, Orchard Wye mixer taps. Photo: Victoria Plum
Consider the long-term benefits
It’s worth investing in quality taps and shower fittings to ensure that you get great performance over many years. Look out for water and energy-saving features to minimise your utility bills.

Axor One Basin Mixer Select with energy-efficient CoolStart technology. Photo: Axor
Ensure it’s well fitted
When striving for affordable bathroom renovations, be mindful of cutting too many corners. Professional installation is always worth the expense. Find a reputable firm via personal recommendation or through bodies such as TrustMark.

Screens, walk-in tray, showerhead, handset, triple shower valve and Athena vanity/basin are all Nuie
Bag a bargain
Make your budget go further by buying discounted ex-display and end-of-range items. Factory outlets are worth a visit, or wait for the seasonal sales.

Novara wall-mounted basin mixer, Aegina marble bowl and Forecast Lundy tiles Fired Earth
Follow the footprint
Work with your current layout to reduce installation costs. Save more money by retaining the existing wall covering and flooring while upgrading the fittings. The below example matched existing drill holes help keep installation costs in check.

Euphoria 260 wall-mounted shower with thermostat and Fast Fixation system, Grohe
Luxury look for less
Freestanding baths and affordable bathroom renovations may seem like poor bedfellows, but acrylic freestanding baths are good value and low maintenance. Choose robust fibreglass-reinforced acrylic for durability like the example below.

Hyde fibreglass-reinforced lucite acrylic freestanding bath tub from Bathroom Mountain