Budget bathroom repair. What can you save on?

With the right approach, you can make an excellent and quite inexpensive bathroom repair. The secret is in the choice of materials and the independent execution of most of the work. What options exist and what nuances need to be taken into account in a budget bathroom renovation?
Finishing the walls
Among the most budgetary materials for finishing the walls of the bathroom stand out:
- paint;
- PVC wall panels;
- self-adhesive film;
- Inexpensive tile.
The last option is the most practical. Tiles can withstand temperature changes, mechanical shocks, durability, looks aesthetic and is easy to clean, including with detergents. But first you need to prepare the walls: remove the old coating, treat with fungicides if necessary, level.



Added to the overall cost will be tile adhesive, which is not worth saving on, and grout for joints. If you own laying tiles is difficult, then the services of an outside worker will increase the cost of repairs. In order to save money, you can tile only part of the wall, which is adjacent to the bathroom and sink (make an apron), and the rest paint or wallpaper.
The easiest in terms of doing the work - painting the walls. With this cope with a man and a woman. But the paint is selected special to account for the high humidity and temperature differences.
Usually it is oil or acrylic. The walls themselves must be plastered. The layer of paint is not thick enough to hide all the irregularities and cracks.


Another easy and inexpensive type of finish is self-adhesive film .. Another name for it - self-adhesive wallpaper, but it is also called vinyl wallpaper, impregnated with glue. The latter are more expensive, but compared to similar vinyl wallpaper without impregnation, come out cheaper. Self-adhesive film is not afraid of moisture, has a rich choice of colors, already contains glue. All that remains is to glue it to a flat wall. If the surface is not prepared, all the irregularities will be even more noticeable. There is no need to wait for the glue to dry.

And the last material - PVC panels or linings. Cheap material, easy to install, hides wall imperfections well, is not afraid of moisture and rotting. But easily deformed, does not withstand hard knocks, very cheap plastic can have an unpleasant odor and emit harmful substances. The panels are additionally purchased frame and fasteners.



Bathroom floor
Among the budget materials for the floor stand out Linoleum and inexpensive tile.
It is better to consider linoleum as a temporary option, if there is no possibility to make a full repair. Because of constant contact with moisture, mold will eventually grow under it. Therefore, it is better to choose without a base or monogenic.

In this respect Tile is the most practical. But it will require the dismantling of the old coating, levelling screed, tile adhesive, grout and cross separators. While the linoleum sheet can be put on top of the old coating. Paying for the services of a tiler will increase the cost if there is no desire to lay tiles yourself.
It is recommended to choose a tile for the floor with a texture or rough. This will save from slipping on a wet floor.


Ceiling
If The ceiling is fairly even, without flaws, it can be Paint a matte water-resistant paint, a light water-based emulsion, or just whitewash. A new white ceiling will immediately freshen up the whole room. The work itself is not difficult, and paint and whitewashing are not expensive.
If the ceiling is crooked or there are pipes, then it can be hidden behind a suspended ceiling of plastic slats or panels.
This method has many advantages:
- price, ease of installation;
- It is convenient for installing lighting fixtures;
- The panels will hide all communications and flaws.
Does not require prior preparation of the ceiling in the form of alignment, etc.



Choice of plumbing
The most inexpensive option for the bath - acrylic. It is cheaper than cast iron, but easier to install and unpretentious in care. Durability is low, but replacement often coincides with a new repair. A good choice for families with small children, because it is not as traumatic when falling as cast iron. But the claws of pets do not like.
You can pay attention to size. The smaller the bath, the cheaper it is.



If The cast-iron tub is intact.If you are satisfied with it, but do not like its appearance (yellowed and cracked enamel), you can to cover it with liquid acrylic. The appearance of the bath will be completely transformed, and the coating will be cheaper than replacing the bath along with the work on dismantling and installation.

When the opportunity to bask in the bath is not principal, it can replace it with a compact shower cabin. Some models have a high tray that is used as a small bathtub.



There is a separate issue with the sink. For the first time you can do without it.
It comes in two varieties:
- on hooks;
- on a pedestal.
The first option is cheaper, the second is more reliable and hides utilities. However, if you build a cabinet under the sink on hooks, it will not only hide the pipes, but also the household chemicals. The latter can be stored under the bathtub, if you build a screen of plastic.
For the toilet bowl, as well as for the sink, it is recommended to choose faience domestic production. It is cheaper than porcelain, but overall is not worse.



Repair Tips
If the walls have been painted with oil paint, it must be knocked down. Otherwise, the plaster on such a surface will lay poorly and will not last long.
If there is no possibility of replacing the floor, the coating can be hidden under a large rubber mat. It is easy to match the color of the interior and, if necessary, replace it. In this case, it will perfectly hide all the imperfections of the floor. The difference from linoleum is that the mat can be periodically removed, washed, and the floor itself will be ventilated.
After dismantling the old floor, it is recommended to lay a waterproofing. It perfectly restrains the average "flood", which in the future will save from proceedings with the neighbors from below and compensation for damage. Especially relevant issue with waterproofing in panel houses.



If the pipes are old with a deposit of rust, it is preferable to replace them. You can use plastic, they are cheaper, but it is better not to save on valves and valves and take high-quality.

Protruding pipes spoil even expensive interiors. They can be hidden in a plastic box - cheap, aesthetic, easy access to communications. As an option, vertical pipes can be hidden in a cabinet-penna, which will simultaneously serve to store the bit of chemicals or rags and mops.
If you plan to replace the plumbing, it is recommended that you install the tub first, and then do a wall repair. This will reduce the risk of water leaking between the wall and the tub. The latter can become a support for the first row of ceramic tiles.
If you need to move a light fixture or install additional light sources, be sure to invite an electrician. This is just the kind of work that is better to entrust to a specialist.
You can buy a cheap faucet. The service life depends on the quality of water, but on average it is 1-3 years.



Since the repair is budgetary, the bathroom itself will look simple. Liven up the interior with special decorative wall stickers, original curtains, shelves, new towels, soap dishes and other accessories.

Secrets of savings
- Most of the cost of expensive imported plumbing fixtures and building materials is a fee for the brand. From cheap Turkey and China is also worth rejecting: this is the case when you have to pay twice for stinginess. Manufacturers from Russia, Poland, Bulgaria and Slovenia offer certified products of good quality and average price.
- Half, and sometimes more, of all repair costs are payments to workers. There are parts of the work that can be done yourself, such as dismantling old tiles or painting the walls. So you can significantly save money.
- And the third secret is the detailed planning of future expenses. Without an estimate, it's easy to go over budget. Make a "march-through" to the construction stores. You'll be better informed about prices, assortment and promotions. Compare prices with online stores. Immediately clarify the terms of delivery (terms, price).
- The more detailed and accurate the costs, the easier it is to organize such a repair, so it easily fits into the desired budget. Be sure to allow for +10% contingencies.
If you wander around new buildings, you can find a great new sink for free! Some newcomers, when they start a renovation, install other plumbing fixtures, and throw the brand new one from the builder in the trash.



And lastly, to make sure the bathroom is always a joy to look at, it's important to keep things clean and put everything away on storage shelves. Cluttering equally kills expensive and budget-friendly renovations.

We had the ceiling and walls trimmed with panels, put linoleum on the floor. Bought a steel tub and inexpensive sink - it was very budget friendly. Then we will make a good repair. In the meantime, pay the mortgage, and that's enough.