Are you tired of trying to convince visitors that your pink tile bathroom with the avocado green tub is retro cool and you love it? If so, it may be time to consider a bathroom remodel, and what better way than to DIY?

Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or energy efficiency, fix some problems, or simply create a beautiful, functional space, a bathroom remodel can deliver. While it varies region to region, it’s estimated that the dollars you invest in your remodel will give you a return of about 60% when you sell. And meantime, you can enjoy one of the most popular rooms in the house!

First consider your overall plan and budget. Here are some tips for keeping costs down:

Don’t move plumbed fixtures unless you absolutely have to. Changing the layout of the toilet, sink, or bathtub can double, or even triple, your plumbing costs.

If your toilet fixture isn’t looking so great, consider just replacing the seat and lid. It’ll look – and feel – like new for a fraction of the cost. Online stores like This Old Toilet, can help you match colors to a wide range and age of seats and lids.

Reflect the beauty you’re going for with a creatively framed mirror. Paint your existing mirror frame a fun or classy color, or find a unique frame in an antique store, flea market, salvage yard, or resale shop.

In fact, you can find all sorts of interesting, and inexpensive, items for resale. You could score a cast iron tub, sink, light fixture, shelving, furniture, and unusual decor. If you love everything but the color or finish, use your DIY skills to make it suit your design.

Speaking of reclaimed furniture, consider retrofitting a vintage, antique, or just plain cool dresser as your bathroom vanity. There are plenty of how-to videos on cutting out the space for plumbing and sink installation, and tips for sealing the vanity. You might also consider purchasing a granite remnant for the countertop.

Lighting makes all the difference in any room of your home, including the bathroom, and is key to a successful remodel. Nothing kills your look faster than the outdated disco look. If you can’t find fixtures you love at the resale shops, watch for sales at lighting and home improvement stores. You might even consider adding some natural light with a skylight like Solatube.

Shelving and cabinets are also an important consideration. If the space is small, open shelving can contribute to a more airy, spacious feel. An open free-standing etagere over the toilet can provide storage without looking bulky. Use baskets or other containers to hold toiletries and supplies. Hobby shops like Michaels, and home decorating stores like Home Goods have a great variety of fun, colorful choices. 

Another tip for small spaces comes from the tiny house movement – tiny tubs and corner sinks are now available! And no matter what size your bathroom is, if you have a tub you don’t use, consider converting it to a spacious, spa-like shower. You wouldn’t have to reroute any plumbing either.

Tile can be pricey, but using your detective skills can turn up some great deals. John Gerard, author of Renovate Your Kitchen the Smart Way: How to Plan, Execute and Save Money During Your Kitchen Remodel suggests checking Craigslist and eBay to see if anyone is selling their leftovers. If you find tile you love but there’s not enough of it, simply create a design incorporating the found treasure with a complementary tile from a tile or home improvement store. 

Let your creative juices flow while you create a beautiful retreat. We know your project is likely to include sawing, drilling, and other messy tasks, but Shop-Vac® tools have you covered. Choose from our variety of DIY workshop series, ranging from an ultra-portable light-duty workshop vac to a professional, heavy-duty workshop wet-dry vacuum system.

Breathe easy while you work by adding accessories like Sawdust Collection Components, and Fine Dust and Dry Wall Filters. It’s advisable to always use a high efficiency collection bag or HEPA filter when you are picking up fine dust. 

Just one more tip – if you secretly do love your avocado green tub, there are actually some cool things you can do to
make it work in a new design!