You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a bathroom that feels calm, stylish, and functional.
Whether your goal is a simple refresh or a full-scale bathroom remodel, there are smart ways to manage your bathroom renovation cost without sacrificing quality or design. The key is understanding where your money has the biggest impact—and where thoughtful decisions can help you save.
Every bathroom project comes down to informed choices. With careful planning and a realistic budget, even a small bathroom remodel can look high-end, perform beautifully, and stand the test of time.
1. Keep Your Plumbing Where It Is
One of the biggest drivers of bathroom remodel cost is plumbing. Every time you move a toilet, sink, or shower drain, overall project costs increase due to added labor, materials, permits, and installation time.
“From my experience, keeping plumbing where it is one of the most impactful ways to control costs,” said Wilmington, NC Designer Kayla Carter. “Once you start moving drains or supply lines, labor and unforeseen issues add up quickly. Working within the existing layout allows more of the budget to be spent on finishes that the homeowner actually sees and enjoys.”
If your existing layout works, keep it. You can still dramatically transform your bathroom design by updating finishes, plumbing fixtures, and lighting within the same footprint. For example, replacing an outdated vanity with a new in-stock cabinet or upgrading your faucet and mirror can instantly refresh the space.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your current layout is ideal, contact one of our Reico designers near you. They can help you uncover opportunities within your existing space—from adding a double vanity to reworking a shower wall—without triggering unexpected costs or major structural changes.
2. Strategic Tiling: Focus on Impact Areas
Tile adds beauty and durability to any bath remodel, but it’s also one of the most labor-intensive elements of bathroom remodeling. The good news? You don’t need to tile every wall to achieve a custom, high-end look.
“You don’t need tile on every surface to make a space feel custom,” Carter explained. “Focusing tile in high-impact areas, like the floor and shower walls, creates a high-end look while keeping material and installation costs manageable.”
By concentrating tile where it matters most and finishing other areas with moisture-resistant paint, homeowners can reduce renovation costs while keeping the space flexible for future updates.
Design Tip: Try a vertical stacked layout or patterned ceramic tiles for a more custom feel without increasing material remodeling costs (see pic above).
3. Choose Cost-Effective Materials
A bathroom redesign doesn’t have to mean high renovation costs. With modern manufacturing, innovative finishes, and more in-stock options than ever, homeowners can achieve the look of a dream bathroom on a manageable budget.
Here’s how:
- Porcelain over stone: Through-body porcelain tile beautifully mimics marble or limestone while offering better durability and lower maintenance.
- In-stock vanities and cabinetry: In-stock bathroom cabinets balance value, quality, and quicker turnaround times—ideal for staying on schedule and within budget.
- Countertops: Composite or quartz countertops deliver the elegance of stone while resisting stains and scratches. Choosing a standard-size vanity top can also help stretch your budget further.
Making smart material choices allows your dollars to stretch further, helping you avoid costly mistakes and additional expenses that can ruin your budget.
4. Upgrade Lighting with Energy-Efficient LEDs
Lighting is often one of the last considerations in bathroom remodeling, but it has one of the biggest impacts on your final design and experience. Great lighting enhances your finishes, highlights your design ideas, and can even make your bathroom size feel larger and your bathroom experience more luxurious.
For best results, layer your lighting:
- Ambient lighting for overall illumination
- Task lighting at mirrors and vanity areas
- Accent lighting to highlight tile or shower wall details
Opt for high-quality LED fixtures. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and reduce long-term operating costs.
“Lighting upgrades, especially switching to LED, are another smart investment,” Carter noted. “Good lighting can completely transform the feel of a bathroom without a major construction expense.”
Pro Tip: Dimmable LEDs allow you to adjust the mood—from bright morning routines to relaxed evening wind-downs.
5. THE Decision: Swapping the Tub for a Bigger Shower
While a soaking tub can feel luxurious, many homeowners find it’s rarely used. Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower can create a cleaner, more modern look and improve efficiency—especially in smaller or guest bathrooms.
That said, this decision often has one of the biggest impacts on your bathroom remodeling budget.
“At the end of the day, controlling costs isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making thoughtful design decisions and knowing where to spend and where to save,” said Carter.
She often advises homeowners to invest in one or two standout features—such as a statement tile or quality vanity—while keeping the rest of the design streamlined to maintain balance between style and budget.
Design Tip: If you go with a shower, choose a frameless glass enclosure to make a small bathroom or any bathroom feel larger. Or add built-in shelving niches for a more streamlined, functional bathroom design.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead and Prioritize
Before starting your bathroom renovation, take time to define priorities and prepare for the unexpected.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, it is so important to differentiate between a ‘need’ and ‘want’. Create a list of must-haves (like a double vanity or new shower) and nice-to-haves (like heated floors or designer fixtures).
Expect the unexpected. It’s wise to set aside a 10–15% contingency in your remodeling budget for surprises such as plumbing upgrades or hidden water damage. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll come in under budget—and that’s a win.
Design a Bathroom That Fits Your Budget & Your Style
A well-planned bathroom remodel balances beauty, function, and affordability. By keeping plumbing largely intact, tiling strategically, selecting durable materials, and investing in energy-efficient lighting, you can create a space that feels both luxurious and smart.
Whether you’re updating a guest bathroom or transforming your primary bathroom into a spa-like retreat, thoughtful planning helps prevent costly mistakes and keeps remodeling costs under control.
At Reico Kitchen & Bath, we understand that every bathroom remodeling project is unique. Our experienced designers help homeowners plan every detail—from in-stock vanities to custom storage solutions—so your bathroom renovation stays on vision and on budget.
Contact us today to start your bath remodel and see how professional guidance can turn your bathroom design into a reality—beautifully, efficiently, and confidently.
