Reducing renovation costs is a real and legitimate goal — but the strategy matters. Some savings genuinely don’t cost you anything in the long run; others create problems that cost more to fix than the original savings. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Moving drain lines, supply lines, or the location of a toilet or shower significantly increases plumbing labour costs. If your bathroom’s layout works, designing around the existing rough-in is one of the most meaningful ways to reduce costs. The savings from not moving a toilet can fund a considerably nicer vanity.
A guest bathroom or basement bathroom that sees minimal daily use doesn’t need the same product investment as a primary ensuite. A vanity from Luxor By Design or ClassicBrand and a reliable toilet from American Standard delivers a beautiful result at a lower cost — save the premium products for the bathroom you use every day.
These are areas where cutting corners creates problems that are expensive to fix. A properly waterproofed shower with well-set tile lasts twenty years. A poorly done one can start to fail in five. Pay for quality labour on the substrate and waterproofing work.
Showrooms occasionally have promotions on discontinued or overstock items. Purchasing fixtures early also avoids paying rush fees for expedited delivery when a renovation is already underway.
If you’re able-bodied and comfortable with tools, doing your own demolition can save meaningful money on labour. Confirm with your contractor what they’re willing to work from after your demo, and understand what to avoid (plumbing lines, electrical).
Come talk through renovation planning and product options at Vanity Mart, 1-90 Frobisher Drive, Waterloo. Call 519-886-3240.
