tracking costs helped me spot when “green” options were just overpriced branding
Couldn’t agree more—some of those “eco” fixtures are just regular stuff with a fancy label and a markup. I’ve found old-school salvage is hit or miss, but when it works, the savings are real. Learned to measure three times after hauling an antique sink up two flights, only to realize the plumbing was on the wrong side...
some of those “eco” fixtures are just regular stuff with a fancy label and a markup
That’s been my experience too. I’ve run the numbers on a few “green” upgrades and, unless you’re in a market where buyers really pay for that branding, it rarely pencils out. Salvage can be a goldmine, but only if you factor in the extra labor—like you said, moving heavy stuff up stairs or retrofitting old pieces isn’t always worth the hassle. I’ve learned to budget a contingency for those surprises, especially with older homes. Sometimes new, basic fixtures just make more sense.
Title: How Much Did Your Bathroom Remodel Run You (Roughly)?
Yeah, the “eco” label can be a bit of a joke sometimes. I swear, slap a green leaf on a faucet and suddenly it costs double. I’ve fallen for it before—bought a “sustainable” toilet that was basically just a regular one with a smaller tank and a guilt trip. Didn’t save much water, but my wallet definitely felt lighter.
I do love salvage when it works out, though. Scored an old cast iron tub once for next to nothing, but getting it up the stairs? That was a whole saga. Ended up bribing my brother with pizza and beer, and we still almost lost a toe. In the end, I probably could’ve just bought a new acrylic tub and saved myself the hernia.
Contingency budget is a must, especially with these old houses where nothing is square and every wall hides some weird surprise. Last time, I opened up a wall and found what looked like a squirrel’s vacation home. Not exactly the kind of insulation I was hoping for.
I get the appeal of going all-in on eco-friendly, but sometimes the “basic but efficient” route just makes more sense. If you’re not in a market where buyers care about the green branding, it’s tough to justify the markup. I still try to use low-flow fixtures and recycled tile when I can, but I’m not above grabbing something from the clearance aisle if it gets the job done.
Honestly, my last bathroom reno was about $7k all-in, but that was with some sweat equity and a lot of creative problem-solving (read: YouTube tutorials and cursing at plumbing). Could’ve been less if I’d skipped the fancy “green” stuff, but hey, at least my conscience is clean... even if my bank account isn’t.
Contingency budget is a must, especially with these old houses where nothing is square and every wall hides some weird surprise.
That’s the truth. I’m midway through my first bathroom reno and thought I’d planned for everything—turns out, nope. My “simple” vanity swap turned into a full-on plumbing reroute because the old pipes were basically fossilized. I tried to go eco with a low-flow showerhead, but honestly, it feels like rinsing off under a leaky faucet. All in, I’m at about $9k so far, mostly because I underestimated how much the little stuff adds up. Next time, I’m budgeting extra for the “unknowns” and maybe skipping the fancy labels.
Low-flow showerheads can be a pain, but there are some models out there that actually feel pretty good—sometimes it’s just a matter of swapping for a different brand or adjusting the water pressure. I’ve had clients swear off eco fixtures, only to change their minds after finding one that worked for them. As for the budget, totally agree on the “unknowns”—but sometimes investing in a few standout pieces (like a great faucet or tile) can make the space feel special without blowing the whole budget on labels. Mixing high and low can go a long way.
