That’s spot on about the hidden damage—sometimes you think you’re saving money, but old materials can hide a ton of issues. I’d add, have you looked into recycled or reclaimed materials? They’re not always cheaper upfront, but can save on landfill waste and sometimes last longer. Plus, things like low-flow toilets or water-saving fixtures might bump up costs a bit, but they pay off over time. Curious if anyone factored in long-term savings or just focused on initial outlay?
I hear you on the hidden damage—my last bathroom reno turned into a “find the mystery leak” adventure. I did try using some reclaimed wood for shelving, but honestly, it took more work to prep than I expected. As for low-flow fixtures, I was skeptical at first, but the water bill dropped a bit, so I guess it’s paying off. Anyone else find that the “eco” stuff sometimes costs more up front but saves your sanity (and wallet) later? Or am I just justifying my splurges...
Title: How Much Did Your Bathroom Remodel Run You (Roughly)?
Hidden damage is the name of the game, isn’t it? I thought I was just swapping out tile and fixtures, but once I pulled up the old floor, I found a patch of subfloor that had basically turned into mulch from a slow drip behind the toilet. That added a week and a few hundred bucks right there. Never fails.
I hear you on reclaimed wood. I’ve tried using old barn boards for a vanity top—looked great in my head, but sanding, sealing, and making sure it wouldn’t warp with the humidity was way more work than I bargained for. In the end, it looked good, but I probably spent more time fussing over that slab than the rest of the reno combined.
Low-flow fixtures... yeah, I was skeptical too. The showerhead felt a bit weak at first, but after a month or two, I barely noticed. Water bill went down about $15-20/month, which honestly surprised me. The upfront cost stings, but over a couple years it’s paid for itself. Not to mention, less chance of running out of hot water when the kids decide to take marathon showers.
I do think the “eco” upgrades can be a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you pay more and it takes forever to see any savings, but other times it’s pretty quick. I tried a fancy dual-flush toilet in one house and it was nothing but trouble—constantly fiddling with the mechanism. But the low-flow faucets and shower have been solid.
All in, my last bathroom overhaul (mid-range finishes, did most of the work myself) ran about $6k. Could’ve gone cheaper if I skipped the tile or stuck with basic fixtures, but I figured if I’m going to tear it apart, might as well do it right. If you’re handy and have patience for surprises, you can save a lot... but there’s always that one thing you didn’t budget for.
That’s honestly reassuring to read—I’m just starting my first bathroom reno and already bracing for those “surprise” expenses. The reclaimed wood idea sounds amazing, even if it was a hassle. I keep telling myself the extra effort will be worth it in the end, especially if it means fewer regrets later. Good to know about the low-flow fixtures too; I’ve been on the fence, but hearing your water bill actually dropped helps tip the scales. It’s wild how quickly costs add up, but your approach of doing it right the first time makes a lot of sense.
I think you’re totally on the right track with the “do it right the first time” mindset. In my experience, cutting corners just leads to more headaches (and costs) down the road. Have you thought about how you’ll seal the reclaimed wood? Sometimes people skip that step and then regret it when moisture becomes an issue. I’m curious about your fixture choices—are you leaning toward anything vintage or more modern? The low-flow stuff is way better than it used to be, but I get being on the fence. Did you end up setting a hard budget, or are you just bracing for whatever comes your way?
