Updated bathrooms can add both value and beauty to your home. However, choosing the most convenient do-it-yourself bathroom renovation ideas might not be as easy as it seems. Here are a few relatively inexpensive ways to get started.

Replace the Flooring

Replacing the floor is a great way to modernize your bathroom space. While there are various flooring options, tile comes with unmatched versatility. Apart from the fact that it will last a long time, tile complements almost any bathroom style or design. By looking beyond the simplicity offered, you can use tile to create a signature look, one that expresses your personality. For instance, adding smaller accent tiles to the borders will give your bathroom floor a unique look. Alternatively, you can incorporate a large medallion into the floor’s center to create a focal point. Tile comes with an endless array of shapes, color, and design, as a result of which you'll be able to choose an option that will accentuate the architecture and style of your bathroom.

Refinish the Tub

To refinish your tub, you will need a vacuum, sprayer or paint brush, drop cloth, plastic sheeting, masking tape, and two-part epoxy filler. Once you’ve removed the old caulk from the bathtub, use a degreaser to clean the tub thoroughly. Mix the two-part epoxy filler until it forms a consistent paste. Use a putty knife to apply epoxy, filling any chip on the tub’s surface. Scrape off excess epoxy to reduce sanding. With a utility knife, sandpaper, or orbital sander, smooth any rough spots once the epoxy hardens. Use sandpaper or steel wool to scrub the tub at least thrice, vacuuming between each scrubbing. Cover areas that need protection with plastic sheeting before you apply paint and use tape to secure the sheeting. Although you can use a paintbrush to apply paint, using an air compressor to spray paint onto the bathtub gives a more professional result. Allow 15-20 minutes before you apply a second coat of paint.

Enhance Ventilation

Since mold and mildew need moisture to grow, humidity is one of your bathroom’s biggest enemies. Seeing as it’s the wettest room in the house, the bathroom is always the first to develop the unsightly spots associated with mold and mildew. With moisture present, mold and mildew can make quick work of any renovations you have done.

Allowing proper air circulation is the first step to keeping mold and mildew from developing. In addition to keeping your bathroom door or window open and drawing your shower curtain all the way when you are done showering, you can install a vent fan to help draw out moisture. New designs are not only stylish but a lot quieter as well, making them a must-have feature for any bathroom remodel.

Improve Lighting

Do not discount the importance of proper and adequate lighting in a bathroom. Although you can get even lighting on your face by installing sconce or track lighting at the vanity, eye level lighting installations can reduce the likelihood of unflattering shadows. While bright lights are perfect for applying makeup and shaving, dim lighting is great for a relaxing bath. Additionally, installing more overall lighting is known to open up small bathrooms, causing them to appear larger.

Clean Grout

Many homeowners make the mistake of not sealing the grout lines once they complete a tile job, or not making sure the grout is sealed after having the tile job done. Unfortunately, variable color patterns will start to show up in the grout before long. Despite poor judgment on your part, all is not lost. Thanks to technological advancements, vastly improved grout cleaning products that can get the job done are now available. Unfortunately, most are quite noxious, meaning you'll have to take a lot of precautions.

Viable alternatives include baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide and a steam spot cleaner. Despite what you end up using, you'll need heavy-duty brushes and some elbow grease to clean the grout. Seal the grout once you have cleaned it and allowed adequate drying time. Before you apply the sealer, check for any additional steps recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Remodeling or renovating your bathroom does not have to be an expensive undertaking. In fact, you can complete most of the home improvement projects mentioned above in a single weekend. However, you’ll want to prepare yourself for the manual work involved.