Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations That Are Cheap and Easy

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Kitchen and bathroom renovations are by far the most commonly renovated rooms in homes nationwide. This guide is for homeowners seeking affordable and easy ways to upgrade their kitchens and bathrooms. We’ll cover practical renovation ideas that can boost your home’s value and enhance your daily living experience.

When planning kitchen and bathroom renovations, it’s important to balance your aesthetic goals with functionality and durability to ensure lasting value and enjoyment. These spaces are not only the most frequently used in your home, but they also offer the greatest potential for increasing your home’s value and appeal to future buyers. Modern faucets, showerheads, and toilets not only improve water efficiency but also add a touch of luxury to bathrooms, making them more attractive to prospective buyers.

Beyond that, since these are the most commonly used rooms in most homes, renovating them will produce the most considerable change in your level of enjoyment of the existing space right now. Kitchen and bathroom renovations can significantly improve daily life for your family by making these spaces more functional and aesthetically pleasing, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life within your home.

When considering resale value, remember that energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, while low-flow fixtures in bathrooms, are highly attractive features for prospective buyers who prioritize efficiency and sustainability.

Planning and Budgeting for Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Before diving into specific renovation ideas, it’s essential to plan your project carefully. Start by gathering inspiration pictures from Pinterest or Houzz and visiting a showroom to see materials and fixtures in person. Setting a realistic budget is crucial before starting any remodeling project, and it should include materials, labor, and unexpected expenses. Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most expensive rooms to renovate due to the high costs of materials and labor. Establishing a realistic budget for kitchen and bathroom renovations should include a 10–20% contingency fund for unexpected issues. This approach will help you avoid surprises and ensure your renovation stays on track.

Why Affordable Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations Matter

Affordable and easy kitchen and bathroom renovations matter because they allow homeowners to enjoy updated, functional, and beautiful spaces without overspending. These upgrades can increase your home’s value, make daily routines more enjoyable, and help your property stand out if you decide to sell. The key is to salvage what you can and choose colors and finishes that complement what is already there.

So is upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms impossible without breaking the bank?

Absolutely not!

You just have to be smart about the renovations and the right materials you choose. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and tackle some DIY remodeling projects, your home can look brand new in no time. Still, hiring experienced professionals ensures high quality work, a stress-free remodeling experience, and the unparalleled quality that comes from expert craftsmanship.

Let’s look at some great ideas for some cheap renovations you can do to upgrade your kitchen and bathrooms!

Install a Tile Backsplash in the Kitchen

You might think a tile backsplash is out of reach for your budget, but it may be cheaper than you think! White subway tile is very affordable, and adding these simple tiles to your walls can completely transform your kitchen.

When planning your backsplash, remember that the layout of your kitchen—including the placement of the backsplash, kitchen countertops, and stove—is crucial for functionality. The work triangle refers to the optimal placement and distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator to maximize kitchen functionality. Consider the work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator to maximize efficiency and flow.

Skills & Steps to Installing a Backsplash

This project requires an intermediate skill level, but with the proper tools and advice from a few YouTube videos, most homeowners should be able to knock it out with no problem.

The keys are to only apply adhesive in a large enough area that you can comfortably cover before it dries and use plenty of spacers to ensure you achieve consistent spacing.

Once you install the tiles on the wall, the last step is applying grout in all the seams. It is important to choose a grout color that will complement the existing colors in your kitchen from the walls, countertops, and cabinets. Proper lighting can enhance the look of your backsplash and kitchen countertops, making colors and textures stand out. If you’re unsure which color to use, Mapei’s Warm Gray is an excellent neutral option that goes with a wide range of other colors.

When selecting materials for your backsplash and countertops, material choices matter. High-quality options like quartz and granite for kitchen countertops can enhance durability, appeal, and your home’s resale value. Expanding or improving counter space can also make your kitchen more functional and comfortable to use.

Once you’ve updated your kitchen’s look, consider how similar upgrades can transform your bathroom as well.

Add LVT Flooring in Bathrooms

Updating bathroom flooring can be one of the most transformative projects you can do in that room. Normally, a flooring upgrade wouldn’t be considered a cheap renovation. However, since most bathrooms are relatively small, you can usually switch out the flooring and keep the upgrade affordable.

One of the easiest types of flooring to use in a bathroom remodel is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). These tiles click together and can typically lay on top of your existing flooring. Have sheet vinyl or outdated tile in your bathroom right now? No problem! As long as the tiles are level with each other, you should have no problem laying LVT on top of them.

Why Choose LVT Flooring

The main benefits of LVT flooring are that it’s completely waterproof and relatively easy to install without many tools required. Choosing durable and luxurious materials for bathroom flooring, such as LVT, quartz, or granite, can enhance both the look and longevity of your remodel.

On top of that, there are dozens of options to choose from, with many styles giving a modern, stone-like look. Many people won’t be able to tell the difference between your LVT floors and ceramic tile. But LVT installs much more easily and in a fraction of the time! For a modern and luxurious upgrade in bathroom remodeling, consider integrating heated floors, which add comfort and value to your space.

Choosing a high-quality brand is one key to success when installing luxury vinyl tile flooring in your master bathroom too. Smartcore from Lowe’s and Lifeproof from Home Depot are both reputable brands that should give you an excellent finish that lasts for years. Even though they’re a little more expensive than other brands, you shouldn’t feel it too much since you’ll likely only need a few boxes to cover your entire bathroom.

After installation, remember that a well-designed bathroom layout—including durable flooring and features like walk-in, curbless showers with rain showerheads—can improve flow, functionality, and create a spa-like atmosphere. A well-designed bathroom layout improves flow and functionality by making the best use of available space.

With your bathroom flooring upgraded, let’s explore how a simple mirror change can further enhance your space.

New Bathroom Mirror

Most bathrooms have a standard flat mirror above the vanity. And unfortunately, that doesn’t do much for style. But the good news is that a mirror upgrade is one of the cheapest bathroom renovations you can make and will drastically change the look of your bathroom.

Upgrading your bathroom mirror, especially when combined with proper lighting, can enhance the space and create an inviting, user-friendly environment. Proper lighting and accessibility features are essential for making kitchens and bathrooms both functional and welcoming.

Look for mirror deals at stores that sell discounted building materials and home decor. If you’re replacing a very large mirror, don’t feel like you have to find one the exact same size. If your vanity has two sinks, splitting the one mirror into two smaller ones centered on each sink will give it a more modern look. Just be aware that you might have to paint the wall section hidden behind the old mirror.

Update Your Existing Mirror

Instead of completely removing your old mirror, a cheaper option is to update it in place. Some simply painted trim around the perimeter will make it look like you bought it from the store.

One of the best types of trim to use in this application is trim molding. Simply cut the pieces at 45-degree angles, paint them, and then glue them to your mirror. See the picture above of how the finished product can look!

After updating your mirror, the next step is to add new hardware for both style and function.

New Bathroom Hardware

Not only can adding new hardware to your kitchen or bathroom remodel improve its look, but it can also add a ton of functionality. Modern hardware options are designed for convenience and can accommodate the needs of all users, making spaces more accessible and user-friendly. Features like easy-grip handles, soft-close drawers, and accessible placement help create inviting environments for everyone, including those with mobility challenges. If you don’t currently have towel rings, towel rods, or robe hooks, you won’t know how you ever lived without them after you’ve had them for a couple of weeks!

Adding bathroom hardware is potentially the cheapest renovation on this list. On top of that, it is likely the most DIY-friendly. You should only need a drill, hammer, and level.

Here are the bathroom essentials you should add:

• Towel Rods
• Hand Towel Rings
• Robe Hooks
• Toilet Paper Holder

You likely already have some of these pieces in your bathroom. However, if you want to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom, you should choose a consistent finish for all of the hardware. This also includes cabinet knobs, doorknobs, and faucets. The most common finishes in modern bathrooms are brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze.

Once your hardware is updated, it’s time to focus on fixtures that you use every day—like faucets.

Install New Faucets

Of all the components in your kitchen and bathrooms, the faucets are likely the ones you use the most. And if you haven’t renovated your home in a while, your faucets are likely outdated and lackluster.

Fortunately, changing your faucets is a relatively inexpensive project – especially if you can manage to do it yourself! This isn’t the easiest upgrade on our list, but it is still doable if you have experience with home renovations. The good news is that you shouldn’t need anything more than basic hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.

Upgrading to modern faucets and showerheads not only improves water efficiency but also adds a luxurious touch to your kitchen and bathroom renovations. These high-end fixtures can elevate the overall look and feel of your space while helping you save on water bills.

If you want to get really fancy, you could even install a touchless faucet in your kitchen. Even though it seems like overkill, that feature comes in handy when you’re cooking and don’t want to touch anything before washing your hands. Plus, it’s an extra wow factor to show off to your friends!

With new faucets installed, let’s move on to another simple yet impactful upgrade: cabinet hardware.

New Cabinet Hardware

One of the most shocking things about new construction homes is how many builders neglect to add knobs and handles to cabinets. Talk about cheap!

If your kitchen and bathroom cabinets don’t have hardware, or if the current hardware is outdated, installing new knobs and handles is super simple. This upgrade alone can take a plain bathroom or a kitchen and give it an instant facelift.

Working with a designer can help you select cabinet hardware that not only matches your style but also maximizes storage and provides more storage options. Along with design professionals, using a can connect you with local experts who understand which upgrades matter most in your market. A designer will ensure your kitchen and bathroom have ample storage, keeping these spaces organized and clutter-free.

The process and costs for adding new cabinet hardware will be slightly different depending on whether you currently have hardware.

If your cabinets have hardware, you will need to measure the center-to-center distance on the mounting holes for any handles to ensure you buy handles that will fit without having to drill new holes. If you only have knobs with a single hole, you won’t have to worry about that.

Your options are much more open if your cabinets have no hardware right now. You can go with knobs or handles and choose any size of handles you like. However, you will need to drill new mounting holes. It is helpful to use a template to ensure you drill the holes evenly.

Once your cabinets have new hardware, consider giving them a fresh look with a coat of paint.

Paint Cabinets

Of all the renovations we’ve listed here, painting cabinets is definitely one of the most common. And that’s understandable. Everyone wants a modern-looking kitchen these days, which is difficult to accomplish with old-looking cabinets. Instead of completely replacing your cabinets, which can cost several thousands of dollars, you can likely paint them and achieve the same look!

Before you start, make sure you are fully prepared by cleaning and sanding the cabinets thoroughly. Proper preparation of surfaces and materials is essential for a smooth and successful painting process.

When choosing paint, consider your material choices carefully. High-quality paints and finishes can greatly impact the durability and overall appeal of your cabinets, enhancing both the look and longevity of your renovation.

Additionally, plan your site and order materials like cabinets and appliances weeks or even months in advance to avoid unnecessary delays in your kitchen and bathroom renovations. Selecting high-quality materials such as quartz or granite can also significantly boost your home’s marketability and resale value.

Preparation Steps for Painting Cabinets

Here are some quick tips for painting your bathroom or kitchen cabinets.

1. Clean the cabinets thoroughly. If they have a layer of grime, the new paint will not adhere well, and you will be disappointed in the finished product.
2. Sand the cabinets. This will prepare the surface even more to accept the new paint. If you have access to a powered finish sander, that will make the task much more manageable.
3. Wipe off the dust with a damp rag.
4. Decide if you will take the doors off for painting. This is recommended to get the best finish and avoid getting paint on the hinges.
5. Apply primer. Zinsser’s B-I-N primer is one of the best primers to use for cabinets. It is shellac-based, so it bonds really well and provides excellent durability.
6. Apply the paint. It is essential to choose high-quality paint that will endure the test of time. A great option is Benjamin Moore’s Advance paint. Many home remodelers choose this paint because of its strong adhesion.
7. Choose a paint color and sheen. It is important to choose a paint color that will complement the space and surrounding features, such as wall color, countertops, appliances and flooring. The two most common choices are satin and semi-gloss.

With your cabinets freshly painted, the next step is to brighten up your space with new lighting.

Install New Light Fixtures

Like many other features we’ve discussed, outdated light fixtures are a dead giveaway that your home hasn’t been updated in a while. But the good news is that you can easily change them for a quick makeover in your kitchen and bathroom renovation. Pendant lights, for example, can be used as accent lighting to enhance the ambiance and functionality of your kitchen, making the space both more attractive and practical.

Since we are talking about cheap upgrades here, we will focus on replacing light fixtures that are already there instead of adding them in new locations. For kitchens and bathrooms, the most common light fixtures to choose from are flat-panel LED lights, dome lights, and vanity lights that go above a mirror. Proper lighting enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of kitchens and bathrooms, and is critical for creating inviting, user-friendly environments.

Choosing the Right Light Fixtures

Of all the upgrades we’ve discussed, this one is the most dangerous. If you have any level of concern or discomfort working with electricity, you should hire an electrician to install your lights. This will still be a relatively inexpensive renovation even after paying for labor.

If you are competent working with electricity and decide to install the lights yourself, it is important to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn off the breaker controlling the circuit you’re working on for the entire project and connect the wires as specified in the instructions.

With new lighting in place, your kitchen and bathroom will feel brighter and more modern, completing your affordable renovation journey.

Upgrading Your Kitchen & Bathrooms Can Be Affordable!

As you can see, you can update your kitchen and bathrooms in several ways without breaking the bank. Maximizing space in compact spaces, such as small kitchens and bathrooms, can make these areas appear larger and more inviting—consider using open shelving and smart storage solutions. Balancing aesthetic goals with functionality and durability is what matters most in a successful renovation project. Setting a realistic budget, including a 10–20% contingency fund for unexpected issues, and considering other factors such as the size of your house and the complexity of the project, is crucial before starting any remodeling project. Investing money in kitchen and bathroom renovations can offer a high ROI and create spaces you’ll love to use and showcase. A professional remodeling team can serve you throughout the process, ensuring your needs are met and your project runs smoothly.

This list alone will keep you busy for a while. But if you choose some of these projects and implement them in other spaces in your home, it will look completely new in no time. We hope that we have inspired you to renovate your kitchen and bathrooms and that you are thrilled with the results!

Seek Advice From a Realtor

If you’re looking to move and aren’t sure what kitchen and bathroom renovations will be worthwhile, meet with a FastExpert real estate agent to get their expert opinion. They can help you with which home remodeling will add value for a quick home sale.

FastExpert agents are trusted, reliable, and will work with you for your best outcome!