• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PR/PARTNERSHIP
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • DIY
    • CRAFTS FOR KIDS
    • GIFT IDEAS
    • HOME DECOR
    • PARTY THEMES
  • FAMILY
  • GIVING BACK
  • STYLE
  • EATS
  • TRAVEL
  • TECH

Bathroom Renovation On A Budget Update – A Year later

October 16, 2015 By Jillian Warner

About a year and a half ago I wrote my Bathroom Renovation On A Budget post about the down to the studs renovation we did on our guest bathroom that also plays double duty as a bathroom for our kids. First of all, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart because this post has been pinned well over 100,000 times from my site and I get the nicest emails from readers nearly every day asking me questions or just letting me know they’re heading off to Home Depot and they’re excited because they know exactly what they need.

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

That right there is the heart of why I do this whole blogging thing. I always just hope you guys feel inspired and helped a bit. But back to the questions! I thought I’d share some of your questions, concerns and comments while I let you know how things are going a year and a half later. Just in case you were wondering, all of these photos were taken just this week.

Okay, the number one question I get is…

How did you finish the tile you used up the wall in the shower? They don’t make a bullnose for this tile.

And you would be right! I used this gray woodgrain tile and they do not make a bullnose for this tile. It’s technically floor tile though after questioning a few very qualified contractors they agreed that it would be just fine in a shower. Personally I don’t love the look of bullnose. It’s all rounded edges and I’m more modern and straight anyway. We simply used a flat grout line where the tile and wall meet from the shower. It looks very clean and just works. This grout color was perfect! So if you’re planning to use the gray woodgrain porcelain tile I did don’t worry about bullnose. You honestly don’t need it. Here’s a close up from the side so you can see what I’m talking about.

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

Oh and one more thing about the shower. My parents who are our most frequent guests insist that this is the BEST shower head they’ve ever used. In fact my dad went out and bought the same one to replace the one in their home that totally didn’t need replacing. Lucky find I guess!

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

Question number two…

How has the bathroom held up with kids using it?

Ahhh, a good one! Did I mention that our six year old is in the stage where she wants to do scientific experiments? They usually involve me hearing running water in the bathroom and then swishing and splashing noises while she is supposed to be reading in bed at night. Parenting is awesome my friends! This has been my biggest problem…

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

The honest truth is the bathroom looks pretty brand spankin’ new despite 8pm science class. We’ve had overnight guests, longterm guests and even a floor flood or two thanks to children that use excessive amounts of toilet paper.  I was pregnant while we were undergoing this renovation and now I have a toddler who just recently discovered the joy of unrolling toilet paper. He makes a really cute face while doing it too…which is probably the only reason he hasn’t been banned from the bathroom.

But seriously, the only actual repair or upkeep we’ve had to do beyond normal cleaning is replacing a lightbulb in the light fixture. Which I actually still have to do and have been ignoring for a least a month or two. Slacker!

Question number three…

So really, how is that vanity? Does it stain? Have you had any problems with it?

The marble top vanity I spent DAYS looking for is doing just fine. Certainly better than my sanity, thank you very much. If you’re looking for alternatives I also like this vanity that comes in many sizes.

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

On to the staining part. The top is marble and with that does come the possibility of stains. We’ve had sitting water and soap on it at different times but still it looks just about new. There are a few spots where maybe I can see the slightest bit of discoloration but you really have to be looking for it.

And last but certainly not least! Question number four…

So how much did you really spend on this bathroom? Was it REALLY on a budget?

Totally fair question! I get it, I get it! The phrase “on a budget” is a relative term. While searching the old interwebs I found this from HGTV “According to Remodeling magazine’s 2005 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range bathroom remodel is approximately $10,499, higher or lower depending on where you live.” Yeah… we didn’t come close to that!  Although I saved for more than that which leaves me just itching to do the next project and in a place of having money leftover for some new shoes! Which reminds me, I do also get emails asking where my flats from the original post are from. They’re Sperry Topsider and I still love them. They’ve also held up well with kids.

Get the look on a budget! This post breaks down all the materials used to get a very finished looking bathroom with the gray wood look tile that's so in now without breaking the bank. How I renovated our bathroom on a budget - Hello Splendid

Okay, the numbers! When I added up the materials costs of everything from drywall to hardware, tile, The deep soaking tub, the very unique drain, toilet mirror, vanity, grout, shower curtain, even that little doorstopper I love so very much I came in under $3000. I was able to do this because I didn’t use custom pieces and instead hunted down some great looking, affordable items that were stocked at places like Home Depot and Target.

If you’re handy, married, related or willing to bake yummy things for someone who is then you can do most of the labor yourself. The biggest jobs were actually getting the cast iron tub original to our 1950’s house out of the bathroom and grouting the tile. Because it’s textured you have to be extra careful to work quickly with the grout and smooth any excess away before it dries. I had a local contractor who is a friend (and still a friend so that speaks volumes) do the work for us because again, I was like really really pregnant and know nothing about plumbing plus my husband gets frustrated with projects that involve allen wrenches. It was the best choice for our marriage 🙂

And yes, you can always head on back and check out the original post!


Related Posts

  • How I Renovated Our Bathroom on a BudgetHow I Renovated Our Bathroom on a Budget
  • White and Gold Home Office MakeoverWhite and Gold Home Office Makeover
  • DIY Kid Friendly Gallery WallDIY Kid Friendly Gallery Wall
  • DIY Backgammon Game TrayDIY Backgammon Game Tray
  • How to Make Easy Fabric Covered Letters for Your NurseryHow to Make Easy Fabric Covered Letters for Your Nursery
  • S’mores in a Jar GiftS’mores in a Jar Gift

Connect with me

Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter Youtube
Email me at [email protected]
image1 (5)
Hi I'm Jillian! A self confessed DIY lover, Mom Guilt Survivor and Cool Stuff Finder living with my favorite people in San Diego.
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No posts found.

Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

Copyright © 2021 Hello Splendid | Hosted by StrataByte