home about me home tour consultations testimonials contact

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Ways to save money during a remodel (ORC: Week 2)

I'll be honest, deciding to tackle two bathrooms at once was not an easy decision...until one of the contractors I interviewed told me I'd end up saving about 20% by doing so. That's a hefty chunk of change, hence my decision to dive right in (without the contractor though, I decided to take on that role myself).

Today's post is a great time to share other ways we've pinched our pennies thus far.  First up, I found our bathtub at a salvage yard. Actually, I saw it on Craigslist, fell in love but wasn't ready to commit since I hadn't created the new layout at the time. But as luck would have it, months later it popped up again!! I was super excited since I hadn't been able to get this tub's unique shape out of my head. When I inquired, it turned out to be listed by the owner of a local salvage yard. Score! I was thrilled to add a new resource to my list of places to scour. 

This cast iron beauty has a 1938 date embossed on the bottom along with a LOT of rust and daisy non-slip pads on the inside that were enameled over numerous times but still peeking through.

One side of the tub appeared to be covered in paper that someone had painted blue along the way. Luckily, it peeled right off. I made my best attempt at refinishing it myself but ultimately decided to have it refinished by someone who knew what he was doing.

Oh, looky there...a tiny sneak peek at it in its shining glory! 

Next up on the money saving list, was taking on the demo ourselves. While tedious, it was completely doable and saved a ton of money in the long run. I was nervous about ALL those mirrors but they came down much easier than I anticipated. (We're only staring 21 years of bad luck in the face. ha!)

Another money saver is offering to help your trades. I was very upfront that I'm very willing and capable to help out. So when your plumber starts telling you costs are rising, what do you do?...grab a chip hammer and tell him you'll find those pipes for him!
Don't you love how I'm knee deep in our foundation? That's Frugal with a capital F, friends. I told my plumber I'd be available for hire when we're done with this project. ;)

I'm SO over dirt and rocks but when you're reconfiguring a majority of the space, this is par for the course. 

I stumbled upon my next money saver by accident, but it's the best one yet! Once I finally decided on tile for the guest shower, I went to purchase it and realized many of the area Lowes were marking this as a non-stock item. That meant they were ready to have it off their shelves fast so instead of $7/sq ft, I scored it for a mere $0.87 sq ft.!!!

The only bad part was I had to drive to 8 or 9 different locations to gather the quantity we needed. I even had my mother-in-law pick some up for us on her way up to visit one weekend. Saving money is a family affair!
Okay, last tip...if your tile needs sealing, do it yourself. I painted sealant on all 800 of our tiles since they're concrete and pourous. I bet my tile installer was secretly thrilled that I took this job off his hands.
I'll leave you with one last glimpse...herringbone!



Don't forget to stop byThe One Room Challenge  to see the progress of other participants!

25 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

oh that herringbone!!!!!

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

I'm standing on my chair and clapping!! I just went over budget on my electrical, and need to find a savings. Great tips! Dying over the tub.

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Woman you are AMAZING!!! I love the pic of you knee deep in the floor looking for pipes, you are truly a lady after my heart. I cannot wait to see those tiles. The tub. The everything!!!!!

Erin said...

Oops, I think I forgot to tell the computer that "I'm not a robot", so let's try this comment again, shall we?

First, I love that you are in there digging up the plumbing. You guys have come a long way! Wow! I love that tile and can't wait to see the full glory of the tub. Excited to continue following.

Unknown said...

i am dying right now....this is the biggest DIY demolition i have ever seen. i seriously cannot wait to see how this all comes together. oh, and that tub. wow.

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

Oh my goodness, Dana, that's one hard core makeover! We're facing a bathroom in the future, so thanks for the tips! And, that tile is fabulous!

Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook said...

That tub is just simply amazing! Great find! Me and my hubby have renovated our own bathrooms too! It's so much work but well worth the effort in the end. I can't wait to see your space :)

making it in the mountains said...

WOW! That's one heck of a demo! LOVE the tub and that tile is SO fab!!! Can't wait to see it all come together!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, this is intense!! You are so good and obviously one patient DIYer! That tub looks amazing!

Amy said...

You are so right about not being afraid to jump in. Once a contractor (plumber) told me he would charge me 250 bucks to remove some drywall to check for a pipe. He changed his tune (and his prices) when he came back from his truck to find the drywall removed and me holding a saw and a hammer! For 250 bucks, I figured I could repair whatever damage, and ultimately I'd have to repair it anyway!

Unknown said...

This is going to be totally awesome!!!!!

pam {simple details} said...

Holy moly girl you are an inspiration, this is serious DIY!! Makes me want to go demo our basement bathroom! Dying over that gorgeous tub, talk about a diamond in the rough! Can't wait for next week!

Melissa@inchicorder.com said...

Unbelievable! You inspire me all the time! Way to go! LOVE the tub and the herringbone! I can't wait to see it when it's all done! WAY TO GO girlfriend!

Sarah @ 702 Park Project said...

We found an old clawfoot tub at a salvage yard and restored it...it's one of my favorite things in the house! This bathroom is coming together...I LOVE the herringbone and can't wait to see the rest!

Michaela @ The Lodge on Haydon said...

I can't believe how the tub came out! Looks brand new... I must look into this for the one in my bathroom that's painted blue and brown and oh so dingy on the inside! UGHHH! Great Job, looking forward to seeing more!

Unknown said...

WOW!!! You are a rock star...this is such a major project to tackle, I'm beyond impressed. And that TUB! Sooooo awesome. Can't wait to see how it all turns out!

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

That tub! And holy smokes, did you find a deal on those tiles!

Sylvie @Elwood Flair said...

That tub on these tiles!!! Looking forward to your week 3 update!

Unknown said...

WOW!That's some sweat equity you got going there. What a tub, and those tiles! I can tell it's going to be a steller looking bathroom!

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

I cannot even believe how hardcore this reno is. How you will have any energy LEFT to do anything pretty at the end of all this crap (it's a bathroom, right?) is a fuhreakin miracle.

Vanessa@Decor Happy said...

That is quite an undertaking! Very impressive. Love the herringbone tile and your tub looks gorgeous!

Angela said...

The herringbone pattern of the tile is gorgeous, and that's a great tip about sealing the tiles yourself! I'll be excited to see your progress each week!

Kim said...

LOVE this jumping in action! Good for you and what a great herringbone you are going to be sporting!

Unknown said...

It seems like you guys handled your makeover very well! It’s amazing how you managed to transform everything incredibly without straying away from your budget. I’m pretty sure your readers will learn a lot of renovating and money-saving tips from your experience. Thanks for sharing this, Dana. Kudos and all the best to you!

Lovella Cushman @ Perfection Plumbing

Live Draw Cambodia said...

Thanks for another wonderful party full of inspiration.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 
Blogging tips