DIY bathroom remodel: 7 steps for a bathroom upgrade on a budget

by At Home With Dia

Looking for ideas for a bathroom upgrade on a budget? With a few smart design choices and a little DIY effort, you can transform a basic builder-grade bathroom into a stylish, functional retreat. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a recent DIY bathroom remodel project where we refreshed a three-year-old track home bathroom for under $650.

Planning and budgeting for a small bathroom remodel

Before diving into a DIY bathroom remodel, it’s important to plan your updates around a realistic budget. A small bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming—by choosing affordable upgrades like paint, hardware, and mirrors, you can manage costs and maximize impact. Careful planning helps you decide where to save and where to invest, ensuring your bathroom renovation feels stylish and complete without overspending.

Why upgrade a builder-grade bathroom?

Many builder-grade spaces start with plain finishes, oversized mirrors, and outdated bathroom features that don’t add much character. In this case, the layout with multiple doors was functional but lacked style. By tackling this project as a small bathroom remodel, we were able to make a huge difference without the high costs of a full gut job.

Builder-grade bathroom after remodel.

Introduction to DIY bathroom remodeling

A DIY bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to add value to your home while controlling costs. Even if you’re working with a tight budget, focusing on simple updates can refresh your space. The goal is to create an affordable bathroom transformation that feels stylish and functional without overspending.

Finding color inspiration

Before starting your DIY bathroom remodel, look to existing fixed features for inspiration. In this bathroom, the light greenish-gray floor tile with taupe and dark gray veining guided our color palette.

Every bathroom renovation should start with a cohesive color palette inspired by materials like flooring or countertops. In this case, the gray and taupe tiles set the stage for wall colors and accents. Coordinating with what’s already in place helps save on overall costs while ensuring a professional, complete look.

Upgrade 1: Wall and floor updates

Fresh paint

Paint is one of the easiest ways to achieve a bathroom upgrade on a budget. We chose Sherwin-Williams Gray Heron SW 9566 , a pale gray with a green undertone that paired beautifully with the flooring. Walls received two coats of satin finish paint, while the ceiling, doors, and trim were painted crisp white (Sherwin-Williams Pure White 7005) for a subtle contrast.

A fresh coat of paint is the simplest way to start a bathroom update. Choosing a neutral tone like Sherwin-Williams Gray Heron SW 9566 complements tile and countertop tones while instantly brightening the room. It’s one of the most budget-friendly materials you can use in a small bathroom remodel for maximum impact.

Freshly painted trim and walls brighten the bathroom.

Upgrade 2: Update plumbing fixtures

If your fixtures are outdated, consider replacing them for instant impact. Since this home already had satin nickel faucets in good condition, we kept them. In a true DIY bathroom remodel, knowing where to save money is just as important as knowing where to invest.

Updating a faucet or showerhead can modernize a bathroom instantly, but it doesn’t always need replacing if it’s in good condition. In this remodel, the satin nickel faucets were newer, so we kept them to save on costs and invested elsewhere. Deciding when to swap out fixtures versus when to keep them is key in a smart, affordable bathroom upgrade.

Upgrade 3: Lighting and electrical updates

Example of a modern vanity light fixture for budget bathroom upgrades.

Improve lighting

Lighting can dramatically change the feel of a bathroom. This space already had recessed ceiling lights that worked well, so we didn’t replace them. But if you have wall-mounted lighting that looks dated, swapping it out is a simple, budget-friendly update.

Light fixtures can add both function and style. Even if recessed lights work fine, adding a framed wall sconce or vanity light can highlight the bathroom vanity and cabinet details. These small swaps are low cost upgrades that elevate the look of any small bathroom.

Upgrade 4: Vanity and sink updates

Vanity makeover

The biggest transformation was the bathroom vanity. Instead of replacing the cultured marble countertop, we repainted the cabinet in Behr Mined Coal PPU18-18 , which tied in beautifully with the flooring. With sanding, primer, and two coats of enamel paint, this bathroom update looked high-end while keeping costs low.

Vanity makeover with painted cabinets in Behr Mined Coal.

Replace mirrors

Replacing a large, builder-grade mirror with individual frames makes a bathroom feel custom. The new black-framed mirrors created symmetry and style while also making the bathroom vanity area feel more open. A framed option is a smart way to achieve a complete look in a small bathroom remodel.

Before picture of bathroom mirror.

Mirror and vanity after remodel

Sliding mirrored door adds brightness and function.

Upgrade 5: Shower and bathtub updates 

The shower area was rebuilt due to a repair issue, and this created an opportunity to refresh it with neutral tiles and a sleek glass, frameless door. Using quality materials here gave the space a timeless finish while keeping overall costs within reach. Even if you’re not replacing a tub or shower, small updates in this area can completely transform a bathroom renovation.

Updated walk-in shower with frameless glass door and neutral tile.

Upgrade 6: Add finishing hardware

Details like pulls, knobs, and towel hooks pull a design together. Matte black hardware complemented the dark vanity cabinet and mirror frames, creating a consistent style. These affordable changes involve minimal costs but deliver a polished, high-end finish in a small bathroom.

Pro tip: If you mix knobs and pulls, make sure they have the same projection depth for a polished look.

Matte black towel hooks for a cohesive hardware update.

Upgrade 7: Use textural accents

To soften the hard surfaces, we added a bamboo Roman shade, waffle-textured towels, and cozy bath mats. These accents created warmth and balance, preventing the bathroom from feeling too cold or sterile.

Adding a Roman shade, waffle towels, and soft mats introduced warmth and softness. These materials break up hard surfaces and bring balance, making even a small bathroom feel inviting. Pairing functional accents with style is an effective, low-costs way to enhance your remodel.

Finished bathroom vanity with Roman shade and soft accents.

Creating a budget-friendly bathroom

Final cost breakdown

This bathroom renovation was complete for just $645, proving you don’t need to overspend for a stylish space. By avoiding new countertops and focusing on paint, mirrors, and hardware, we controlled costs and stayed within a tight budget. With the right priorities, an affordable bathroom makeover is always possible.

Final thoughts

This bathroom upgrade on a budget project shows that a DIY bathroom remodel can deliver style and function while keeping costs down. With updates like faucets, lighting, mirrors, and hardware, you can achieve a designer look in a small bathroom remodel. Even the simplest swaps, from a fresh coat of paint to updated countertops, can make a huge difference in creating a bathroom you love.

Which of these upgrades do you think made the biggest impact? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re tackling your own DIY bathroom remodel.

Watch my video and DIY ideas on how I updated this bathroom:

Here are some of my favorite choices for renovating a bathroom on a budget:

• Foam paint roller kit: https://amzn.to/3SD7lHu

• Lighting Wall Sconce: https://amzn.to/3UlCeRZ

• 3-Light Bathroom Light Fixtures: https://amzn.to/3UmXeaP

• Mirrors 24 x 48: https://amzn.to/46sN7V8

• Cabinet pulls: https://amzn.to/3HK4Lcn

• Cabinet Knobs: https://amzn.to/3w7sX5K

• 8” Hand Towel Bar: https://amzn.to/3HHbrbh

• Towel hook: https://amzn.to/3SrSAFQ

• Wall mounted makeup mirror: https://amzn.to/3UkoCGB

• Roman Shade: https://amzn.to/3w7sJeU

• Waffle Towel set: https://amzn.to/3w0WIVV

• Bath Rug: https://amzn.to/48IaDP4