Bathroom refresh without moving the plumbing
Anyone else stuck with a dated bathroom and a tight budget? The tile is cracked, the vanity is wobbly, and the shower pressure is weak. Moving plumbing scares me because of cost and mess, but a purely cosmetic update feels too light. Looking for a plan that balances smart upgrades with durability: new tile, better lighting, maybe a glass door, and storage that doesn’t eat space. Timeline matters too, since there’s only one bathroom in the apartment. Tips on sequencing work and avoiding rookie mistakes would help a lot.
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Quick wins can go a long way before touching pipes. Start by setting the order: demo, rough checks, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, then paint and accessories. Mid-range porcelain tile for floors and walls is tough and affordable, and a frameless glass panel makes even small rooms feel larger. For storage, consider a recessed medicine cabinet and a shallow vanity to keep clearance. In case you want a pro view with photos of past jobs and straight talk on budgeting, luxxremodel lays out design ideas and materials that hold up. Also pressure-balance valves, good ventilation, and bright but warm LEDs will make daily use nicer without overspending.
Sequencing really matters when there’s only one bathroom. A weekend for demo and patching, then a focused few days on waterproofing and tile, keeps the downtime reasonable. Recessed storage sounds right; doors that open inward eat space. Neutral tile plus a fun mirror seems like a good way to keep it simple but not bland. A shower niche instead of shelves would help with clutter, and a dimmable vanity light feels like a small upgrade with a big effect.