TL;DR
A family completed a complete bathroom renovation in five days, spending only $800. The project involved painting, adding wainscoting, and new flooring, with help from their children.
A family transformed a dingy, outdated bathroom into a bright, modern farmhouse style in just five days and for only $800. The renovation involved painting, installing wainscoting, and updating fixtures, with active participation from the entire family, including children.
The project was carried out by a family of six, who took on the renovation to improve their home environment and involve their children in DIY activities. The original bathroom featured foam laminate flooring, outdated lighting, a plastic tub enclosure from the 1980s, and yellowed walls that made the space feel dingy. The family, led by Melissa, cleaned, painted, and added decorative touches to modernize the space.
They painted the walls Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster white and the cabinets Benjamin Moore’s Caldwell Green. To add character and the farmhouse aesthetic, they installed vertical paneling on the lower walls, painted it Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray, and added new vinyl flooring. The family also upgraded the toilet and framed the existing mirror for a more modern look. During the renovation, a pipe burst while installing the toilet, but the husband managed to replace the plumbing without halting progress. For more DIY bathroom updates, see this detailed guide.
All four children, aged 3 to 10, helped with cleaning, painting, and installing the flooring, making the project a collaborative family effort. The entire renovation was completed within five days, with a total cost of approximately $800. Melissa emphasizes the value of involving children in DIY projects, citing the educational benefits and the joy of working together. Sometimes a simple bathroom refresh can make a big difference—see how a small renovation can transform your space.
Why This Family Bathroom Makeover Matters
This renovation demonstrates that a full bathroom update can be achieved quickly and affordably, even with a small budget. It highlights the benefits of family involvement in DIY projects, fostering skills and teamwork among children. The project also shows that a dated, dingy space can be transformed into a stylish, functional area without professional help or extensive expense, making home improvement accessible for many families.
Rust-Oleum 384964 Home Marble Countertop Coating Kit, 72 fl oz, White
- Transform outdated countertops: Faux marble kit for countertops
- Simple 3-step process: Base coat, veining paint, satin top coat
- Large coverage area: Covers 75-100 sq. ft.
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Background on DIY Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom renovations often cost thousands of dollars and take weeks or months to complete, especially when hiring professionals. However, recent trends emphasize budget-friendly, DIY approaches that prioritize quick results and family participation. This project aligns with those trends, illustrating how a small budget and a few days can produce a significant aesthetic upgrade. The use of paint, paneling, and vinyl flooring are common, cost-effective methods for updating small spaces.
Previous examples have shown that involving children in home projects can be both educational and rewarding, encouraging skills like painting, measuring, and basic carpentry. This particular renovation builds on that idea, proving that even a dingy, outdated bathroom can be revitalized with simple, inexpensive materials and teamwork.
“Involving children in DIY projects not only accelerates the renovation process but also teaches valuable skills and fosters family bonding.”
— an anonymous researcher
Art3d MDF Premade Paintable Board and Batten Wainscoting Kit, 94.5 x 54 in
- All-in-One Design: Includes 10 trim slats and 2 edge strips
- Decorative Edge Strips: Adds polished, sophisticated detail
- Versatile DIY Installation: Suitable for living rooms, hallways, and more
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What Details Are Still Unclear
It is not yet clear whether the family plans to replace the plastic tub enclosure in the future or if they will undertake additional upgrades. The long-term durability of the materials used and the specific timeline for future improvements remain unconfirmed. Additionally, the exact sources of some materials and whether they sourced all supplies locally or from specific vendors are still unknown.
Nexus Self Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Floor Tiles, 20 Tiles – 12" x 12", Bianco Marble Pattern – Peel & Stick, DIY Flooring for Kitchen, Dining Room, Bedrooms & Bathrooms by Achim Home Decor
- Easy DIY Installation: Peel and stick for simple setup
- Versatile Room Use: Suitable for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom
- Standard Tile Size: 12 x 12 inches, 1.2mm thick
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Next Steps for the Family and DIY Enthusiasts
The family plans to continue updating the bathroom, potentially replacing the plastic tub with a more modern fixture. They may also add additional decorative touches or storage solutions. For other DIY enthusiasts, this project serves as inspiration that similar transformations are possible with minimal time and budget, encouraging more families to undertake their own renovations.
Bairth Bathroom Light Fixtures,3-Light Black Metal Vanity Light Over Mirror
- Bright and Comfortable Lighting: Provides ample illumination for various spaces
- Multi-Functional Use: Suitable for bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways
- Durable Metal Construction: Rustproof, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting
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Key Questions
How much did the entire bathroom renovation cost?
The total cost was approximately $800.
How long did the renovation take?
The project was completed in five days.
Did the family hire professionals for any part of the renovation?
No, the family handled all aspects of the renovation themselves, including painting, installing paneling, and flooring, with some help from the children.
What style did the family aim for?
The family aimed for a modern farmhouse look, using paint, wainscoting, and simple updates to achieve this aesthetic.
Will they replace the bathtub in the future?
Yes, Melissa mentioned that replacing the plastic tub is on their future DIY list, but it was not part of this project.
Source: Apartment Therapy
