Plan before you start
Having a thorough plan before you start remodeling your bathroom is your first step. If you are not the best at planning out projects like these then you should consider hiring a contractor or a designer. If you "wing it" you might end up facing costly mistakes that will cost you more than ever for someone else to fix them.
Know a realistic cost
The price is going to vary greatly depending on your skill level, material and more. However, a bathroom remodel can cost you anywhere from $3,000 on the low end to $20,000 on the higher end. It is very important to understand the factors that go into a bathroom remodel and, when your budgeting, don't price everything on the low end. If need be get a couple of quotes from contractors in your area to see if your plans are within budget.
Keep plumbing where it is
Moving around plumbing is the most costly thing you can do. Sometimes it in unavoidable in large scale projects where everything is getting moved around, but if your project is minor or you are not moving everything around then keep the plumbing where it is and save your pockets the stress. If you save more money here then you will have more budget left over for splurging on higher end features.
Update it, don't replace it
A lot of people think they need to replace an entire fixture in their bathroom due to water damage, but some of the best remodeling jobs we have done were those with minimal replacing. Instead of replacing the toilet replace the seat and lid, or instead of replacing the entire vanity maybe you could replace the countertop or sink. Doing minor changes will change the entire look and feel of the bathroom.
Find great deals
Instead of going to Home Depot or other retailers try to find what you can on OfferUp, LetGo, or Craigslist. A lot of the time you can find left over wood, tile, and even fixtures that others are trying to sell in great condition. Checking these online listing sites is a must before you make large purchases from the retailers. You will save a lot of money!
Where should the Toilet go?
The position of the toilet is a very important factor for the bathroom. Never have a toilet face the door and never make the toilet the first thing you see when you open the bathroom door. Sometimes you can't help it, but in most cases you can so don't do it.
Know how much to measure for comfort
When you are working with a small space remember to measure for comfort. Figure out how much comfort room you will need for each fixture. The last thing you want is a bathroom with too many things and not enough space to comfortably use them.
Types of Shelves
Open shelves can create the illusion of more space. If your bathroom is tiny and you need to change the shelving then consider open shelves.
Add more lighting
The bathroom is traditionally the place where we style our hair or do our makeup, but it is also the place in the home that lacks the most lighting. Upgrading your lighting in the bathroom is the best thing you can do and it won't cost you all that much to do.
Color scheme is everything!
If you have a larger bathroom that needs a new look, consider getting rid of the boring white paint before changing anything else. Alternatively, if your bathroom is small then be sure to keep your color scheme in the white and cream colors because to make the space look bigger.
Splurge on what the focal point of the bathroom
The focal point of the bathroom is, essentially, the most important piece of the bathroom because it is the first thing people judge the room on. If you have a focal point in your bathroom then buy some pieces that are of higher price and quality to give off the illusion that the whole space is of higher quality.
Splurge on a few high-end materials
If you are on a budget, don't only buy "budget" items in your bathroom remodel. If you buy just a couple of higher-end pieces to mix in with the budget items your remodel will look better and last longer.
Double check your tile size
Once you cut the tile you cannot add back on to it. Make sure you double check your sizes before, otherwise your going to have a horrible looking bathroom.
Convert your tub into a shower
If taking baths is not for you then you should convert your tub into a shower otherwise the space will continue to be of waste. The good news is you can use the existing plumbing.
See what you can do yourself (toilets) but be realistic to your skill level
For most DIYers a toilet can be installed on your own and without the assistance of a pro. However, you need to be aware of your skill level before you decide to tackle a task. The last thing you need is to hire someone to fix your mistakes because you will get charge more than if you would've hired them from the beginning.
More, more storage
Storage is the #1 thing that people always wish they would've added to their bathroom area. If you don't have any room to build additional storage then consider adding more places to hang items. Hanger hooks can be installed easily and free up a lot of room.
You can never have too much mirror
Mirrors create the illusion of more space and depth. Also, when your have more mirrors in your bathroom it will help light the room up even more.
Consider where you can save money
Be smart about where you can save money. If your bathroom has outdated plumbing and electricals then it would beneficial to update everything while you are already remodeling the space. Also, consider choosing appliances that are more "green" because this will save you more money in the long run.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a very important aspect of your bathroom. Vents and windows will reduce steam and reduce the chances of black mold forming in the space.