Lowering the Cost of an RV Bathroom Remodel

Lowering the Cost of a RV Bathroom Remodel

Melissa BrockUpdated February 24, 2023

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

If you’re remodeling the bathroom in your RV, there are several strategies that may help you save money. These include doing the project yourself, choosing less costly materials, or using refurbished items. Read on to learn more about the average price of an RV bathroom remodel and ideas for lowering the cost.

Average RV Bathroom Remodel Cost

An RV bathroom remodel may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or even more. What you’ll spend depends on a few factors, including the quality of your materials and whether you plan to remodel your RV yourself or hire a professional.

Does Remodeling a Bathroom in Your RV Increase the Value?

It's important to note that an RV is a depreciating asset. It loses about 30% of its value after you purchase it.But remodeling may keep your RV from depreciating more, which is a good thing. Remodeling the bathroom and making upgrades for an RV could even increase the value of your rig. Especially if your RV bathroom needs work, improvements may increase the RV’s resale value.

Tips for Saving Money on an RV Bathroom Remodel

Here are some ways to lower costs on your RV bathroom remodel.

DIY Projects

If you hire a contractor to do the work for you, they might charge you 10% to 20% of the total cost for your remodel. If you DIY instead, you can save that money right off that bat.

Cut Back on Material

High-end materials like marble or tile can be expensive. Switch to more affordable options, such as reclaimed wood panels or beadboard. Rather than installing expensive cabinets, you can use open shelving for a modern look. Another alternative is to search online for discounted bathroom items and materials.

Use Refurbished Bathroom Elements

Refurbished products are used products that have been repaired and are now in working order. They can be much less expensive than buying brand-new items. You can find deals on refurbished bathroom elements such as vanities, countertops, faucets, sinks, cabinets, and mirrors at online marketplaces.Refurbished products can also be a good option for a remodel for an RV kitchen.

RV Bathroom Remodel Ideas

A travel trailer bathroom RV bathroom remodel doesn't have to be complicated or elaborate to make a big difference. By tackling the following projects, you can drastically change the look of your RV bathroom while keeping costs down.

RV Bathroom Tub & Shower Remodel

There are a number of ways to upgrade the tub and shower. For example, for an RV shower remodel, one option is to install a prefabricated stall shower. If you want to get rid of the tub in your RV, that can save you precious bathroom space. Just make sure you seal the area well so it doesn’t leak.An RV shower enclosure starts at around $279 and can cost up to $1,300. Recommended: Guide to Plumbing Financing Options

RV Bathroom Sink Remodel

RV sinks are tiny, especially if you have a corner sink. They are often made of plastic. You can upgrade yours by choosing one of the following options:

Stainless steel: $40 to $150
Acrylic: $40 to $150 or more depending on the size and style.
Solid surface sinks: $75 to $500

Something as simple as installing a new sink can greatly enhance the look of your bathroom.

RV Bathroom Backsplash Remodel

Creating an attractive yet inexpensive RV backsplash can be easy with peel-and-stick backsplash tiles. They’re simple to install, lightweight, easy-to-clean, and durable, and they typically cost around $3 per square foot.

RV Bathroom Cabinets & Storage Remodel

Looking to upgrade the cabinets in your bathroom? Look for replacement cabinets on sites like eBay or Discount Camper Parts. You may also want to consider giving your existing cabinets a makeover by sanding and painting them. The cost varies depending on the method you choose. New cabinets may cost you hundreds of dollars, while a gallon of paint could be just $20.

RV Bathroom Remodel Financing Options

You may be thinking about how to finance your bathroom project, especially if you’d also like to do a emodel for an RV bedroom. There are several types of financing that could be options to consider. Here’s information about each of them.

Refinance Auto Loans

You can apply for a refinance in the form of cash-back auto loan refinancing. You may get more favorable terms to replace your current auto loan. With this type of RV refinancing, you receive a lump sum of cash as part of your refinance, and then you can use the extra cash for your RV bathroom remodel.Be sure not to borrow more than your car is worth however. A refinance auto loan requires you to put your car up as collateral, which means your lender could take your vehicle if you fail to repay your loan.

Credit Cards

You may want to put the costs of your RV bathroom remodel on a credit card. If you pay off your card in full by the due date, you won’t be charged interest. And if you use a rewards card, you could earn cash back or points you can later redeem. It's important to watch your credit limit, however. Using a large portion of your credit limit can negatively impact your credit utilization, which is the amount of credit you use. Also, if you don’t pay off the cost of your RV bathroom remodel before your credit card billing cycle ends, you’ll owe interest, and credit card interest can be high.

Personal Loans

You can use a personal loan to finance your RV bathroom remodel. For instance, you can choose from personal loans for a car or personal loans for a car repair. With a personal loan, a bank, online lender, or credit union lends you a lump sum that you repay with interest in installments over time. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you may get. One of the benefits of personal loans is that once you’re approved, you may receive the funds within one to five days. There are many tips for a personal loan that can help you as you’re comparing options.

The Takeaway

An RV bathroom remodel may add to the value of your rig. It can also make the bathroom more functional and attractive.If you’re considering a personal loan to finance your RV bathroom remodel, Lantern by SoFi can help. By filling out one simple form, you can quickly and easily compare personal loan rates and terms from multiple lenders at once. That can help you find the right fit for your financing needs. Explore personal loan options and rates with Lantern.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an RV bathroom remodel cost?

How can you lower the cost of an RV bathroom remodel?

Can you finance an RV bathroom remodel?

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About the Author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Her work has appeared on Yahoo Finance, Entrepreneur, Investopedia, The Balance, FinanceBuzz, The Journal of College Admission, MarketBeat, College Finance, Rocket Mortgage, LeverageRx, Benzinga, Morty, Ally, and more.

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