What's the most cost-effective way to update a bathroom?

Refacing the existing vanity, swapping fixtures (faucets, showerhead, towel bars), regrouting tile, and replacing the toilet typically delivers the biggest visual lift per dollar. A budget refresh of that scope runs $1,500–$3,500 nationally in 2026 — about 10–15% of a full remodel. The single highest visual-payoff item is paint, followed by lighting (swap the vanity light fixture and add a dimmer for $150–$300) and a new mirror. Skip the temptation to move plumbing — relocating a toilet or shower drain adds $1,200–$5,000 and turns a weekend refresh into a 2–3 week project.