There’s no doubt fall came early this year, nor is there any disputing the fact that the cooler air means jackets, longer sleeves, and staying indoors more. There is one upside to putting away the sunscreen and closing the screened-in doors. You now have time to fix up rooms in need of repair or slight face-lifts.

A powder room is a great example of one space you can tackle while keeping track of your budget.

You should first focus on how much you are willing to spend. Fixture costs for a toilet, tub, and plumbing make a bathroom remodel more expensive than you might have thought. Set aside anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000. Tiles, vanities, and lighting can vary in quality and price and depending on your taste, can increase the cost of the project significantly.

While a complete bathroom overhaul may be your end goal, there are many simple things you can do to change the look of a bathroom without flushing a lot of cash down the drain.

First – Paint. A fresh coat of paint gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Shades of white are not the only options for a bathroom, but I do recommend picking lighter colors because most bathrooms do not have a lot of natural light. Lighter shades also give you the impression of freshness and cleanliness.

Second – The Vanity. Vanities can also be painted by first applying a good layer of primer then using a semi-gloss or eggshell paint over it. I also recommend using a sealant over the paint to prevent water damage.  If you have an old pedestal sink instead of a vanity, consider buying a new one. You can buy a good pedestal sink for about $200 – $300 at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s store.

Third – Storage. Consider replacing an old medicine cabinet with a new surface mount one. They are very easy to install and won’t sacrifice your bathroom’s storage space. There are also unique storage solutions, such as open shelving, stackable drawers, etc. The Container Store and IKEA have some nice, inexpensive options. I suggest buying everything in white so you get a nice contrast to whatever color you decide to add to your walls.

Lastly – Accessorize. Accessories make all the difference. Consider buying a few new things such as wall art, a shower curtain or a toilet paper holder with a matching towel bar.

TIP: Tiles can also be painted. Re-tiling can be expensive and time consuming. The right products and preparation can make old tiles look new. Make sure you do your homework and use oil based paint and primer. You may need to sand down the wall tiles inside the shower; however, your hard work will pay off. This is a perfect option if you are preparing to sell your house. Bathroom upgrades score high on a homebuyer’s list!