Jump directly to the content
SPLASHED IT

Savvy DIY fan saves £800 by transforming bathroom herself with eBay bargains & YouTube tutorials – and it looks amazing

SICK and tired of your bathroom but don't want to splash out on pricey renovation costs? Then take your inspiration from this DIY fan who saved themselves a huge £800 by tackling the job themselves.

Electrician Ash Rumsam, 32, and his partner Suzanna, 36, purchased their home - a 1970s fixer-upper - in Blackburn in 2019 and had plans to renovate the entire house.

One DIY fan saved themselves a huge £800 by taking on their bathroom transformation themselves
12
One DIY fan saved themselves a huge £800 by taking on their bathroom transformation themselvesCredit: Jam Press

Of course, with such a big job on their hands, the cost of all the renovations was never going to come cheap, so they decided to turn their hand to budget buys and YouTube tutorials in order to save themselves some cash.

Tackling their dull and dated bathroom, blogger Suzanne decided to make it a DIY job despite their ambitious plans to remodel the entire bathroom, as they didn't like its original awkward layout.

"We ripped it all out and started designing from a blank canvas," she told Jam Press, with Ash taking on the huge plumbing job himself.

Initially a wet room with no bath, the couple wanted to create a bath and shower where the old sink and toilet stood.

Couple Ash and Suzanne bought a 1970s fixer-upper in Blackburn with plans to renovate every room
12
Couple Ash and Suzanne bought a 1970s fixer-upper in Blackburn with plans to renovate every roomCredit: Jam Press
They didn't like the bathroom's awkward layout so planned an entire new remodel
12
They didn't like the bathroom's awkward layout so planned an entire new remodelCredit: Jam Press
The dull and dated bathroom was ripped out completely, so the pair could start from scratch
12
The dull and dated bathroom was ripped out completely, so the pair could start from scratchCredit: Jam Press
Everything went from the old-fashioned fixtures to the dreary tiling
12
Everything went from the old-fashioned fixtures to the dreary tilingCredit: Jam Press

"We re-plumbed those to the other side of the room, so the room flows much better now," Suzanne explained.

Ash brushed up on his plumbing knowledge with some guidance from Suzanne's dad and renovation tutorials posted to YouTube - saving the couple a huge one £800 on plumbing alone, as they could do it themselves.

He also installed a new toilet, a chic shower screen and matching bath panel, plus a grey vanity unit and his and hers sinks.

Ash clued himself up with YouTube tutorials so he could tackle the plumbing himself
12
Ash clued himself up with YouTube tutorials so he could tackle the plumbing himselfCredit: Jam Press
The couple put together a chic and stylish bathroom that was Instagram-ready
12
The couple put together a chic and stylish bathroom that was Instagram-readyCredit: Jam Press
Ash tiled the walls and floor himself using how-to videos online
12
Ash tiled the walls and floor himself using how-to videos onlineCredit: Jam Press

Proving to be quite the handyman, Ash even tiled the entire bathroom after following how-to guides online.

Suzanne revealed: "My husband learnt to tile by watching YouTube videos and with a bit of guidance from my dad, but he tiled the whole room himself including the floor and I’m so impressed with the attention to detail."

Chuffed with his efforts, she joked: "You’d think we’d have had professionals in!”

Suzanne designed the bathroom using sleek monochrome fixtures and light colours
12
Suzanne designed the bathroom using sleek monochrome fixtures and light coloursCredit: Jam Press
They installed a stylish his and hers sink with matching mirrors
12
They installed a stylish his and hers sink with matching mirrorsCredit: Jam Press
The couple revealed their reno costs came to a total of £2,435 after their huge saving
12
The couple revealed their reno costs came to a total of £2,435 after their huge savingCredit: Jam Press
Chuffed with their efforts, blogger Suzanne joked: "You’d think we’d have had professionals in!”
12
Chuffed with their efforts, blogger Suzanne joked: "You’d think we’d have had professionals in!”Credit: Jam Press

The couple threw out the bathroom's old-fashioned fixtures and instead brought it to life with sleek and modern designs, including matte black taps and bargain finds from eBay, including their black radiator (£123, eBay) to match.

Ditching the extremely drab tiling that came with the initial bathroom, the couple opted for stylish white brick tiles (£220, Wickes) on the walls and monochrome Victorian patterned tiles (£120, Wickes) on the floor - and the finished result is stunning.

Extra touches included matching vanity mirrors they picked up from eBay (£80) and industrial chic overhead lights (£30, eBay) at the double sink, as well as tasselled towels and influencer-approved decor like a vase of white pampas, scented candles and a wicker tray.

Suzanne, who describes herself as a "creative by nature", revealed that all in all the bathroom transformation didn't break the bank and cost the couple £2,435 - after their huge saving.

The brains behind its new look, she said: "I designed the room and hubby executed it. We work so well as a team and play to both our strengths. I'm a creative by nature and he's a hands-on guy.

"We are so proud of what we have achieved in this room on our own! I am thrilled with the finish of this room, it's magical watching your vision come to life.

"We have had our ups and downs and setbacks, as with any project like this, but overall we are both thoroughly enjoying the process."

Savvy and stylish - what's not to love.

Meanwhile, one mum transforms her dull bathroom into stunning sanctuary for less than £95 using bargains from B&M and eBay.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Plus, mum and daughter quoted £1k to transform their drab bathroom do it themselves for £100 with budget buys.

And this mum who couldn’t afford a new sofa turns her drab brown couch into a chic navy one by PAINTING it & it only cost £30.

DIY fan transforms her bathroom for less than £100 with budget peel and stick tiles and bargain buys
Topics