The average cost to remodel a bathroom in Santa Barbara is about $10,000. But don’t let that discourage you if you’re working with half that budget. There are plenty of ways to cut costs while still getting the look you want.

Try these tips and tricks to keep your bathroom remodel cost down to $5000.

• Don’t move the plumbing. Often the biggest expense of a bathroom remodel comes from changing the floor plan, especially the plumbing layout. Keep the main fixtures –tub, toilet, and sink -- in the same location and save.

• Refinish vs. replace. Does your bathroom really need a gut job or just a surface update? An affordable option might be refinishing features like the cabinets, countertop, or bathtub. Even ugly old tile can be repainted, as long as it’s in basically good shape.

• Stick with stock items. Custom cabinetry and special-order tile are likely to raise your bathroom remodel costs sky high. Order stock instead; you’ll not only cut costs but also receive your items faster.

• Consider today’s money-saving materials. Many materials that did not exist a decade or two ago, like vinyl plank flooring, give you efficient performance and good looks for a very reasonable price.

• Make some of the work DIY. Of course you’ll want a pro to handle complex tasks such as plumbing and wiring. However, why not take on simpler tasks like painting the walls, installing a sink backsplash, or even replacing a vanity yourself?