So you're looking to upgrade your home but don't know where to start. When people are looking at houses to buy, there are two places they look first: the kitchen and the bathrooms. Kitchen remodels tend to cost a bit more, but if you go with a bathroom remodel, there are several ways you can save money on your upgrade.

Countertops are one of the biggest expenses in a bathroom remodel. Some of the more common materials used include solid surface, tile, quart and granite, which range in price from $2-$300 per square foot.

While granite is a popular choice because it's beautiful, easy to clean and durable, it will cost a lot more than other materials. Many solid surface materials are made to look like granite so you can get the look without the price.

While it would be nice to move around some things in your bathroom, maybe even creating a little more space, redoing the current plumbing will be a huge expense. Moving a toilet requires that you remove the floor around the toilet, remove the plumbing from inside the floor and install new floors. Then you have to do it again wherever you decide to move it to.

This project can cost you upwards of $5,000. Moving a sink or bathtub will be about the same. So skip the plumbing moves and update what you already have.

When most people want to update their toilet, they tend to want to replace the whole thing, but this isn't always necessary. Replacing the seat and the lid will make your toilet look new without having to pay full price for a whole new toilet.

If you do decide to replace your toilet, there are several different styles to choose from, including name-brand ones like Delta, Sterling, Kohler and more. In fact there are several in every price range so you don't have to sacrifice your budget for a great new toilet.

There are a lot of different options for shelving in a bathroom. Cabinets are a popular choice but also a more expensive one. A more budget-friendly option would be open shelves.

Open shelves allow you to show off those bathroom decorations you have lying around. They also allow you to hide the items you don't want out in the open with the use of baskets placed on higher shelves.

An old, worn-looking bathtub can be an eyesore, but replacing it can be expensive. Instead of replacing the entire tub, think about installing a liner over your current one. Or just have it refinished. Either option will save you money.

You can also opt to get a new tub surround. This update will greatly improve the look of your bathroom, especially if you're stuck with old tile or worn-out materials.

Now that you know where you can save money, there are a couple of things you should not cut costs on. Plumbing fixtures are all about personal preference, but you should never sacrifice quality here because it will affect the flow and the finish. You want plumbing fixtures built to last, and you will regret going cheap.

If you decide to install cabinets instead of shelves, don't go cheap on the cabinets. They get a lot of use, and with a wet environment like a bathroom they will wear quickly if they are made of cheap materials, such as particle board.

Remodeling a bathroom is a big decision and should come with some research. Once you've decided what you're looking for, or if you need ideas, call Complete Plumbing and let us help you get started. We've been around for 20 years and are known for our excellent service and prices. You won't be disappointed.