Penny Pincher's Guide To Saving On Bathroom Fittings

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

Life's easy when you have an unlimited budget - but most normal folks like us don't always happen to be blessed with a princely sum!

Still, that doesn't mean your dream bathroom (complete with a claw foot tub, rain shower and sensor tap) is out of reach! All you need is a pinch of street smarts to know where and when to get your favourite bathroom fittings for less. And, we've got all the info to get you started - here are 7 shopping hacks you need to know enjoy savings on your bath accessories.

Hack #1: Look Out For Sale Periods

Interior Designer: Vibrant Interior Design Sdn Bhd

While sales for bathroom fittings can take place any time when merchants look to clear out stock, most major sales in general take place around six to eight weeks before a major festive season like Hari Raya or Christmas. During the festive season itself, you’ll still see plenty of discounts too at retail and department stores, but beware of potential price mark-ups.

Interior Designer: GI Design Sdn Bhd

In Malaysia, you can also find great deals during the ‘Mega Sales’ periods which happen four times a year (it used to be five). Bargain-hunters should note these remaining dates for 2017:

Carnival Mega Sale from June 15 to Aug 31
and the Year-End Sale from Nov 1 to Dec 31

Bonus Tip: Create a Google Alert for bathroom fittings and accessories sales in your area to stay on top of promotion periods.

Hack #2: Shop Online

Interior Designer: One Roof Design Sdn Bhd

Costs are usually lowered online as compared to the usual brick-and-mortar stores, due to the absence of rental and manpower costs added. Plus, you gain access to an endless variety of items that you might not necessarily find in Malaysian showrooms - think the endless pit that is Taobao, and other comprehensive online brands like Lazada or 11street.my. The best part? Not having to drive down and waste petrol and time on looking through fittings the old fashioned way.

Interior Designer: Torch Empire

While prices may appear to be cheap, it can still be tricky as you won't be able to actually test or gauge the product's quality without committing in. Thus, like all online shopping practices, it’s best to seek reviews, check on satisfaction guarantees, return policies and warranties before you buy online.

Hack #3: Check Out Warehouse Sales

Interior Designer: Hoe & Yin Design Studio

Call it clearance sale, closing down sale or whatever - those too-good-to-be-true warehouse events are called so for good reason. You can definitely manage to find bargains of up to even 90% off, if you're willing to compromise! Because multiple warehouse sales might happen at one time in different states, we'd suggest using event trackers like Bigsale.my or Everyday On Sales.

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

Do be warned that these sales are a hit-and-miss, so you’ll need to practice good judgement before you buy. Run a quick retail price check on your smartphone if possible to measure the differences.

Hack #4: Buy Second-Hand Vintage Fittings

Interior Designer: JCS Design Project

If you are into industrial-looking bathrooms, then you might make great discoveries at second-hand stores, flea markets or online classifieds. Some decent items you can source for cheap include mirrors, mirror frames, vanities, vintage shower heads, tiles, faucets and even countertops! While they aren’t in the best condition, prices are always at a cut - plus, you can even bargain down to a lower price!

Interior Designer: Ethnic ID

Do note that some bathroom fittings may not be suitable due to hygiene factors. Avoid items like toilet seats and bidets for obvious reasons. Disinfect and thoroughly clean all second-hand buys before use.

Hack #5: Hit Those Renovation Conventions

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

Some renovation and home decor exhibitions are actually open to the public. Here you’ll be able to source newer, trendy and perhaps even technologically-advanced fixtures on showcase. These conventions sometimes offer sample sales, typically for contractors and retail buyers, but regular consumers can benefit too.

Interior Designer: Box Creative

One major exhibition to check out is Home Dec 2017, a roving home design and interior fair that includes Johor (28 - 30 July), Penang (29 Sept - 1 Oct) and Kuala Lumpur (19 - 22 Oct, 26 - 29 Oct) in its pit stops.

Hack #6: Buy From Local Hardware Stores

Interior Designer: Icon Factory

Big chain stores at your favourite mall may be more fun to shop at but your neighbourhood hardware store is (almost) always less pricey. Moreover, hardware dealers may be more personable and better equipped to answer and advise on your queries and needs.

Interior Designer: B&N Design Associate Sdn Bhd

Sure, the accessories you find might be more basic, but if you're looking for practical, value-for-money bathroom buys, here is where you will get them.

Hack #7: Shop Green

Interior Designer: Latitude Design

Sometimes, saving on your bathroom doesn't necessarily mean purchasing cheaper fittings! Think for the long term, and consider getting eco-friendly and efficient bathroom fixtures such as lighting, heaters and flush valves instead. It may sound like nothing more than a buzzword these days, but in reality, 'green' accessories can help you save money with lower energy and water bills.

Need a professional to put your bathroom fixtures together?
We can help! Request for a free quote here, and get up to 5 interior designers based on your budget and style.

For more squeaky clean bathroom ideas, download the Qanvast app, available on the App Store and Google Play and save your favourite spaces on the go!