Remodeling your bathroom on the cheap isn’t as daunting a task as it sounds.

Sure, you can gut a bathroom and spend thousands of dollars renovating it, but you can save money on bathroom remodeling by sticking to a budget. It could cost as little as $500 and be accomplished over a weekend.

“You can do many different small projects for under $500 in a bathroom,” says Sarah-Frances Wallace, a spokeswoman for Lowe’s. “Consider changing out the bathroom hardware with fixtures, add vanity lighting, change out towel bars, switch plants, shower head, shower hooks, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser and the toilet seat.”

DIY Network expert Paul Ryan agrees. “Changing hardware can make a huge difference.”

Such projects won’t overcome a 1950s pink-and-black-tile scheme, but a few bucks and a little sweat equity can transform a dull, unappealing bathroom into a bright, welcoming space.

First establish a realistic budget. What can you afford? Bankrate uses $500 as a ceiling for each project.

Your sweat equity begins in the planning stages. Don’t skimp on research; go online and visit home-improvement stores.

Your research should begin a few weeks before you plan to launch into the project. Give yourself plenty of time to find the best bargains and order any items you find online.