How Much Does A Small Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Dreaming of remodeling your small, outdated bathroom but fearing the cost? You’re not alone. A survey shows 48% of homeowners remodel because they can’t stand their old bathroom’s style, and 34% due to deterioration. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of remodeling a small bathroom and explore what’s possible within your budget.
On average, remodeling a small bathroom costs between $2,500 and $10,000, or $120 to $275 per square foot. Factors like the size of the bathroom, material costs, labor fees, and other expenses can greatly influence the final price.
However, you can significantly cut down on the cost of your remodeling project, and we’ll share the hacks in this guide!
What is the Average Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom?
The average cost to remodel a small bathroom can range from $2,500 to $10,000, or $120 to $275 per square foot.
Keep in mind that your small bathroom remodeling cost depends on several factors like the size and layout of the bathroom, material costs, labor costs, and other expenses like permits.
As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the bathroom, the lower the remodeling cost.
Let’s quickly break down the estimated costs based on the common sizes of small bathrooms.
Cost Breakdown for Small Bathroom Remodels
The primary costs you will incur for your small bathroom remodeling project include material costs, labor costs, and permits, depending on the area you live in. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Material Costs
Depending on the materials you choose for remodeling your bathroom, you can spend anywhere between $1,700 and $17,000.
For example, high-end, luxurious materials will increase the cost, while low-end materials will be more affordable.
Labor Costs
Labor can account for 40% to 50% of the total cost to remodel a small bathroom. You’ll likely need to hire a general contractor, plumber, and electrician.
A general contractor might charge between $20 and $150 per square foot. For plumbing and electrical work, you can expect to pay between $180 and $650 per hour.
Permits
Although not all small bathroom remodeling projects require permits, it’s essential to consult a local professional or check with your local government.
For instance, some locations may not require a permit if your remodel is under a certain price or doesn’t involve relocating plumbing.
Permit costs can range from $50 to $450, depending on your location and local regulations.
What Factors Affect the Remodeling Cost of a Small Bathroom?
Now that you have a general idea of the basic costs of remodeling your small bathroom, let’s dive deeper and explore the factors that can affect the total cost.
Type or Layout of the Bathroom
The type or layout of your bathroom can determine the scope and kind of remodeling needed, affecting the cost.
Half Bathroom or Powder Room
A half bathroom or powder room mainly consists of a sink and toilet. Its size can range from around 15 to 18 square feet, which may be the size of your small closet.
On average, you can expect the half-bath remodel cost to be between $1,800 and $4,950.
Small Full Bathroom
A small full bathroom usually contains a sink, toilet, and either a bathtub or shower. It is generally at least 36 square feet.
Remodeling a small full bathroom typically costs between $4,200 and $9,900.
Converting a Half Bath to a Full Bath
If you’re considering converting a half bath to a full bath, it means you want to add either a shower or a bathtub to your small bathroom.
Here’s how to factor in the costs:
- The cost of the shower or bathtub itself
- Whether you have enough space to install the shower or bathtub without moving walls
- The plumbing work required
(NOTE: We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of these individual costs in the sections below.)
On average, converting a half bath to a full bath could cost between $800 and $8,500.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to move the walls to install a shower, consider installing a smaller vanity or eliminating a closet to free up space and save money.
Materials
From flooring, shower, tub, and vanity to countertops, you’ll likely need to purchase various remodeling materials. Of course, high-end materials will be more expensive.
Let’s break down each of these materials one by one below.
Flooring
On average, flooring materials alone can cost between $1 and $10 per square foot. When you include labor costs, the total can range from $3 to $17 per square foot.
For example, for a 35-square-foot bathroom, you might spend between $105 and $595 on flooring, including labor costs.
Toilet
Investing in a new toilet can cost between $100 and $450, depending on the type you choose. Additionally, toilet installation typically costs between $400 and $800 on average.
Shower
The main types of showers are walk-in, prefabricated, and tub-and-shower combos. The average material cost for a shower can range from The main types of showers are walk-in, prefabricated, and tub-and-shower combos. The average material cost for a shower can range from $200 to $8,500, depending on the type you choose., depending on the type you choose.
Bathtub
On average, a new bathtub can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Granite and ceramic bathtubs tend to be the most expensive, while acrylic, fiberglass, and enameled steel bathtubs are more budget-friendly.
Paint and Wallpaper
Bathrooms are cheaper to paint than other rooms in your house as they are smaller and often have walls covered by the shower or tub, tiling, mirror, or vanity.
On average, you can expect to pay around $60 to $250 for painting a small bathroom.
You should also assess if you need to paint the cabinets, ceiling, and baseboards in addition to the walls. Consider the type of paint you’re purchasing, as prices vary accordingly.
| Paint Type | Average Cost | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primers | $10 per can | Help prepare walls before painting |
| Flat/Matte Paint | $10 per gallon | No shine, not very durable |
| Eggshell/Satin Paint | $11 - $13 per gallon | Easier to clean, higher sheen, more durable |
| Semi-gloss Paint | $14 - $80 per gallon | Most durable, higher cost |
| High-gloss Paint | Upwards of $80 per gallon | Highest quality, most durable |
On the other hand, if you want an alternative to paint with beautiful patterns, you can opt for vinyl or paper wallpaper. Make sure not to install them near water-heavy areas for longevity.
Cheaper than paint, installing wallpaper should cost you somewhere between $5 and $11 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Vanity
A vanity that includes a sink, countertop, and under-sink storage can cost between $150 and $700.
A 24-inch vanity, usually suitable for a half bathroom, starts at around $150.
A 48-inch vanity is generally appropriate for a small full bathroom, which can cost around $500 to $700.
Countertop
Installing a countertop in your small bathroom can cost between $90 and $1,250, or $30 to $180 per square foot.
Common widths for small bathroom countertops range from 24 to 48 inches, with depths of 3 to 7 square feet.
Laminate countertops are the cheapest option, solid surface and marble are good mid-range choices, while natural stones like quartz, soapstone, and granite are high-end but offer the longest durability.
Here’s an estimate of countertop costs based on the type of material:
Bathroom Accessories
Bathroom essentials may not seem like a large sum of money individually, but when you add up the cost of each, they can amount to somewhere between $270 and $1,360.
Location
Living in a high-cost area like Los Angeles means you’ll pay more for labor and materials compared to a low-cost area like Alabama.
Additionally, if you’re remodeling a bathroom on the second floor, contractors will have to go up and down the stairs multiple times.
This could lead to difficulty carrying heavy equipment and make the job more complex, potentially increasing labor costs.
What Additional Bathroom Remodeling Costs Should You Keep In Mind?
Although we’ve discussed more of the basic remodeling costs, you must also consider the additional costs mentioned below that you will most likely incur.
Plumbing
You can expect to pay a plumber between $130 and $150 per hour for basic services. For major remodeling tasks like installing showers, toilets, and pipes, the cost can range from $170 to $500 per hour.
Electrical Wiring
For electrical wiring, it’s crucial to hire a professional, licensed electrician to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
They can charge you anywhere from $40 to $120 per hour, depending on their expertise.
Junk Removal and Disposal
You’ll also need to remove and dispose of the waste. While you can do it yourself, hiring a junk removal company is an option and typically costs between $100 and $600.
The Design of the Bathroom
According to a survey, 51% of respondents increased shower size and 43% changed the layout.
If you’re also considering these changes and want a professional, like an interior designer, to design your small bathroom, you could pay them between $100 and $200 per hour on average.
Make sure you have a plan in mind. There are many sources of inspiration available online, like Pinterest.
If you have a clear plan and a simple design, you can save the interior designer’s time and your money.
Structural Engineer Costs
Hiring a structural engineer may seem unnecessary to some homeowners, but they are crucial when structural changes are involved.
They help ensure the safety of the remodeling project, compliance with building codes, and structural soundness. Structural engineers typically charge between $100 and $220 per hour.
Waterproofing
Although waterproofing can be costly, it ensures the longevity and integrity of your bathroom by preventing water-related damage.
Areas around the shower or bath may especially need waterproofing to avoid hefty repair costs down the road.
Waterproofing typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the material you choose, labor rates, the scope of the project, and the selected bathroom fixtures.
Professional vs. DIY Remodeling
You can tackle some tasks in your small bathroom remodel yourself, while others are best left to professionals.
Professional Bathroom Remodel
Hiring a professional for your small bathroom remodeling project ensures high-quality work and peace of mind.
Professionals can also complete the job faster than DIY efforts, reducing the inconvenience of not having access to the bathroom.
DIY Bathroom Remodel
If you choose to DIY your bathroom remodel, you can save about half the total cost since you won’t have to pay for labor. You’ll only need to cover the costs of materials, tools, and equipment.
Since a general contractor might charge between $20 and $150 per square foot, and assuming your bathroom is 36 square feet, DIYing can save you about $720 to $5,400.
Here’s what you can DIY:
Painting
Installing bathroom accessories
Removing and disposing of waste
However, it’s best to leave plumbing and electrical work to professionals to ensure the job is done properly and safely.
For tasks you’re inexperienced with, attempting them on your own might lead to mistakes that could cost more to fix later.
How to Find a Reliable Bathroom Remodel Contractor?
Since you can’t fully DIY your small bathroom renovation project, you’ll need to find and hire a reliable contractor for certain tasks.
For this, consider using the HomeBuddy service, which has completed over 13,000 projects by quickly matching individuals with expert and trusted local contractors.
Additionally, you can follow these tips to find the right contractor for the job:
You can further vet your contractor by asking these questions:
Genius Tips to Save Money on Your Small Bathroom Remodeling Project
To help you minimize your small bathroom renovation cost, here are some expert money-saving tips for you:
Conclusion
The average cost to remodel a small bathroom is $120 to $275 per square foot. When calculating the total cost, you must also consider material costs, labor fees, and the bathroom layout. You can always implement the money-saving tips shared in the article to reduce your overall expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The most expensive parts of a bathroom remodel are labor and tile work, followed by plumbing and high-quality materials. Labor can account for 40% to 50% of your budget while moving plumbing fixtures and installing high-end tiles significantly increase costs.
- A bathroom remodel typically takes 6-12 weeks. Planning and permits take 2-8 weeks, demolition 1-2 days, rough plumbing and electrical work 1-2 weeks, installation of fixtures and finishes 3-6 weeks, and final touches and inspections 1-2 weeks.
- Remodeling a bathroom is worth it for improved functionality, comfort, and energy efficiency. It often offers a good return on investment, recouping around 58% of costs when selling your home. You must balance the costs and benefits as extensive remodels can be costly and time-consuming.
