So, you’ve made the decision — it’s time for your home’s powder room or half bath to get a remodel. Just because you are looking at a small bathroom remodel does not mean that the renovation will not have big payoffs. Small bathroom remodel costs are usually manageable. The project can prove to be an exciting way to refresh your home’s aesthetic and personal style, while also increasing your home’s resale value.
Still, undergoing a small bathroom remodel can bring up a lot of questions. For instance, what factors influence the project cost? Will it be difficult to convert a half bath into a full bathroom? How do you budget properly?
Fear not, Modernize has you covered. Continue reading to get advice on remodeling your half or small bathroom, and what you can expect it to cost.
Is a Small Bathroom Remodel Worth it?
There are many reasons why you may want to renovate a small bathroom in your home. Common reasons in 2024 why homeowners opt for a small bathroom remodel are because:
- The bathroom is outdated and in need of a modern refresh
- They want to convert a half bathroom into a smaller full-sized bathroom
- To improve their home’s resale value
When it comes to ROI, according to a 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange half bathroom remodel can provide homeowners with a 58.9% return on their investment when reselling their home. If you plan to convert a powder room or half bath into a full bath by adding a shower, that ROI can jump as much as 10% to 15% more, since you can list your home on the market with one additional full sized bath.
All in all, professionals agree that remodeling a small bathroom is usually well-worth the cost!
How Much Does a Small Bathroom Remodel Cost?
In general, the cost to remodel a small bathroom varies depending on the scope of the project, how big the space is, what (if any) plumbing needs updating, which fixtures and finishings are being replaced, and labor costs, which typically make up about 45% of the final bill.
It is helpful to think about small bathroom remodels in terms of square footage, since the room size will dictate how much tiling is needed, how much paint walls need, and which bathroom appliances are needed. Keep in mind that cost per square foot will increase as you choose more higher-end fixtures.
Elements that may be considered in a small bathroom remodeling project include but aren’t limited to the following:
| Feature | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New tub or shower | $659 to $2,105 |
| Retiling a shower | $1,800 to $4,430 |
| Glass shower door replacement | $480 to $882 |
| New cabinets or vanity | $736 to $2,177 |
| New sink | $460 to $1,475 |
| New toilet | $527 to $835 |
| New flooring | $6 to $11 per sq. ft. |
| New mirror | $75 to $137 |
| New light fixtures | $46 to $126 |
| Fresh coat of paint | $56 to $103 |
| Plumbing adjustments | $500 to $2,000 |
Remember that you have a lot of freedom in what you choose to renovate. Small bathrooms often lack the same fixtures a master bathroom may be outfitted in. Additionally, depending on your home’s layout, a small bathroom or half bathroom may not be used as often as other bathrooms, such as the master bathroom. You can often get away with keeping many fixtures, while replacing ones in dire need of an upgrade, to keep costs down.
Areas of a small bathroom remodel that may cost the most and could stand to have more money budgeted toward include bathtub or shower installations, new sinks, countertops and cabinets. Less expensive features include a new coat of paint, hardware updates and toilet replacements.
Remodeling Costs by Bathroom Type
The scope of your small bathroom remodel largely depends on that bathroom’s primary function. For instance, does it mainly operate as a guest bathroom? Or is it used regularly by the entire household? Is it geared toward a child or senior citizen with specific accommodations needed?
Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of small bathrooms and how their remodeling costs may vary.
Half bathroom
A half bathroom usually contains a sink and toilet, but no shower or bathtub. Half bathroom remodels can start as low as $3,000 for smaller rooms if you are only making minor upgrades. Projects typically entail installing a new vanity and toilet, replacing the flooring, repainting walls, and potentially swapping out light fixtures.
Small bathroom
A small full-sized bathroom will usually have everything the half bathroom has, in addition to a small shower. These rooms typically only have a shower to save space, but in some cases, may also have a bathtub. Small bathroom remodeling projects usually start at around $3,000 but can go up to $15,000 depending on the scope of your remodel and what materials you choose. It is important to factor in the cost of hiring a general contractor, plumber and electrician as needed, in addition to upgrading cosmetic details.
Small primary bathroom
Small primary bathrooms, or master bathrooms, are different when it comes to their function. They are used on a daily or regular basis by the home’s residents. For that reason, they may take a higher priority and warrant a larger budget when it comes time for renovations.
Expenses can include hiring a general contractor, a plumber and electrician. Additionally, bigger expenses may include new countertops, updated flooring and lighting fixtures and replacing the bathroom’s sink, toilet and shower. These projects usually start at around $5,000 and can go as high as $25,000 or more depending on the size of the project and the materials you choose.
Cost to Convert a Half Bath to a Full Bath
For some homeowners, having a bathtub or shower in their small bathroom is non-negotiable. Or, in some cases, an additional shower is just necessary. Whether it’s to better accommodate young children, senior residents, pets or just for better functionality in the home, it may be worth considering converting your half bathroom into a full bathroom.
If that’s the case, you might be wondering: Is it more cost effective to add a new small bathroom to the home? Or to undergo a half bath to full bath conversion?
The resounding better option according to Modernize professionals is to consider converting an existing space. This is because it is a practical way to increase your home’s value while utilizing existing home components. In fact, there are bathroom remodeling contractors who specifically specialize in these types of conversion projects.
Modernize recommends sourcing at least three to four project quotes before committing to anything so you have a better understanding of what to expect.
Budgeting Tips for a Small Bathroom Remodel
Budgeting appropriately for your small bathroom remodel is critical. Bathrooms by nature are chock full of important plumbing and electrical work that has to remain intact or be replaced and rerouted. The cost of projects will also vary depending on your region.
In general, the more professional work that goes into renovating the space, the higher the costs. If installation work is very detailed, it can add to the project’s cost. Some contractors may provide an hourly bid for their work. Your contractor should be able to give you an estimate that will help you properly budget for remodeling costs.
There are, of course, ways for homeowners to cut costs when it comes to the bathroom remodel. These include doing simple DIY work that does not require a specialty in construction yourself, such as painting or replacing cabinet hardware.
Other ways homeowners can limit expenses on their small bathroom remodel include keeping a bathroom’s existing layout, reusing baseboards and doors, and avoiding spontaneous plan modifications.
There are also common hidden costs homeowners should be aware of when it comes to bathroom renovations. The most common hidden costs include fees for demolition, removal and disposal of old fixtures, mold and water damage and unplanned electrical upgrades.
Find a Reliable Bathroom Remodel Contractor
We know it may be tempting to take on some bathroom remodeling projects yourself to save money. But in reality, if you don’t have an extensive background in construction, undergoing the work yourself can become more expensive as well as more dangerous.
Your project’s return on investment may be higher when you use a professional from the get-go. Bathrooms can be complicated spaces with their electrical work and plumbing. It’s important to have a professional on hand to make sure the work is being done properly.
Modernize can help homeowners connect with reliable bathroom remodeling contractors in their area.
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