How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Small Bathroom?

Homeowners have been told over and over again that bathrooms can help increase their home's value. Even small restrooms with a stunning makeover can give a return on investment. You may think that a small bathroom remodeling means a lower price tag at the end of the project because, in general, smaller spaces do mean spending less money. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price tag for a small bathroom is $6,500. However, total costs can range from $1,500 to $15,000, and sometimes even more.

Before hammers start swinging, there are a few factors to consider that can increase your expenses. Location can determine material price and cost of labor, and the size of the bathroom and the project's scope are two other major aspects that can affect the overall expenditure. In addition, the materials you use and who does the renovation can either save you money or have you spending more. Here are the costs you should expect when remodeling a small bathroom.

As stated, the average cost for small bathroom remodels can fall somewhere a few thousand dollars or much more. For example, the location of your home, the size, and type of the bathroom, as well as the project's scope are all aspects that will affect your renovation costs, Badeloft notes. Nonetheless, keep reading to find out what to expect from a small bathroom remodeling project.

Location of property

Where you live will contribute to material costs. In places where the cost of living is higher, you will often find that the price of materials like stone, tile, or wood is also higher. Location and cost of living can also affect labor costs. For example, major cities often have a higher cost of living, which automatically increases the hourly labor costs.

Type of small bathroom

How do you define a small bathroom? There are a few ways you could think of a small bathroom: a half bath or powder room, a three-quarter bathroom, or a small full bathroom. Badeloft explains that the type of bathroom is important because of the fixtures you have to work with. A half bathroom, on average, would cost less than a small full bathroom because the half bath won't require renovating a shower.

Size of the bathroom

The more space you have, the more money it'll cost to remodel it. According to Hunker, three-quarters and full bathrooms require about 40 square feet, while half baths and powder rooms average about 20 square feet. Your total square footage matters especially when it comes to materials like tile and flooring.

Scope of the project

Consider how extensive the project will be. Cosmetic upgrades like replacing fixtures or tiling the floor will be much less expensive than a full remodel. However, changing the layout will require a plumber and an electrician, which adds another cost on top of other remodeling expenses. You can still make big changes on a small budget, but it's important to consider how much work is needed to finish your bathroom remodel.

With a bathroom remodel, you have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to materials. However, some will cost more than others, and those additional expenses will add to the final price tag. The labor cost is also an aspect that many homeowners may not consider when calculating their home remodels.

Materials used

The materials used for a bathroom remodel can range from affordable to luxury and high-end, and the price reflects that. For example, Remodeling Calculator says that, on average, ceramic tile is around $4.60 per square foot, while the median cost of installing porcelain tiles is $5.5 per square foot. You can find quality materials at a lower price and have a stunning bathroom, but if you're looking to use luxury materials, expect to pay a premium price.

DIY vs. professional labor

There are some projects in a small bathroom that a handy homeowner may be able to tackle on their own. Some homeowners may be capable of DIYing the entire space, saving on the cost of labor. However, many people prefer a professional to do their remodel to ensure it's done well and right, especially when the project's capacity is larger. Professional contractors charge a cost for their work, which can range depending on who you hire and where you live. They can charge $50 to $110 per hour, HomeAdvisor notes.

Most professionals break down the types of bathroom remodels in terms of the scope or how much work will need to be done to complete the project. Kitchen and bath contractor Reico lays out four main types of bathroom remodels.

Cosmetic revamp

Cosmetic remodels include taking out old fixtures and replacing them with new ones. This may include flooring, countertops, tiles, or vanity. Cosmetic upgrades keep all the large features like the shower, toilet, and sink in place and simply update their look.

Redesign

If you're looking for something more extensive, like enlarging the shower or changing the layout, a bathroom redesign is the type of remodeling you need. Redesigning a bathroom also includes cosmetic upgrades because most fixtures will have been torn out.

Aging-in-place

Aging-in-place is for homeowners who plan to stay in their home and want to add features to the bathroom that assist with aging, like a shower seat or grab bars. Aging-in-place can include both cosmetic or redesign remodels.

Adding a new bathroom

Lastly, the most extensive remodel is a bathroom addition. Whether you're adding a powder room or a small full bathroom, these can get pricey as they require the most work. In addition, you'll often need many trades; a contractor, plumber, and electrician would all be essential to finishing this project.

Many homeowners remodel their bathrooms to create a space that functions better. This can include changing the layout, enlarging the shower, or adding double sinks, which is especially true of families who share a bathroom. However, there are other aspects a homeowner may need to tackle with a revamp. Here's why you should remodel your small bathroom.

Update old fixtures

Bathrooms with old fixtures in need of updating can spark an outstanding bathroom remodel. Furthermore, your bathroom may not be to your current design tastes, and you may want to change some cosmetic features of the place, RJ Turner Remodeling says.

Fix plumbing issues

You may also need a bathroom revamp if you're having issues with it. For example, there could be a problem with plumbing, like leaky pipes, or your tub could have improper drainage. Sea Pointe explains that this can lead to water damage, structural issues, or mold that should prompt any homeowner to do a bathroom remodel.

Add value to your home

Remodeling a bathroom also increases a home's value. Moving.com reports that The National Association of Realtors found that bathroom remodels are the most popular form of home improvement. Realtors often stress how updated bathrooms often sell houses and fetch a higher price tag. On average, homeowners see a return on investment between 60.2% and 67.2% when they complete such a remodel.

As stated, a bathroom remodel can increase your home value. So, if you're looking to sell your home, a revamp to that small space can appeal to home buyers and help you get a higher price. But if you're planning on staying in your home, there are many benefits of a home remodel that you'll enjoy.

Increased efficiency

Adding more space or creating a more efficient bathroom will make your daily routine much easier. Getting ready in the morning and children's bedroom routines can run much smoother, Sea Pointe notes. With an upgraded bathroom, you can also create a spa-like oasis where you can enjoy much-needed time for self-care and relaxation.

Customizable space

You can also customize a bathroom remodel to your needs. Experts at Crimson Design & Construction suggest adding energy-efficient features like low-flow toilets and water-saving showers to help save money on your monthly energy bills. Increasing safety with brand new fixtures and custom storage are both benefits that can improve your daily life.