How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom in 2024?

Like any other part of the house, bathrooms can lose functionality and appeal over time. Expanding the family, an upcoming sale, or a total home makeover are only a few things that can make you zero in on a tiny space you use as a powder room. As its footage is limited, you’ll have to go all out to create an aesthetically pleasing yet functional bathroom. This may be about incorporating ingenious storage solutions and smart layout choices while hindering your bathing space from feeling small and oppressive. 

The cost of renovating a small bathroom can be influenced by multiple factors. Firstly, it hinges on the project’s scope as a simple cosmetic upgrade like wall repainting can run at a lower price than a full-scale renovation. Secondly, high-end and low-end materials are two different stories. On top of that, labor costs can eat up the lion’s share of your budget. It can also be great to add a contingency to your budget for unanticipated expenses. 

How much does it cost to remodel a small bathroom? Your expenses will heavily depend on whether you want only to give your walls a few licks of paint or revamp every nook and cranny of your bathing space with professional assistance. In the latter case, you should be ready to spend between $2,300 and $12,000, with an average cost of $6,250. However, some low-end solutions can set you back $1,200, while high-end ones can cost you $15,700.

The price to renovate a small bathroom

Small Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator

Knowing factors that shape the cost of your soon-to-be refreshed bathroom can help make a realistic budget and eliminate numerous pitfalls. We’ll consider the most influencing aspects you should pay heed to in the first place. Please note that prices can vary across the country as they hinge on the living standards regarding material costs and labor rates.

To discover the ballpark cost to redo a small bathroom in your area, come to MyHomeQuote. We can match you with the best local professionals and ask them to provide custom estimates. You don’t have to pay a penny, so fill in the form below, and you are all set!

The Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel by Bathroom Size

When people picture a small bathroom, they often think about different square footage. Thus, remodeling two tiny bathing spaces can require higher and lower investments based on their exact dimensions. It’s clear that the larger your bathroom is (+5 sq. ft. can already make a difference), the more materials you’ll have to purchase and the more time it’ll take specialists to complete the project. 

The choice of fixtures and finishes also affects the remodel a small bathroom cost. If the space doesn’t offer any flexibility, you may have to shell out on a custom toilet-bidet combination or similar solutions. And most layout changes go along with additional plumbing work that may also cost a pretty penny. 

The price to renovate a small bathroom by size

The Cost of Remodeling a Small Bathroom by Layout

It can be more to a small bathroom layout than meets the eye. While one space can only serve as a powder room and be used occasionally, another can be your daily go-to place for hygiene practices. In each case, the room for implementing your design ideas can diverge, just like your eagerness to spend money. Let’s consider layouts of small bathrooms in more detail.

Half Bathroom/ Powder Room

The main distinctive feature of this layout is an extremely limited space – around 15 sq. ft. – that can only comprise a tiny sink and a toilet. So, it’s essential to select the right size and position of new fixtures during remodeling. Plus, you can come up with practical storage solutions to eliminate clutter and keep the room ready for guests all the time. The average cost of a small bathroom remodel can vary between $1,900 and $3,000.

Full Bathroom 

Whether it’s a master bathroom or one dedicated to your guests to elevate their sleepover experience, it might have a bigger square footage (30-40 sq. ft.), which is enough for a sink, toilet, shower, or bathtub. While all these amenities are a boon, their replacement can cost you a fortune. Add here changing a layout for smoother traffic flow that involves a lot of plumbing and electrical work, and the cost of a small bathroom remodel can be as high as $8,000. But the actual price range starts at $4,000. 

The price to renovate a small bathroom by layout

The Average Small Bathroom Remodeling Cost by Elements

When you stop by a bathroom, chances are your attention is only focused on the most prominent elements like shower, toilet, vanity, and a mirror. But the atmosphere you find yourself in is achieved by a well-thought-out combination of multiple big and small fixtures. Some can be interchangeable or complementary, while others stand solo and can’t be replaced. Thus, when calculating how much to remodel a small bathroom, it is necessary to consider what elements you are about to install. 

Bathtub

If you dream of soaking in a hot bubble bath after a long day, a total bathroom makeover can be a stunning excuse, provided you have enough space. Depending on the type of tub, its quality, and installation complexity, it can set you back from $900 to $7,000.

Shower

Whether for an active lifestyle or mobility issues, a shower (especially a walk-in one) is the best bet. While a prefab model can run at $500 on average, a custom alternative can cost you around $7,800. 

Toilet

If it has been long since your last bathroom remodel, upgrading a toilet can be a smart move, as you can skyrocket the functionality and ensure a new fixture matches the new interior. Based on the design (the sleek modern or classic one), the small bathroom remodel cost can increase by $200 to $700. 

Sink

For a limited space, it’s crucial to install a sink that can boast both style and enhanced practicability. The cost of popular porcelain options lands between $85 to $380, while premium alternatives like vessel sinks can set you back between $300 and $1,000+.

Countertop

The material you go for is the most significant price-shaping factor. Laminated options won’t dramatically affect the average small bathroom remodel cost, as you can pay about $24 per sq. ft. But the price of high-end counterparts like stone or quartz can fall between $70 and $127. 

Cabinets 

To wave bye to clogged countertops and make your renewed bathroom look cleaner and more organized, you can go for freestanding or wall-mounted cabinets. Depending on whether they are off-the-shelf or custom-made, the average cost to remodel a small bathroom can change. You should be ready to spend between $480 to $1,150 per linear foot. 

Vanity

As an all-in-one element that includes the sink, countertop, and even some storage space, a vanity can be a great solution. Stock models can cost from $200 to $700, while bespoke ones can run at $4,700+, making the small bathroom renovation costs overwhelming.

Mirror

When discussing elements that it’s hard to imagine a bathroom without, a mirror immediately springs to mind. In a hardware store, standard models can be purchased for as little as $55 to $110. But you can fork out $170+ for tailored-made ones.  

Light Fixtures 

Lighting can make your bathroom design project a success story or a failure. Depending on the type and brand, new fixtures can cost between $50 and $300, excluding the electrical work required. 

The price to renovate a small bathroom by elements

Additional Factors Affecting the Small Bathroom Renovation Cost

Seven times out of ten, a bathroom renovation project makes for a substantial investment that goes beyond covering material and labor costs. You may have to deal with various secondary factors that can significantly affect the answer to “How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?”. That’s why it’s worth considering them when making the budget for your dream bathing space. 

If calculating feels like rocket science, stop torturing yourself, as there is a simpler and faster way to get things done. The MyHomeQuote platform is where you can receive up to five bespoke quotes from licensed specialists in your area. Input your information in the form below to kickstart the process.

Permits

The scope of your bathroom renovation determines whether you need to get specific permits from your local authorities. If you are about to move electrical or plumbing fixtures or do a total overhaul, you can’t skip this step. You can fork up from $150 to $250 or 5% of the average cost to remodel a small bathroom. The tried-and-true way to discover the exact sum is to consult your contractor.

Demolition

Many homeowners overlook this stage of total bathroom makeover, even though it makes for a cornerstone of the whole project. Changing the layout, flooring, or tiles requires demolition. If you have a 30-square-foot bathroom, you may pay about $750, including removal and disposal services.

Structural Engineering

If you are going to remove walls or change the bathroom layout to get more space, you have to hire an experienced structural engineer to ensure the space’s structural integrity. They know the building codes and regulations, meaning you can minimize the risk of after-remodel issues and fees. However, you’ll have to add from $330 to $700 to the total cost to redo a small bathroom.

Interior Design

Recreating a favorite Pinterest picture doesn’t always work out in real life, especially if you don’t have an eye for design and can’t make the required adjustments on the go. But, an experienced specialist can help define your style and put every inch of the space to good use. Based on their reputation, interior designers can charge $45 to $220 per hour. 

Plumbing

The overall cost to remodel a small bathroom can skyrocket if plumbing alterations are required. If you are not a certified plumber, you need to hire an expert to ensure compliance with building codes and keep potential issues at bay. Remember that leaks and other problems encountered during the renovation can also affect the cost. Thus, you can spend anywhere between $900 and $2,000.

Electrical Wiring 

Bathroom renovation plans that include adding new lighting fixtures or electrical outlets or handles have a higher price, as professional services are needed. Replacing outdated wiring can also significantly add to the average cost of a small bathroom remodel. The hourly rate of licensed electricians is between $45 and $100.  

Removal and Disposal

If you want your contractor to include these services in the quote, send them a request like, “How much does it cost to redo a small bathroom, including removal and disposal?” Or you can undertake this task by renting a dumpster and paying from $235 to $640.

The price of additional services

Labor Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom

Hiring a knowledgeable and seasoned bathroom contractor is another to-do item to tick off for homeowners. Such specialists may have flat rates – $290 to $520 per day or charge about 15% of the total makeover budget, give or take. Thus, it can be tricky to determine how much to renovate a small bathroom in your area. 

When selecting a contractor, it can be tempting to hire one with the most affordable rates. But you can end up paying more in the long run if you overlook their experience and qualifications. Don’t have time to check all this stuff? Delegate this task to MyHomeQuote by filling out the questionnaire below.