Small Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors
The size of your space and labor prices matter but so do smaller items like obtaining the necessary permits. Learn about all of the bathroom remodel cost factors below.
Size
Most small full bathrooms measure about 40 square feet, so even 10 or 20 extra square feet will drive up the cost of your small bathroom remodel. For example, if you’re expanding and adding new tile to the space, you’ll need to factor in these prices. You may opt to just enhance old tile for some remodels and use your fixed budget on other items.
Labor
Out of your total cost to redo a small bathroom, 40% to 60% will go toward labor. The cost of labor varies regionally. Tile installation and plumbing repairs or replacements will likely require the most labor. If you decide to change the layout of your bathroom, like moving a shower or toilet, you’ll pay more for relocating plumbing fixtures.
Location
Remodeling a small bathroom typically costs up to $6,500, which is slightly lower than the cost of renovating an average-sized bathroom. Where you live, though, could impact the price you pay. In Los Angeles, for example, you might pay $18,000 for a job you could do for $14,000 or less in a different state.
Design Choices
If you have a high-end primary bath, try matching the look and feel in other bathrooms throughout the home. A unifying design is easier to sell. If you're unsure what to do with the second bath, hire an interior designer. They can often help get a unifying look while remodeling a small bathroom on a budget.
Permits
In some states, such as California, you must obtain a builder's permit before any demolition or significant remodeling can start in your bathroom. Check fees with your local state or county to get a good idea of the cost.
Bathroom Layout (Gutting and Demo)
Demolition costs between $1,000 and $2,300 for a small bath. It requires no specialized tools but does require some knowledge of demolition basics. Understanding how to remove a wall without damaging electrical wires or plumbing is a priority before starting a DIY demo. If you're unsure, contact a pro; a proper demo is about more than swinging a hammer.
Remodeling a Small Bathroom on a Budget
Here are some tips for spreading your budget as far as possible to remodel your small bathroom.
Opt for Inexpensive Materials
Vinyl, porcelain, and laminate are all common in bathrooms for a reason—they do the job they're designed for and last for many years at a budget-friendly price point. See where you can cut costs by opting for functional materials, such as installing more affordable countertops. As with any remodel, but especially in bathroom remodels, the finishes you choose will have an enormous effect on the final cost of the remodel.
Do the Demo Yourself
You can save thousands if you’re willing to do the demo work yourself. However, make sure you understand how to demo a wall without wreaking havoc on your electrical and plumbing.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, a hat, and a respirator. Ceramic tile is sharp, and breathing the tile dust is unhealthy. If your home was built before 1978, get a lead and asbestos test. A lead test costs about $325,and an asbestos test costs about $500.
Avoid Labor Intensive Materials
Materials that require hours of installation, like heavy stone or quartz countertops, will drive up labor costs. Since labor can run anywhere from $50 to $110 per hour for a licensed, bonded pro, you could save hundreds—if not thousands—by avoiding labor-intensive materials.
Don’t Change the Layout
Excessive demolition will only increase the final price you pay to remodel your small bathroom, so you may want to think twice before drastically changing the layout. Additionally, moving the shower or toilet will result in higher costs because your pro will have to move the plumbing.