In many modern homes, we often get to see a 5×8 bathroom layout bathroom. If you have such a bathroom in your home, you might have wondered about small bathroom remodel costs at some point. After all, if you renovate the bathroom to improve its aesthetics and functionality, it can also increase your home’s resale value.
The average small bathroom remodeling cost is around $6,500 to $10,000. Whether you want to go for a full-scale remodel or a minor one, you need to understand the different aspects of a bathroom remodel and its costs to develop the right remodeling budget.
Why Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?
Before we discuss small bathroom remodel costs, we should try to learn why people have issues with small bathrooms. As you likely have guessed already, the main problem here is the lack of space. Most small bathrooms comprise a toilet, tub, and standard single vanity crammed into a tiny space. For this reason, it can be quite uncomfortable and suffocating.
However, with the right small bathroom remodel ideas, you can make the most of your space easily. In order to do so, you need to plan your budget the right way and make the right decisions during the bathroom remodeling process.
The Average Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel
According to HomeAdvisor, the average national cost of remodeling a small bathroom is about $6,500. Depending on your remodeling needs, this amount can be higher or lower.
Bathroom remodeling experts point out that labor costs remain more or less the same for most projects. What makes a significant difference is the cost of the materials used.
Given below is a rough estimate of the individual costs of the most prominent elements of your renovation project. These factors will influence the total cost of your bathroom remodeling project and help you plan your budget.
Flooring
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of purchasing and installing tiles in a small bathroom is about $450 to $500. Remodeling on a budget? You can save a surprising amount of money (around $250) by using luxury vinyl plank flooring.
When it comes to installing tile, labor costs can be notably high. You can save more money by choosing standard bathroom flooring designs instead of elaborate ones.
Countertop/Sink/Vanity
Purchasing and installing a bathroom vanity unit, with the countertop and sink included, will cost you around $800. You can also purchase a reasonably good unit for as little as $500 to $600 if you choose a small bathroom vanity. On the other hand, you might also have to pay about $1,000 or more for a double bathroom vanity.
Sink Faucet
You will have to pay around $150 for purchasing a medium-quality sink faucet. If we consider the plumber’s installation charges as well, you may end up paying an additional price of $50 to $160, depending on the amount of work you need to get done.
Consequently, depending on the kind of materials you decide to buy, you should try keeping aside about $300 for this bathroom remodeling step.
Shower Fixtures
For a good quality shower head and faucet combo, you will have to pay around $100 to $200. You could consider going for water-shaving, rainfall, or handheld showerheads. Keep in mind that some showerheads are optimized for handling water pressure more efficiently.
The bigger ones, for instance, are attractive but will spread out the water over a large area. Apart from this, you will have to pay labor costs of around $300 as well to install bigger showerheads.
Bath Accessories
You might have to pay up around $100 to $200 for your towel holder, toilet paper holder, and towel bar, inclusive of labor and materials costs. If you purchase a set online and opt for a DIY approach, your budget will be around $100.
Regardless of the cost, you must ensure that you attach them to the studs and properly upgrade the anchors. The ones that are included with them are composed of plastic and do not hold up well over time.
Toilet
You will be able to buy a decent toilet for $100 and a superior variety for about $300 to $400. You should consider keeping aside a budget of about $200 for your toilet itself and an extra $100 for installation charges.
Shower and Tub
Adding a new tub or shower is one of the most important factors influencing small bathroom remodel costs. You can get a pretty decent fiberglass unit for around $300 to $500.
If you can afford it, you can go for a customized shower remodel as well. For instance, a tile shower with a bench seat and niche included will cost you around $3,000 to $3,500.
Layout Changes and Plumbing
You will also incur higher small bathroom remodel costs if you choose to change your bathroom layout. On average, that can cost you around $1,800 to $2,000.
This price includes big changes in your bathroom’s functionality. For instance, if you turn your tub into a shower or replace a Jacuzzi tub with a more demure freestanding tub.
How to Save Money on Small Bathroom Remodeling?
Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. There are many ways for you to save on small bathroom remodel costs. For example, you can carry out the demolition work in your bathroom yourself.
Accordingly, you will save up on the labor costs, which usually range from $350 to $910. You can also choose to reglaze your bathtub instead of replacing it outright. Reglazing your bathtub costs around $395 to $450, which is comparable to the national average of $460.
The most important point of all is to make the right decisions. For example, you do not need to demolish the entire bathroom unless absolutely required. If your bathroom’s flooring is in good condition, you should leave them as is and focus on other aspects.
Similarly, you should strike a balance between design and functionality. You will have to pay a much higher cost for replacing the vanity or adding a trendy mirror with new hardware and lights. Instead, try just to keep it all simple and make sure that you pay due attention to your bathroom’s functionality, especially if you’re remodeling your bathroom on a budget.
