Small Bathroom Remodels

Small bathroom remodels are a great way to add value to your home. But before you start swinging that sledgehammer it’s important to plan out your project.

This DIY bathroom from Domestic Blonde didn’t have much that was wrong with it, but the homeowners wanted a freshening up and a cozier vibe. New beaded-board wainscoting and paint infused the space with style.

Planning

Many homeowners think that remodeling a small bathroom will be quicker, easier and less expensive than a large bath. That may be true if you don’t upgrade plumbing fixtures and you keep the project simple by performing the simplest DIY jobs that won’t blow your budget.

The key to success with any remodel is careful planning. This means taking precise measurements to ensure that the products you buy will fit. It also means using a digital bathroom planner to try out layout options before you spend money on materials or hiring contractors.

One trick to make a small bathroom feel larger is to visually raise the ceiling. This can be accomplished with a simple cosmetic improvement like replacing heavy crown molding with narrower boards painted to match the ceiling. Or it can be as complicated as switching out an in-swing door for a pocket door that won’t bang into furniture and people.

Budget

The cost of a small bathroom remodel depends on two major factors: labor and materials. Contractor costs run from $300 to $500 per day, and material expenses range from simple paint jobs to new flooring.

The type of tile you choose can significantly affect your remodeling costs. Basic vinyl tiles are less expensive than textured marble slabs. Other common choices include ceramic or natural stone.

Consider the timing of your renovation to reduce costs. During summer, many homeowners begin remodeling projects, which increases the availability of workers and materials. It is also important to limit unexpected expenses such as rerouting electrical systems, which requires hiring an electrician.

Investing in a new bathtub or shower and upgrading the cabinets will add value to your home. Less costly upgrades include a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

Design

Small bathrooms offer little wiggle room when it comes to design. Even small changes can make a big difference in how the room feels and functions.

Choosing a light, airy color and smart storage can instantly make a bathroom feel larger. Replacing bulky crown molding with narrower trim painted the same shade of white can visually raise the ceiling, while recessed lighting eliminates the line between wall and ceiling.

Clever wall storage keeps clutter at bay, allowing for an open floor plan and a clean look. Tuck toiletries and hand towels in baskets or jars to add visual interest. Using tile blocks to create a ledge for decorative accents is another easy-on-the-eye design trick. Removing a swinging door and replacing it with a bypass or sliding door is a great improvement for alcove showers too.

Materials

The most costly elements in a small bathroom remodel include bathtub or shower installations, sinks and countertops and new cabinets. More cosmetic touches, like a fresh coat of paint and hardware updates, are less expensive.

To keep costs down, opt for ready-made vanities and counters with built-in cabinets instead of fabricating custom ones. Similarly, skip the high-end backsplash and stick with inexpensive tile for wet areas and use more decorative materials on dry walls and ceilings.

Excessive demolition will drive up the price of a remodel, too, and moving fixtures like a tub or toilet raises labor costs. Adding a skylight, like this one from studioDIAA, can flood a powder room with natural light. These clever design tricks help small bathrooms feel bigger.

Installation

Once homeowners have sourced their materials and hired a contractor, it’s time to get started with the installation process. It’s crucial to follow local construction permit requirements and ensure that all changes to plumbing, electrical wiring or structural elements are approved by a licensed professional.

DIYers can often save on labor costs by tackling demolition and basic installation work themselves, but many projects require specialized knowledge and could lead to expensive mistakes like leaking fixtures or water damage. Hiring a professional to perform these tasks can increase the upfront project cost, but can prevent costly repairs in the future.

Small bathrooms offer a variety of finishing and design options, including heated floors and drawer chargers that add convenience. Inexpensive DIY upgrades like new bathroom mirrors and cabinet knobs also provide a fresh look without the high-end price tag.

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