Renovate Small Bathroom

Ideas, costs, tips and plans - the information you need for a successful Small Bathroom Renovation project

December 2021

Homeowners have many important questions about their Small Bathroom Renovation Project. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What problem areas do I need to watch out for? Can I recover my Small Bathroom Renovation investment when I sell? Can I do some of the work myself? What can I do to make sure that the work is done right?

Costs, materials and best practices for the example Small Bathroom Renovation project will help you answer these questions. Use this information to develop a budget, bid requirements, hiring contracts and a project plan.

Small Bathroom Renovation - Project Overview

The approximate costs and value of a typical Small Bathroom Renovation project are summarized below. Use higher estimates for larger metropolitan areas and the lower estimates where home prices are below the national average. Adjust costs for substitutions or refinements in the last section. For size differences of up to 25%, scale total costs in direct proportion to the size of your project. Use the adjusted costs as a basis for setting a material budget and for comparing contractor bids (if you choose to have a professional perform the work).

Project descriptionRefinish cabinet doors, cabinet frames and moldings. Replace tile surround and floor. Paint walls. Refinish bathtub and sink. Update plumbing fixtures. Use renovation grade materials and above average finishing detail.
Project size45 square feet
Material and labor cost$10,287 - $12,002
Material cost$6,197 - $7,229
Do-it-yourself assessmentThe typical Small Bathroom Renovation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Small Bathroom Renovation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home.
First year Return on Investment - ROIResults vary widely and can be affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Small Bathroom Renovation project in an appropriate neighborhood can return 93% or more of its initial cost.
First year Return on Investment - ROIReturns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Small Bathroom Renovation project in an appropriate neighborhood can return as much as 77% - 91% of its initial cost.
Green ratingSmall Bathroom Renovation projects can incorporate renewable or sustainable resources and environmentally friendly materials.

Small Bathroom Renovation - Project Plan and Details

The following list includes major work tasks commonly performed during Small Bathroom Renovation. Use this list to understand the timing and sequence of different steps in the Small Bathroom Renovation project. Click any Task name for a complete written specifications, FAQs and quality checklist for the task - this essential information will help you control Small Bathroom Renovation project cost and quality.

Do you expect to spend more than $250 on your Small Bathroom Renovation project? If so, it is important create and manage a detailed plan for all project activities.

TaskService ProviderTimeDifficultyBasic Cost Range
Develop Project BudgetGeneral Contractor2 to 15 d$193 - $322
Specify MaterialsInterior Designer2 to 15 d$258 - $431
Specify FinishesInterior Designer1 to 2 d$774 - $1,293
Remove Bathroom TileDemolition Laborer1 d$1.35 - $2.25 per square foot
Install Bathtub FaucetPlumber1 d$478 - $828
Repair Wall DamageDrywall and Plaster Contractor1 to 2 d$201 - $340
Refinish Bathroom CabinetsPainting Contractor2 to 4 d$10.80 - $18.24 per square foot
Install Mortar BedTile Contractor1 d$7.10 - $12.10 per square foot
Install Tile FloorTile Contractor1 d$13.55 - $23.13 per square foot
Install Bathtub TileTile Contractor1 d$20.59 - $35.79 per square foot
Install Bathroom VanityFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d$435 - $788
Install Quartz CountertopTrim Carpenter6 d$101 - $183 per square foot
Install MirrorsGlazing Contractor1 to 2 d$13.26 - $23.66 per square foot
Install Bathroom FanElectrician1 to 2 d$517 - $876
Install Wall Mounted LightingElectrician1 to 3 d$452 - $795
Replace Bathroom FanElectrician1 to 2 d$222 - $379
Install GFCI OutletElectrician1 d$229 - $393 per outlet
Replace Bathroom FaucetPlumber1 d$277 - $476
RegroutTile Contractor1 to 2 d$20.23 - $33.83 per square foot
Replace Tub FaucetPlumber1 d$744 - $1,277

Small Bathroom Renovation - Proven Ideas and Project Tips

Review these tips, design suggestions, options and lessons learned before finalizing your Small Bathroom Renovation project plan.

  • To maximize return on the Small Bathroom Renovation project, limit cost to no more than 4.5% of home's total, post project value
  • For best resale value, select a taste neutral design for your Small Bathroom Renovation
  • For best home resale value, follow a consistent design and decorating theme throughout the home
  • For best resale value, select components, appliances, finishes and fixtures of comparable quality
  • Mount hardware and accessories on back of door to make best use of space in a small room
  • Minimize the number of design elements and different decorating colors to make a small space appear larger
  • Install electrical receptacles inside cabinet where electrical devices are stored
  • Choose wall mounted elements with narrow depth to maximize spaciousness in a small room
  • Decorate with light color shades to make a small room appear larger
  • Use furniture, fixtures and accessories scaled appropriately to the room size

Hiring Local Professionals

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