What’s a Realistic Budget for a Small Bathroom Remodel?
Picture a 5×8 hall bathroom with a tub-shower combo, a single vanity, and original 1990s tile. That’s the most common small bathroom Emerald House sees walk in the door, and a full remodel of that exact layout typically lands between $12,000 and $25,000. A powder room refresh with no plumbing changes can come in under $8,000.
What separates a $10,000 bathroom from a $25,000 bathroom?
Plumbing location is the biggest swing factor. Keeping the tub, toilet, and sink in their current spots keeps costs down because you avoid rerouting supply and drain lines. Moving a shower to a new wall, or converting a tub to a walk-in shower, adds plumbing labor and often a new subfloor.
What does the budget typically break down into?
| Category | Typical Share of Budget | Approx. Cost (on $18,000 project) |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (plumbing/electrical/install) | 45-55% | $8,100 – $9,900 |
| Tile, tub/shower, vanity | 25-30% | $4,500 – $5,400 |
| Fixtures and lighting | 10-15% | $1,800 – $2,700 |
| Contingency | 10% | $1,800 |
On an $18,000 project, labor runs $8,100 to $9,900, materials $4,500 to $5,400, fixtures $1,800 to $2,700, with a $1,800 contingency held back, the same figures shown above.
Why should I set aside a contingency at all?
Small bathrooms are old bathrooms more often than not, and opening a wall in a home built before 2000 can reveal outdated plumbing or water damage nobody knew was there. A 10% contingency isn’t padding, it’s what keeps a surprise from turning into a stalled project.
How do I keep a small bathroom remodel on budget?
Keep the footprint and plumbing locations the same, choose one splurge item, usually tile or the vanity, and standard-grade everything else, and get your in-home consultation before you fall in love with finishes that don’t fit the number.
Curious what your bathroom would actually run? Emerald House offers full bathroom remodel design and project management from concept to final walkthrough, reach out here to get started.