How Much Does a Small Bathroom Remodel Cost?

A small bathroom remodel can have a big impact—not just on the look and feel of your home, but also on your budget. Whether you're looking for a fresh update or a full transformation, understanding the real costs behind each decision is crucial.

At JSB Home Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners navigate bathroom remodels by offering transparent pricing and high-quality, low-maintenance solutions. Our goal is to give you a realistic breakdown of costs so you can make informed decisions about your project. In fact, we have an entire page dedicated to bathroom remodel costs and you can also get an instant estimate for your bathroom project using our pricing tool.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where your money goes, how to choose the best materials for your budget, and how to save while still getting a beautiful, functional bathroom.

Table of Contents:

• What is the Average Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel?
• How Much Should a Small Bathroom Remodel Cost by Category?
• How Can I Reduce the Cost of Remodeling a Small Bathroom?

What is the Average Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel?

Before diving into the details, let’s look at the overall cost range for small bathroom remodels (35-50 sq. ft.). These bathrooms are most commonly 5x7, 5x8, or 5x10. Pricing depends on material choices, labor, and whether you’re making structural changes.

💡 When is each option a good fit?

• A budget remodel is great if you just need cosmetic changes like new paint, flooring, or fixtures.
• A mid-range remodel is ideal for upgrading key features like the shower, vanity, and lighting.
• A high-end remodel is best if you want custom materials, expanded layouts, or luxury finishes.

🔧 Pro Tip: When planning your bathroom remodel, identify your project goals first. Do you want to fix worn-out materials? Do you want your bathroom to be more accessible? Do you need more storage? Do you want to treat yourself to an updated spa-like retreat? This will help you decide which level of remodel will help you achieve those goals most efficiently.

How Much Should a Small Bathroom Remodel Cost by Category?

Many factors will affect the cost of your bathroom remodel. In this section, you'll find specific costs for many of the selections that you'll make during your design phase to help you know which choices have the most impact on the cost of your project.

Bathroom Remodel Shower & Bathtub Options

Your shower or bathtub is often the centerpiece of your bathroom, and upgrading it can drastically improve both functionality and style. The right material for your shower walls will determine maintenance requirements, durability, and cost. If you’re debating whether to keep your bathtub or convert it into a walk-in shower, there are several factors to consider.

💡 Which option is best for you?

• Acrylic shower walls are great for homeowners who want a budget-friendly, low-maintenance solution.
• Solid-surface walls are ideal for those looking for a sleek, grout-free look with minimal upkeep.
• Tile showers allow for a custom design but require more maintenance due to grout lines.
• Bathtub replacements are a good choice if you love soaking baths but want a modern upgrade—learn more in our article: How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tub/Shower Combo?
• Tub-to-shower conversions are perfect for homeowners who want a more accessible, spacious shower area—read our guide: Can I Replace My Tub/Shower Combo with a Walk-In Shower?

🔧 Pro Tip: Not sure which shower wall material is best? We compare tile, solid-surface, and acrylic options to help you choose the right one—check out our Shower Wall Material Comparison Guide.

Bathroom Remodel Flooring Selections

The right flooring balances durability, water resistance, and aesthetics. Some options are more affordable and easier to maintain than others.

💡 Which flooring should you choose?

• Vinyl plank is the best budget-friendly option with a realistic tile or wood look.
• Ceramic tile works well for traditional bathrooms, but grout needs maintenance.
• Porcelain tile is high-end, durable, and water-resistant, perfect for luxury remodels.

🔧 Pro Tip: We find that Laminate Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Laminate Vinyl Tile (LVT) are favorites among homeowners. They are budget-friendly and warmer than ceramic and porcelain tiles, a welcome touch first thing in the morning as you are preparing for your day!

Bathroom Remodel: Shower Curtain vs. Glass Door

A shower door or curtain affects the look, functionality, and cost of your remodel.

💡 Which option is best?

• A shower curtain is the most affordable and easiest to replace.
• A framed glass door is durable and budget-friendly.
• A frameless door gives a high-end look but costs more.

🔧 Pro Tip: Choose a Shower Curtain or framed glass door in bathrooms that are primarily used by kids. They are better at keeping water inside the tub or shower and hold up better to the wear and tear of busy kiddos!

Bathroom Vanity & Sink Choices

Your vanity is one of the most functional and stylish elements of your bathroom. The right choice can provide storage, durability, and a modern aesthetic. Vanities range from affordable prefabricated models to fully custom-built designs, each with its own benefits.

💡 Which vanity is best for you?

• Stock vanities are a great budget-friendly choice with simple designs and quick installation.
• Semi-custom vanities allow for more material and size options, making them ideal for homeowners who want a balance between customization and cost.
• Custom vanities are perfect for those who need special sizing, unique materials, or a completely personalized design.

🔧 Pro Tip: Semi-custom vanities are a popular choice since they offer more design flexibility than stock vanities but offer more value for your money than custom vanities.

Bathroom Fixtures & Hardware

The right fixtures and hardware can elevate your bathroom’s style and functionality. Whether you're updating faucets, showerheads, or lighting, the material and finish you choose can significantly impact both cost and durability. Upgrading fixtures is one of the easiest ways to modernize your bathroom without a major renovation.

💡 Which fixtures are best for you?

• Basic fixtures are ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want reliable function without extra features.
• Mid-range options offer better materials, stylish finishes, and enhanced water efficiency.
• Luxury fixtures provide high-end finishes, smart technology, and customizable water pressure and lighting.

🔧 Pro Tip: Fixtures come in "collections" which means that your faucet, showerhead, lights, towel bars, toilet paper holders, etc. can all be the same style. However, most home improvement stores don't stock the entire collection so it's harder to find a complete set of bathroom fixtures that complement each other.

Toilet Upgrade

Upgrading your toilet may not be the most exciting part of a bathroom remodel, but it can make a big difference in water efficiency, comfort, and overall functionality. Modern toilets come in a variety of styles, with options that reduce water usage, improve flushing power, and even add smart features.

💡 Which toilet is best for you?

• Standard toilets are great for homeowners who want an affordable, no-frills option with reliable performance.
• High-efficiency toilets help reduce water usage, making them a smart investment for long-term savings on utility bills.

🔧 Pro Tip: One way to save a little bit of money on a bathroom remodel is to not replace your toilet. If it is in good shape, works well, and is easy to clean, just have your contractor remove it during construction (if you are replacing the floor) and reinstall it when they are done.

Small Bathroom Remodel Labor Costs

Here's the deal. Labor during a bathroom remodel makes up a big chunk of the project cost. It also comes with a lot of benefits like professional installation, manufacturer and contractor warranties, and time saved compared to a DIY project. There are several questions to ask if you are considering a DIY bathroom remodel before you start swinging a sledgehammer. If you are hiring a contractor, here's what you can expect.

🔧 Pro Tip: Hiring a general contractor typically means that you don't have to be responsible for managing any sub contractors like plumbers or electricians. That should all be accounted for by your general contractor.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Remodeling a Small Bathroom?

A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are strategic ways to reduce bathroom remodel costs while still achieving a high-quality transformation.

Prioritize Key Upgrades

Instead of overhauling everything, focus on what truly needs updating. For example, if your shower is outdated but the vanity is in good shape, put your budget towards a shower remodel first.

💡JSB Tip: We help homeowners identify the most cost-effective upgrades so they can maximize their budget without unnecessary expenses.

Choose Smart, Budget-Friendly Materials

You don’t have to splurge on expensive tile or custom cabinetry to get a great-looking bathroom. Materials like solid-surface shower walls and vinyl plank flooring offer durability and style at a fraction of the cost.

💡 JSB Tip: We recommend high-quality alternatives to expensive materials that provide the same look without the maintenance hassles.

Consider a Wet Space-Only Remodel

If your main concern is a worn-out shower or tub, a wet space remodel focuses only on the shower area, giving you the biggest impact for the lowest cost. Check out the costs to renovate a tub or shower only on our pricing page.

💡 JSB Tip: Our shower replacement services take about 3 days and allow homeowners to upgrade their wet space quickly while avoiding the high cost of a full remodel.

How do You Remodel a Small Bathroom on a Budget?

A small bathroom remodel can range from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on materials, labor, and project scope. Understanding where your money goes allows you to make smarter decisions and avoid overspending.

To start planning your small bathroom remodel, follow these steps:

1. Identify your project goals and make a list of your must haves. Also make a list of anything that would be nice to have but isn't a deal breaker for your project to move forward.
2. Determine your budget based on doing some research on bathroom remodel costs and finding financing options.
3. Start interviewing contractors to find the right one for your project. You can use our free Company Comparison Guide to help you ask the most important questions and see what information each company should be able to provide.
4. Look at completed bathroom projects for inspiration for your remodel!

At JSB Home Solutions, we help homeowners create beautiful, functional bathrooms with high-quality, low-maintenance materials. Whether you need a full remodel or a simple shower upgrade, our team is ready to guide you through the process.

Ready to start your bathroom remodel? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s design a bathroom that fits your style and budget!