Meta Description: An extensive guide with tips and advice on how to remodel a small bathroom on a budget. Learn how to plan, design, and execute a bathroom remodel project to maximize space and functionality.
Remodeling a small bathroom can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be an achievable project even on a limited budget. The key is having realistic expectations about what can be accomplished in a modest space and focusing on high-impact changes that give you the most bang for your buck. Follow this comprehensive guide for tips and ideas on how to makeover your small bathroom into a fresh, modern, and functional space you’ll love.
Assessing Your Small Bathroom and Setting Goals
Before diving into a remodel, take time to thoroughly evaluate your existing small bathroom. Identify what you like about the space, as well as problem areas you want to improve. Consider the following:
- Space and layout – Is the space poorly configured? Could you rearrange fixtures to open up the room?
- Storage – Is there enough built-in storage? Add more with a new vanity, medicine cabinet, or shelving.
- Plumbing – Do fixtures work properly or need updating? This impacts your budget.
- Ventilation – Does the room get humid? Add a fan if missing.
- Lighting – Is the room dark? Add more lighting. Natural light is best if possible.
- Flooring – Old floors can be refinished or replaced affordably.
- Walls – Paint and new tile can refresh walls affordably.
Once you’ve assessed your bathroom’s opportunities and challenges, establish clear goals for the remodel. Pare down to must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Key goals may include:
- Gain more floor space by rearranging fixtures.
- Update surfaces like floors, walls, countertops.
- Improve storage for towels and toiletries.
- Upgrade plumbing, ventilation, lighting.
- Create a fresh, appealing aesthetic.
Remember, you don’t have to overhaul everything. Even modest changes can make a dramatic difference. Focus on the most important goals to avoid going over budget.
Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
Careful planning is crucial when remodeling a small bathroom. It will help you realize your goals affordably and minimize costly surprises down the road.
Map Out the Layout
One of the best ways to stretch a small bathroom is to optimize the layout. Evaluate different configurations of the major fixtures – sink, toilet, tub/shower. Avoid boxing these elements along one wall, which restricts space. Angling fixtures or placing some on opposing walls can open up floor area.
If relocating plumbing fixtures, consult local building codes for minimum clearances and plan accordingly. Draw your existing layout to scale, then experiment with new layouts on paper first.
Select Fixtures and Finishes
When selecting plumbing fixtures, storage, surfaces, and materials for a small bathroom remodel, keep these tips in mind:
- Compact fixtures: Choose narrower/smaller toilets, vanities, and tubs to maximize space.
- Shallow storage: Replace a standard depth vanity with a shallower floating vanity to gain inches.
- Multifunctional furniture: Use furnishings like a sink console under a window that provides storage and surface space.
- Mirrored cabinetry: Add mirrors to vanity and medicine cabinets to visually enlarge the room.
- Lighter colors: Use light, bright hues on surfaces and paint to open up the space.
- Glass/mirror walls: Swap shower curtains for glass doors to gain a sleeker look.
- Glass tiles: Use glass mosaic tiles instead of solid tiles to create a sense of openness.
Create a Budget
Cost out all aspects of your bathroom remodel using online calculators and expertise from contractors. Factor in:
- Plumbing fixture replacement/relocation
- Wall and floor surfacing
- New vanity, lighting, ventilation
- Labor
- Contingency (add extra cushion to the budget for unexpected costs)
Prioritize must-haves first in your budget. Compromise on nice-to-haves if needed to avoid blowing your budget.
Designing Your Ideal Small Bathroom Space
The design should enhance functionality and flow within the limited square footage. Research small bathroom ideas online for inspiration, but choose elements that serve your goals, taste, and budget.
Maximize Natural Light
Make the most of natural light sources like windows and skylights with design choices like:
- Paint colors – Use light wall colors to maximize brightness.
- Mirrored surfaces – Strategically place mirrors to reflect and amplify natural light.
- Clear glass shower doors – Avoid solid shower curtains that block light.
- Glass tiles – Illuminate walls and shower enclosures with glass mosaic tile.
Create Visual Spaciousness
Design choices can trick the eye into perceiving a small bathroom as more expansive:
- Convert tubs to showers – Recoup floor space by eliminating tubs in tiny baths.
- Install pocket doors – Pocket doors for the bathroom entrance maximize floor space.
- Mount corner shelves – Install shelves vertically in corners to maintain openness.
- Raise vanity off the floor – A floating vanity adds lightness to the room.
- Extend tile work – Take wall tiles from shower to ceiling for a taller look.
Boost Storage
Smart storage is critical for keeping small bathrooms organized. Creative solutions include:
- Built-in wall niches – Use wall space for recessed shelving and vertical storage.
- Under-sink drawers – Maximize vanity storage with drawer stacks.
- Over toilet shelves – Install shelves over tank for towels and toiletries.
- Mirrored cabinets – Hang mirrored cabinets to conceal storage.
- Curbless showers – Build in benches and shelving in modern curbless showers.
Remodeling Your Small Bathroom
With thorough planning and design completed, now the fun part begins – the remodel itself. Follow these best practices during the renovation process:
Hire the Right Contractor
Find a contractor experienced in small bathroom renovations. Get referrals and review their previous project photos. Ensure they pull all required permits. Agree on a detailed contract covering costs, timeline, contingencies, and clean up.
Demolition Day
The contractor will gut the bathroom, removing cabinetry, fixtures, tile, and other materials down to the studs. This prep allows you to inspect and repair subsurface plumbing, walls, ventilation, wiring etc.
Plumbing and Ventilation
With walls exposed, it’s ideal to update old drain pipes and water supply lines. Adding an exhaust fan is also easiest during this demolition phase if your bathroom lacks proper ventilation.
Surface Installation
Installation of new surfaces is next – shower/tub, tile, paint, flooring. Using waterproof underlayment beneath surfaces can prevent leaks. Take progress photos for memories and troubleshooting.
Fixtures and Finishes
The fun phase of installing new vanities, toilets, faucets, lights, and other fixtures! Use plumbers putty and caulk for airtight seal around sinks and faucets. Keep extra tile for future repairs.
Final Touches
Finally, all that’s left is cleaning, sealing surfaces like grout, caulking edges, hanging mirrors, and enjoying your fresh, functional new small bathroom!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
The average cost to remodel a small 5×7 bathroom is $5,000-$15,000, with most homeowners spending $10,000-$12,000 to complete a top-to-bottom update. Higher costs are incurred for extensive layout changes, plumbing work, tile, and material upgrades.
What is the best layout for a small bathroom?
The most space efficient small bathroom layouts angle fixtures along adjacent walls instead of lining them up along one wall. This allows for better traffic flow. Place fixtures in close proximity to plumbing lines.
What upgrades provide the best return on investment?
Upgraded surfaces like tile and countertops, improved lighting and ventilation, and converted tub to shower provide excellent ROI. Cosmetic facelifts with paint, fixtures, and décor can also recoup 50-70% at resale.
Should I remodel in stages or all at once?
If budget allows, doing all renovations at once causes less disruption long-term. However, a phased approach can spread out costs, allowing you to prioritize urgent fixes first, then tackle niceties later.
How do I add storage to my small bathroom?
Creative storage solutions for small bathrooms include narrow floating shelves, under-sink drawer organizers, corner shelves, medicine cabinets with mirrors, over toilet shelves, curbless shower benches, and freestanding furnishings that provide concealed storage.
Conclusion
Remodeling a cramped or outdated small bathroom can be an overwhelming prospect. By realistically assessing your needs, setting priorities, budgeting wisely, and focusing on space-saving solutions, you can successfully gain a fresh, organized bathroom that maximizes every inch. Seek inspiration from small bath designs, but choose elements that work for your existing layout, lifestyle and budget. With good planning and expert help, you can enjoy an affordable, functional bath sanctuary.