Bathroom Remodel · Costs, budgets and timelines · Updated November 2026
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost: Budgets From Refresh to Full Gut
Small bathrooms cost less in total, but not always less per square foot: you still pay for a plumber, a tile setter and fixtures. National ranges put a half bath at $2,000–$10,000 and a full 5×8 bath at $6,000–$15,000.
Three budget levels
| Scope | Typical cost | What usually changes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $2,000–$10,000 | Paint, vanity, toilet, mirror, lighting, faucet; existing tub and tile stay. |
| Full remodel, same layout | $6,000–$15,000 | Everything is replaced; plumbing stays in the same place. |
| Remodel with layout changes | Toward $10,000+ | Moving the toilet, shower or vanity means new drain and supply lines. |
Ranges from our bathroom cost guide.
Where the money goes
| Item | Typical cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Vanity | $300–$3,800 | Product only |
| Toilet | $100–$1,500 | Product only |
| Exhaust fan installation | About $400 | Installed |
| Full demolition | $1,000–$3,000 | Add-on |
| Licensed plumber | $50–$150 per hour | Labor only |
| Permits | $100–$1,000 | Fee |
Tile, the shower or tub, waterproofing and labor make up the rest. In a small room, labor is a large share of the total because each trade still has to make the trip.
Ways to keep a small remodel on budget
- Keep the toilet, sink and shower where they are.
- Use a large-format tile or a prefab shower surround to cut tile labor.
- Pick fixtures before work starts so allowances match what you want.
- Replace the exhaust fan while walls are open; it protects the new finishes from moisture.
- Set aside 10%–20% for hidden water damage, which is common in older bathrooms.
How long it takes
A cosmetic job often takes 2–3 weeks. Projects that move plumbing or change the layout can take up to about 3 months. See our bathroom remodel timeline.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our bathroom remodel cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.