Cost guide · Bathroom
How Much Does a Small Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026?
A small bathroom remodel runs about $3,000 for a refresh to $18,000 or more for a full gut. 2026 costs for half baths and small full baths, by size and scope.
By the KitchenBathEstimates editorial team Published 7 min read
A small bathroom remodel typically costs about $3,000 to $18,000, according to This Old House's 2026 guide: $3,000 to $8,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $8,000 to $18,000 for a mid-range update with new tile and fixtures, and more than $18,000 for a full renovation that moves plumbing or changes the layout. Half baths usually come in lower because there's no tub or shower; Fixr puts powder room remodels at $1,200 to $15,000. Homeowners who did a major remodel of a primary bath under 100 square feet reported median spending of $18,000 in 2025, according to Houzz.
Small rooms cost less in total, but they still need most of the same trades as a big bathroom: a plumber, often an electrician, waterproofing and tile work. This Old House describes labor as roughly half of total project costs, so the scope you choose matters more than the size of the room.
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost by Scope
The biggest decision is how far you go: a cosmetic refresh, a standard remodel that replaces the major pieces, or a full gut.
| Scope | National cost | What it usually covers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | $3,000–$8,000 | Paint, lighting, fixtures, vanity replacement, minimal layout changes | This Old House |
| Minor or cosmetic | $2,400–$10,000 | Surface updates with no layout changes | Fixr |
| Mid-range update | $8,000–$18,000 | New fixtures, flooring, tile and vanity, limited plumbing or electrical work | This Old House |
| Partial remodel | $6,000–$25,000 | Some fixtures and finishes replaced | Fixr |
| Full gut | $9,000–$30,000+ | Everything replaced down to the studs | Fixr |
| Premium renovation | $18,000+ | Custom tile, premium fixtures, layout changes, plumbing relocation | This Old House |
For a fully specified example, the 2025 Cost vs. Value report prices a midrange remodel of a 5-by-7-foot bath at $26,138. That project replaces every fixture: a new tub with a ceramic tile surround, a new toilet, a vanity with a solid-surface top, a recessed medicine cabinet and a ceramic tile floor.
Cost by Bathroom Size
Here's what national sources estimate for common small-bath footprints.
| Bathroom size | This Old House estimate | Fixr range |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 6 ft (30 sq ft) | $11,900–$15,100 | Not listed |
| 5 x 7 ft (35 sq ft) | Not listed | $2,450–$14,000 |
| 6 x 6 ft (36 sq ft) | $14,300–$18,100 | Not listed |
| 5 x 8 ft (40 sq ft) | $15,900–$20,100 | $2,800–$16,000 |
| 6 x 8 ft (48 sq ft) | $19,000–$24,100 | Not listed |
| 5 x 10 ft (50 sq ft) | Not listed | $3,500–$20,000 |
The two sources disagree most at the low end. This Old House's size estimates assume value-grade materials and medium-cost labor. Fixr's ranges apply its $70-to-$400-per-square-foot spread, so the bottom of each range reflects a light cosmetic update and the top reflects premium finishes. If you're replacing the vanity, toilet, tile and shower or tub, plan closer to This Old House's figures.
Half Bath vs. Small Full Bath
A half bath (a toilet and a sink, no tub or shower) is the least expensive bathroom to remodel, and This Old House notes that powder rooms stay at the lower end of the cost range. Your money goes to a handful of items. Fixr's 2026 prices:
- Toilet: $200 to $600
- Sink faucet: $75 to $300
- Light fixtures: $50 to $250 each
- Vanity and shelving: $1,500 to $4,500
- Floor and some wall tile: $600 to $1,800
In a small full bath, the shower or tub is the swing item. Fixr puts it at about 25% of a typical bathroom budget, or $1,500 to $4,500, ranging from reglazing an existing tub to replacing the surround. Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower is a bigger job, which Fixr prices at $1,200 to $10,000; our tub-to-shower conversion cost guide breaks that down.
Labor is a large share in any small bath. This Old House lists plumbers at $45 to $200 an hour and electricians at $50 to $100 an hour, so every fixture you leave in place saves real money.
Refresh or Full Gut?
A refresh keeps the layout, plumbing and wiring. You repaint, change the lighting, mirror and faucets, and refinish the vanity or tub. A standard remodel replaces the vanity, toilet, flooring, tile, lighting and plumbing fixtures, with minor layout changes if needed. A full renovation rebuilds most or all of the room, often with new plumbing and electrical work.
A refresh is the right call when the bones are sound and you just don't like the look. It's the wrong call when there's damage behind the surface, because new paint and a new vanity won't fix a leaking shower pan or a soft subfloor. Before you settle on a refresh, have a contractor check for loose or cracked tile around the tub, a floor that flexes near the toilet, and stains on the ceiling below.
Hidden problems are common. In This Old House's 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners, 32% reported spending more than expected, 24% ran into water damage repairs, 22% needed structural repairs they hadn't budgeted for, and 25% had unexpected plumbing upgrades.
Ways to Save on a Small Bathroom
- Keep fixtures where they are. This Old House recommends leaving the toilet, sink and tub in place so you don't pay to reroute plumbing.
- Think twice about a custom walk-in shower. Converting a tub to a custom shower adds significant labor and material costs, according to This Old House.
- Choose standard pieces. Vinyl flooring, prefabricated vanities and standard fixtures keep costs down. Fixr also suggests mid-range ceramic or porcelain tile.
- Reglaze instead of replacing. Fixr lists reglazing or refinishing as a lower-cost alternative to a new tub.
- Use a handyman for small jobs. Faucet swaps, hardware and a toilet replacement don't always need a general contractor.
- Hold back a contingency. This Old House suggests setting aside 10% to 20% of the budget for unexpected costs.
Looking for layout and storage ideas before you price anything? Our small bathroom ideas show how to make a tight room work harder.
How to Get an Accurate Local Price
Decide on your scope first, because a refresh and a gut are completely different bids. Measure the room, note what you're keeping, and choose whether you want a tub, a shower or a combination.
Ask for written, itemized estimates that separate labor, materials and permits, and get more than one; This Old House suggests comparing quotes from several contractors. Check each contractor's license with your state licensing board and ask for a certificate of insurance; we don't verify these for you. Plumbing and electrical work usually needs a permit, and your local building department sets the rules. For full-size and primary bathrooms, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
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Get Free EstimatesFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a 5x8 bathroom?
This Old House estimates $15,900 to $20,100 for a 5-by-8-foot bathroom with value-grade materials and medium-cost labor. Fixr's range for 40 square feet is wider, $2,800 to $16,000, because it spans everything from a light refresh to premium finishes.
How much does a half bath remodel cost?
Fixr puts half bath and powder room remodels at $1,200 to $15,000. With no tub or shower, most of the budget goes to the vanity, toilet, faucet, lighting, flooring and paint, which is why powder rooms tend to sit at the low end of bathroom costs.
Can you remodel a small bathroom for $10,000?
Yes, in many cases. This Old House says $10,000 covers a more comprehensive update of a small to medium bathroom, and its mid-range tier starts at $8,000. Expect that budget to cover new fixtures, flooring and a vanity rather than moved plumbing or custom tile.
How much does it cost to gut a small bathroom?
Fixr puts a full gut at $9,000 to $30,000 or more, and This Old House's premium tier starts at $18,000. Houzz found a median of $18,000 for major remodels of primary bathrooms under 100 square feet in 2025.
How long does a small bathroom remodel take?
Fixr says most bathroom remodels take two to four weeks, and bigger projects can run up to 12. In This Old House's 2026 survey, nearly two-thirds of homeowners said their bathroom remodel took one to four weeks. Plan on being without that bathroom for the whole stretch.
