A small bathroom remodel cost is usually the starting point for any small bathroom remodel. I mean, can such a small space really cost so much?
I always find that the problem with small bathrooms needing a remodel is because the layout is SO poorly designed.
Unless you are an architect, builder or interior designer, it can be difficult to configure a layout that actually makes a small bathroom more workable, and make it look bigger.
Last year we remodelled our small 1.8 x 1.8m bathroom so we have stacks of info on up to date pricing, what variables can keep costs down and also the best way to layout a small bathroom.
So, this one is for you if you’re at the beginning of your small bathroom remodel, let’s get stuck in!
What Is Classed As A Small Bathroom?
The classification of a small bathroom can vary depending on different factors, such as regional standards. However, as a general rule of thumb, small bathrooms are usually around 25 to 50 square feet/1.5m x 1.5m (2.3 to 4.6 square meters or 1.8m x 3.6m) in size.
However, this can vary, and bathrooms up to 70 square feet (6.5 square meters) may still be considered small. Whilst this is a standard, it’s also very much open to personal perception on what you deem is a small bathroom.
These sizes give an indication as to what a plumber may charge for a small bathroom remodel though, and that’s what we’re interested in here.
What Can Affect A Small Bathroom Remodel Cost
Looking for small bathroom remodel costs online can be somewhat misleading when people are not mentioning variables.
I want to tell you everything that can alter the bathroom remodel cost so you can get a better understanding your end of what you might be looking at.
Moving Plumbing
As I mentioned, lots of small bathrooms have such poor layouts that they make the small bathroom feel silly and even smaller.
Because of this, it may mean you’re looking to change around the layout which means plumbing needs to be moved.
Moving plumbing instantly increases any cost, if you have a ground floor bathroom and are needing to channel into the concrete to move the plumbing, this will typically be a higher cost than plumbing where joists are beneath the pipework.
So, if you’re doing it on a budget and the layout is doable, keep the existing plumbing.
Quality of Plumbing Fixtures
From my personal opinion, if you spend money anywhere in a bathroom it’s got to be on the quality of the plumbing fixtures.
You can get some really cheap fixtures online such as shower trays, but you will notice the quality and probably find that it will need replacing within the next couple of years.
Plumbing fixtures will carry a large part of a bathroom remodel, but a part that you can’t afford to scrimp on.
Additionally, attention to essential elements such as access points in the space, facilitated by products like the Acudor UCSS Universal Access Door cover panel, is equally extremely important.
Hardware Fixtures
Hardware fixtures are anything from shower heads to taps, and you really can cut costs on this part depending on the finish you choose.
Chrome fixtures are the cheapest as they are the most popular type of hardware finish, matte black, antique and polished brass finishes will always carry a bigger price tag, some quite substantially.
Type of Flooring & Wall Covering
When it comes to flooring and wall covering, material and labour cost can vary. Tiles can be a cheaper alternative to solutions such as multi panel, but if you’re not carrying out the work yourself, labour costs are typically higher due to the time tiling takes vs fitting sheets.
If you’re looking for the most cost effective way to cover a wall in a bathroom, paint throughout and tile or multi panel the shower/bath section only.
Vinyl flooring is a cheaper alternative to traditional tiles, although aesthetically it doesn’t look as good in my opinion.
Electrical Work
Electrical work plays a significant role in the overall cost of a small bathroom remodel. Tasks might include moving light fixtures, installing an extractor fan, adding outlets, or introducing underfloor heating.
The average hourly rate for an electrician in the UK is around £40. Installation costs for features like underfloor heating can range from £20 to £100 per square meter, excluding the price of the heating system itself.
Adding lighting fixtures can cost between £50 to £200. New electrical outlet installation averages around £150.
Lastly, moving or installing an extractor fan may cost you between £200 and £400.
Remember, always prioritise safety by hiring licensed professionals and ensure compliance with UK’s electrical safety regulations.
How Much Is A Small Bathroom Remodel Cost In The UK?
The cost of a small bathroom remodel in the UK can vary significantly depending on the above variables. Not only do materials, plumbing costs vary, regionality will affect these ballpark figures too.
However, to provide you with a general idea, a small bathroom remodel in the UK can range anywhere from £4,000 to £10,000 or more.
For a basic small bathroom remodel, which may include cosmetic updates like painting, replacing fixtures, and upgrading lighting, you can expect to spend around £2,000 to £5,000. This cost can increase if you choose high quality plumbing fixtures and hardware, and add additional features like a heated towel rail or underfloor heating.
If you’re looking for a more extensive remodel that involves structural changes, such as moving plumbing or adding additional space, the cost can range from £5,000 to £10,000 or more.
Updating plumbing and moving plumbing will instantly raise the cost of any quote you obtain, so if you do want to keep costs down, don’t move your plumbing.
How Much Our Small Bathroom Remodel Cost
Whilst ballpark figures can be helpful, I think sharing and being fully transparent with our own personal costs on a small bathroom remodel cost is much more helpful and can give you additional guidelines on what your own small bathroom remodel may cost.
To give you an idea on size, our small bathroom came in at 1.8m x 1.8m – it had the worst configuration known to man, and there would have been no point keeping plumbing as it was, as in my eyes the bathroom was not fit for purpose, as you’ll see from the before photo.
All labour was carried out by us, minus the plumbing and fit out. Rip out, panelling, self levelling the floor and installing tiles was all done by my partner.
Here is everything that was included in our costs;
- Moving of all of our plumbing, this involved channeling into concrete – we moved the shower, sink and toilet and added in a heated radiator
- Cost of all plumbing fixtures – sink & vanity unit, heated towel radiator, shower tray and framed shower screen, 30mm shower head in chrome, toilet with cistern, multipanel
- Plumbers labour costs – it took a week in total after our rip out
- Floor tiles
- Shiplap panelling
- Electrician to disconnect old electric shower
Our small bathroom remodel in Devon, UK cost came to: £4,500.00
One thing to reiterate here is that we did the majority of the labour works ourselves to keep costs down, we spent money on high quality plumbing fixtures which were considerably more than cheaper units we initially picked out.
Additionally, we moved ALL the plumbing and it was channeled into concrete which is where a lot of the labour time and costs went. BUT there was no way we could have lived with the previous configuration, it’s now made the bathroom feel so much bigger.
One last thing to note is location. We are based in Devon so our costs are going to be considerably less than those who are based in London.
My top tip is that if a shower makes more sense than a bath in a small bathroom, ditch the shower but opt for a large shower head so it feels like a luxury experience, it makes such a difference!
Here’s how it looks now, and have a watch of my Youtube video for a closer look at the process.
Before You Go…
If you’re interested in small bathroom remodels, you’re definitely going to want to take a look at our tiny small bathroom remodel.
Wait until you see what the layout was before… We seriously had our work cut out, but it looks stunning now and it’s proof that small bathrooms can be beautiful too.
