Complete Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

Remodeling a small bathroom on a budget may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and creativity, it’s possible to transform your space without breaking the bank. Get inspired by our small bathroom makeover and learn about practical tips and ideas to help you achieve a stylish and functional bathroom makeover without draining your savings. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can remodel your small bathroom on a budget!

Small Bathroom Demolition

This was a complete remodel which required complete demolition. However, as this was a project on a budget, it’s important to evaluate carefully which items can be simply reused or refurbished. In our case, we decided to reuse the faucets, sinks and vanity you will see later. You can easily demolish by yourself (don’t waste the money on hiring a contractor, save the money for the actual remodeling part), all you need is a sledgehammer, scraper and a reciprocating saw. Most important however, don’t forget to turn off the main water before working on or near the faucets and wear appropriate Personal Protection equipment!!

Shower/Bathtub

The bathtub and surrounding had to be replaced as you can see in the pictures. There are very affordable bathtubs which can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes. I would not recommend reglazing or refinishing the surface as the costs are usually higher than a new simple bathtub.

Tiles

Tiles can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. While some high-end tiles can be costly, there are plenty of affordable options available that can still provide a stylish and durable finish. We chose simple white subway tiles for a neutral look and because they are very affordable. Shop around and compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deals on tiles, sometimes you find better deals online than what is in the store. Before we installed the tiles, we installed tile backerboards and applied waterproofing membrane.

Flooring

For the flooring we used the same luxury vinyl plank flooring like we used in the rest of the house for a seamless look. As this was a small bathroom, it wasn’t too difficult to remove the old tiles. We used this floor leveler from Mapei at Lowes for a smooth and level finish prior installing the planks.

Plumbing

We stick to the existing plumbing locations to avoid costly changes whenever possible. It took us some time to figure out out to connect the bathtub drain to the existing cast iron drain pipe. We finally found these flexible pipe adapters made of elastomeric polyvinyl chloride which can be simply installed with stainless steel clamps. In one instance we had to use the jackhammer to install the p-trap underneath the tub because the drainpipe was too high (previous tub was installed on elevated platform).

Small Bathroom Vanity

The original vanity was outdated, however the faucets and sinks were pretty modern and in good shape. We simply gave the vanity a more modern look by choosing open shelves, updated the handles and used subway tiles as countertop:

Small Bathroom Storage

Maximize storage in your small bathroom by using creative solutions. Install shelves above the toilet or along unused walls to keep essentials within reach. A favorite hack is to use wall space between studs. We use these space-saving organizers and baskets to declutter countertops and maintain a tidy environment.