Smaller bathrooms will challenge you to get creative by doing more with less space.
Approach yourbathroom remodel projectas a challenging puzzle and have fun solving it without breaking the bank.
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3 Types of Small Bathrooms
Bathrooms are usually categorized by their function, regardless of size.
A powder room is a convenient extra bathroom for homes with multiple floors or larger families.
This aspect makes a powder room or half-bath perfect for do-it-yourself work.
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A guest bathroom is used mostly when guests visit or for children.
Another way you save: You usually do not need extrastorage spacein this bathroom.
What differentiates a full bathroom from ahalf bathroomis that it has a tub or shower.
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Durable fixtures and waterproof floors and walls are essential and good storage is necessary.
Mostbathroom remodelsaverage about $10,000.
As you add square footage and make multiple appointments with professional installers, the costs go up.
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If the home’s plumbing pipes or an electrical system need an overhaul, the costs can skyrocket.
Contractors will usually agree to split work with homeowners.
But it’s important to stay out of the way and let the tradespeople do their job.
Goldalamode
When you contribute, do so only on weekends or after the contractor is done.
Tip
Hiring a certified bathroom designer is another way to make your project more efficient.
Many homeowners do this work to save money.
Cathie Hong Interiors
Some remove only fixtures or flooring.
Others get rid of everything down to the wall studs and floor joists.
It can be hard work but is not difficult.
Cathie Hong Interiors
you could do most demolition on the weekend.
Plan on renting a dumpster or arrange for a disposal company to take away the demolition debris.
Build the Framing
Most remodeling jobs will involve opening up some of the walls and ceilings.
Mindy Gayer Design
The framing work may require an inspection to ensure the job is done correctly.
Install Plumbing
Hiring experienced plumbers is vital when remodeling a small bathroom.
Plumbers can remove and install toilets.
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If new flooring has been installed, a flange extension may need to be installed for the toilet.
Plumbing and electrical wiring may require professional help.
Many skilled remodelers will hire plumbing andelectrical expertsbecause faulty wiring or plumbing not up to code can be dangerous.
Drywall should never be installed in a tiled shower unit.
Drywall can take a few days because the drywall compound needs to fully harden before it can be sanded.
Many homeowners choose to leave the installation to the pros since it is labor-intensive and requires precision.
Tiling a shower can be tricky for do-it-yourselfers.
Avoid using solid hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring in the bathroom, especially in full bathrooms.
These materials are usually acceptable in bathrooms without bathing facilities.
To save money, many homeowners choose to do this work by themselves.
Tips for Remodeling a Small Bathroom
You may be limited by space but not by creativity.
Thesetips for a small bathroomcan make you adore your little bathroom oasis.
Create an Illusion of Space
Trick the eye andmake a room feel taller.
Replace thick crown molding with narrow strips, matching the ceiling.
Lighten the Bathroom
Lighten up a small space.
Avoid dark colors and contrasting hues in a small area.
Light shades within a single-color family will help a small room feel larger.
Avoid putting color on the ceiling, white works best.
Saturate the room with natural light, if possible.
Use Bright Colors
Experiment with color.
Sliding Shower Doors Save Space
Use a shower curtain or sliding shower door to conserve space.
Shower doors that pivot on hinges may not work for small bathrooms.
Instead, use a glass shower door that slides on tracks or a shower curtain.
Curved Shower Curtain Rods
If you get a shower curtain, consider installing a curved curtain rod.
The rod will keep the shower curtain from sticking to your body if you have tight quarters.
Most curved shower curtain rods can provide up to 33-percent more room in the shower.
Consider installing a pedestal sink instead of a vanity.
If you want to use a vanity cabinet, choose a vanity with rounded corners.
In tight spaces, vanities with sharp corners can bruise hips.
A rounded vanity will also free up a few extra inches to maneuver around the bathroom.
Only keep the essentials for your morning and evening bathroom routine.
Shiny fixtures and gleaming white tubs, sinks, and showers also bounce the light.
Be Creative With Towel Bars
Mount the towel bar on the door.
Consider Sink/Faucet Alternatives
Get creative with the sink and faucet.
When mounted on a wall, the low profile of a trough sink frees up floor space for storage.
Another space-saving sink idea for a small bathroom is to install a corner sink.
