How To Create A 'New' Roomy Bathroom That Costs A Fraction Of A Gut-Job

By HomeAdvisor

It was time for a change. After years of running into the sink cabinet in a rush to get ready and bunching up my knees to relax in the tub, I wanted a new bathroom.

I have a small bathroom that serves as the only bath in my two-bedroom, one-bath townhome. After doing some research online and talking to a few contractors, I found I might pay up to $12,000 to completely gut the bathroom and start over to create my dream design. Unfortunately, that’s money I didn’t have. I had to improvise.

After some research, I found some individual projects I could tackle, versus an entire bathroom redesign. Here are some of the projects that made my small bathroom seem brand new and about what they cost me:

1. Installing a shower ($4,400): Since I was tired of cramped bathing, a shower head with low water pressure and limited space (i.e. no room for a jacuzzi tub), I called a professional about installing a standing shower. They added a frameless shower door adjacent to where my toilet is to avoid awkward entry, along with a brand new shower head and sauna system for steamy relaxation. It cost a bit to have the shower glass installed and the old tub removed, but now I have tons of extra room for storage where the tub used to be.

2. Adding a new sink ($1,800): My sink was a bulky rectangular box I often bumped into coming around the corner. So I got some professional help to gut the old sink, cabinet and counter. Then they installed a circular wall mount sink that I don’t run into anymore. The extra room allowed me to move the toilet paper ring right next to the toilet to avoid an awkward walk and also makes the space look much bigger.

3. Building more storage ($400): With all the added space, I decided to construct some additional storage. Since I love the look of wood but wanted to stay green, I found a reclaimed lumber store where I could purchase recycled boards. I consulted with a home organizer and we decided to build and install a four-tiered shelving unit against the wall opposite the shower door. Now I store my linens there instead of cramming them in my bedroom closet.

4. Replacing the lights ($50): My bathroom used to have fluorescent bulbs hanging above the mirror and bathtub, which emitted awful buzzing noises when I flipped the switch. Using a step ladder and some elbow grease, I now have LED bulbs, which are just as bright but far less annoying.

It may not be the size of a master bathroom, but my small bathroom feels far more relaxing, comfortable and closer to the dream bathroom I’ve always wanted (for half the price!). While I did my research and tackled these projects, I also recommend consulting with a bathroom designer if yours needs require more extensive work, or if you want more options towards achieving the dream design.

This is part of an ongoing series by Patch partner HomeAdvisor.