A Guide to Small Bathroom Renovations in Houston

Cramped bathroom got you down? Revitalize your Houston home with a thoughtful small bathroom renovation! This guide offers expert insights on planning and budgeting for your project, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. While the average cost for a small bathroom remodel in Houston ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, this article dives deeper to help you understand the factors affecting the final cost.

It’s no surprise that baths are topping many remodeling lists these days. In Houston, real estate comes in a variety of architectural styles, from French Country and bungalow to Queen Anne and ranch. Plus, bath trends today cover a range of décor styles that are compatible with your home’s architecture. For those considering their own small bathroom renovation in Houston, here are the need-to-knows and items to plan for before you begin.

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.

What are your goals for your bathroom renovation?

For most people doing small bathroom renovations, updating the bathroom design is the #1 priority. Who doesn’t welcome a glow-up, especially in the bathroom? Modernizing dated cabinetry and hardware, and installing more stylish faucets are go-to options. So is swapping out a tub for a shower. Or, upgrading the shower with a thermostatic system with integrated volume control. Maybe your luxury shower dreams include multiple body sprays and a rain shower! Many homeowners opt to remove old, tired for a refreshed version. Another key focus in bathroom renovations is adding extra storage. 

What are your needs?

That’s easier to figure out. Who will use the bath? In a medium-sized bath, do you prefer a tub or shower? Single or double vanity? Take clear notes on any must-have features in your bath. 

Budgeting for a bath remodel in Houston 

To help you sort it out, here is what you can expect to pay in Houston, on average. Retaining the footprint in a mid-range bathroom remodel in Houston starts at around $15,000, up to $25,000. Costs will vary based on the materials used, as well as the complexity of installation. For example, a mosaic backsplash is more affordable when the tiles are installed on a sheet. Micro mini tiles installed individually will be more labor-intensive—and more expensive. 

Materials costs can vary greatly as well, with super affordable options available at big box stores, versus high-end imported tile companies. A powder room may slide into a slightly lower entry-level for costs, but again, it depends on the materials you choose! Read more about home renovation costs for Houston.

What are you likely to recoup in value?

Sixty percent, according to Remodeling’s Cost Vs Value report for Houston. Or, almost $12,000; based on a 5-by-7 foot bath that costs around $19,000 or $542 psf. This includes a new 30-by-60 inch porcelain-on-steel bathtub, new single-lever temperature, and pressure-balanced shower control, ceramic tiles, and a recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting.

How long does a Houston bathroom renovation take?

According to Sweeten contractors, construction time averages about two to three weeks. However: planning, executing, and finishing can take six weeks to three months—depending on the size and complexity of your project.

How to get the most bang for the buck

When your space is dimensionally challenged (read: small), and you don’t have the room or budget to expand, you still have plenty of options. One way is to create the illusion of more space, by doing one or more of the following: 

• Use wall-mounted vanities and toilets.  That extra floor space opens up the room.
• Another space enhancer: a solid surface vanity counter with an integral sink.
• Install a wall-to-wall mirror behind a long vanity or an oversized round mirrors. Mirrors visually expand space. Some streamlined designs incorporate medicine cabinets.
• A classic pedestal sink also is visually slimming. Modern washstands, usually in metal frames, are on-trend options, especially white on black. More traditional sinks with turned console legs offer additional metal choices, like brass or polished nickel.
• Building in storage wherever you can tuck in shelves for towels and essentials. Recessed niches in the shower for shampoo and conditioner also are smart.  
• Swap a tub for a roomy walk-in shower with an all-glass frame. If there’s a window, natural light will flow through, visually boosting the dimensions of the space.

Why should you consider neutrals in the bathroom? 

Many homeowners opt for white and beige in baths because it’s safe. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Designers use a few tricks of the trade to keep neutrals feel fresh. One trick is the magic of tone-on-tone—but with nuances. (That means mixing different shades of neutral, from light to dark.) Another trick is to pair neutrals with different textures.  Get this look by pairing a dimensional wallcovering or an embossed tile with a polished or smooth surface.

Adding color to a bathroom 

We love when homeowners go bold in the bathroom and color outside the lines. Some argue that vibrant colors can take over smaller spaces, like powder rooms. But others feel that’s the perfect venue for bold cobalt or emerald, a spicy tangerine, or saffron. Precisely because it’s a small space, you can afford to be dramatic—and even splurge on faucets and towel holders, plus lighting and a fancy wallcovering.

Color doesn’t need to be limited to walls: consider the countertop or the vanity. Blues and greens—bright and pale—are gaining traction in traditional, country, and modern styles.

Comparing bathroom remodeling materials

Stone has faced stiff competition from porcelain tile. Porcelain is no longer limited to small 4-, 6-, or 12-inch tiles. It’s now available in large, thin slabs that can be applied to walls and floors. Thanks to digital technology, manufacturers can accurately replicate the look of desirable marbles (Carrara or Calacatta) and granites. Even exotic-colored stones can be replicated with remarkable authenticity.

Trends in faucets and hardware

Matte black is currently a popular choice for faucets and hardware. Burnished and polished gold are also trending, and combining them with black is especially chic. Mixing metals, like satin metal and polished nickel with gold, is becoming more acceptable.

Choosing materials

When selecting materials for a semi-permanent bathroom remodel, aim to modernize the classics rather than chase fleeting trends.

Allowing enough time

Once you have a plan, expedite the material selection process. Inquire about inventory before placing your order to avoid disappointment. Some materials, like your favorite tile or vanity, might have a long lead time of 6 to 8 weeks. If you can’t imagine living without them, it might be worth the wait.

Demolition and preparation

Demolishing old bathroom materials typically takes a day, depending on the room’s size and the extent of the renovation. Removing tile floors or walls might take longer. Plumbing and electrical adjustments, such as rerouting or rewiring, are also part of the process.

Installation

After the demolition and preparation phase, you’ll enter the enjoyable installation stage. Once surfaces, fixtures, and lighting are installed (allow 1 to 3 days), take a moment to appreciate your progress. Capture photos to share with family and friends.

Follow the experts’ lead for small bathroom renovations

It is tempting to think that renovating a smaller area will automatically mean fewer issues to deal with. At Sweeten, we’ve seen a variety of small bathroom renovations; and whether simple or sophisticated, it always helps to have an expert guide you through the process. Are you looking for bathroom contractors near you? Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted general contractors, offering guidance and financial protection—at no cost to the homeowner. Start by posting your project on Sweeten today. 

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ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

We can help you plan your renovation

Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!