5×7 Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown: A Complete Guide

With the ability to be a full 3-piece bathroom with a small footprint, a 5×7 bathroom can be a great asset to any home. However, you may feel like the space is not functional, outdated, and in desperate need of a refresh. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to remodel your bathroom. You may be asking yourself, how much does a 5×7 bathroom remodel cost? How long does it take to remodel a bathroom? Where do I even begin? Whether you’re looking for a price breakdown, remodel recommendation, or remodel timelines, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about a 5×7 bathroom remodel.

5×7 bathroom remodel cost overview 

The cost of a 5×7 bathroom remodel can vary depending on how small or large you want the upgrade to be. When it comes to pricing, it really depends on the market; a 5×7 bathroom remodel in Cleveland, OH will likely differ from the same type of remodel in El Paso, TX. To give you a general idea, the national average of a small bathroom remodel is $6,500. However, some homeowners have been able to remodel their bathroom for a much more modest budget of $1,500. For a remodel that includes reworking plumbing, rewiring electric, and ordering the most high-end finishes, the price tag could be as high as $15,000 or more. 

Keep in mind that if you hire a professional for your remodel, that will account for a large portion of your budget. Labor will usually cost about $50 – $80 an hour and can fluctuate depending on where you live, the size of the project, or the complexity of the remodel. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to reach out to a contractor and get a personalized quote.

Variable costs

It’s important to remember that no two houses are the same and there are several factors that can contribute to a higher final cost than you were expecting. A few things that might change the amount of your remodel are:

• Location- Remodeling a bathroom on the first floor will be less expensive than remodeling on higher floors of your home. 
• Pre-existing damage – Once demolition begins, you may find that there is water damage, mold, asbestos, or other problems that will have to be addressed during the remodel.
• Structural issues – If your remodel includes knocking down a wall, you may find that the wall you wish to take down is load-bearing. This means it cannot be taken down without adding new support systems.
• Moving plumbing or electricity – If you’re planning to completely change the layout of your bathroom, you’ll likely need to consult a plumber and electrician to reroute the utilities. In some cases, rerouting the electric or pipes may be impossible.
• Obtaining a permit – Depending on where your home is located, you may be required to obtain a permit before you can begin remodeling your bathroom. A permit can cost anywhere from $50 – $2,000, depending on how large your project is.

The above conditions are all things that you may encounter and could possibly increase your final 5×7 bathroom remodel cost. If these problems arise, you may need to find ways to save money or cut costs somewhere else so you don’t go over budget. Below are the ranges of common bathroom remodel items and their typical costs.

*All costs are materials only and do not include the cost of installation

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Where can you save and where should you spend 

To get the most out of your remodel, you should know where you can save money and where it may be a good idea to splurge a little. Here are some remodel items that have great high-quality, affordable options and some that are worth the money you spend on them.

Save

• Vanity – Bathroom vanities are essential to the functionality and organization of your bathroom. A high-end, custom vanity may sound nice, but there are many affordable options that look just as great and are more than half the price. 
• Decor – Putting too much decor on the walls and countertops will make the room feel cluttered and messy. A simple soap dish and a small hanging picture will keep the room feeling modern and stylish while saving you money.
• Flooring – The number of affordable flooring options has increased over the years. Many hardware stores now sell a variety of peel and stick tiles that even beginners can install. These tiles are durable, budget-friendly, and they look great. 
• Countertops – Countertop Specialty is an expert when it comes to the design and comparison of luxury countertops. Before you choose a countertop for your bathroom, they suggest the following: “Marble is what homeowners seem to love most for that spa-like bathroom experience. It does need a bit more care but has a high resale value. Even if only for the vanity top, it will make a big splash in a small space, and many colors are not as expensive as you might think. Of course, other materials offer appealing design options as well. So, go with what suits your style and budget. Before making a decision, investigate the durability and maintenance requirements of any tile or countertop material you’re considering. All can be damaged, but some types are not easily repaired and cost you more in the long run or leave you disappointed. Learn the specific do’s and don’ts of products to use and avoid. You’ll keep your beautiful new bathroom in perfect condition with little effort, no matter what materials you choose.” – Countertop Specialty

Spend

• Remodeling Professionals – You’ll never regret paying more for good work. Hiring a trusted and experienced professional will ensure a stress-free and high-quality bathroom remodel.
• Toilets – A toilet is something you’ll use every day and is necessary for any home. The last thing you want is a toilet that breaks less than a year after your bathroom is complete. Save yourself the future frustration and spend the money on a high-quality toilet. 
• Lighting – A 5×7 bathroom is already a little tight and the last thing you want is for your bathroom to feel small and dark. Spending more to add recessed lighting or a large light fixture will brighten the whole space up and make the room more inviting.
• Shower – This is another item that is essential to any home and is worth spending money on. Choosing a high-quality shower will make the bathroom look more luxurious and is a great addition if you are looking for a high return on investment. 

Bolster, a major renovation company in New York City, NY advises you to, “make sure the materials you want to renovate with are right for you. While marble and concrete are trendy, you need to consider things like texture and usability. For example, we often see homeowners who want to use wall tiles on the floor, which can cause slippage. If you want to go slightly upscale, White Thassos is a stone we often use at Bolster. It’s a pure white marble that is clean, nice, and not super expensive like Calacatta.”

Through their unique Agile X Bolster service, they’ve learned that homeowners should consider these additional tips, “You can’t X-ray a property. Be sure to bring in at least three different specialists to let you know what’s going on behind your walls. You’ll need to see if you have leaks or issues with your preferred layout. This will determine where you’ll need to prioritize your budget before you can move on to design selections. Also, consider resale value; if you have more than one bathroom, always consider having the option of a bathtub and a shower. Keeping a bathtub for resale purposes is always a good idea – especially if you live in areas with high real estate competition like New York City.” – Bolster

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

The time it takes to remodel a bathroom will largely depend on how big the project is and if there are any unexpected circumstances that extend the timeline. If everything runs smoothly the project can be completed in about 23 days, on average. Since most contractors don’t work on the weekends, you can expect your bathroom to take nearly 4 ½ weeks to wrap up in total. If you’re simply renovating your bathroom you can finish it in a single weekend, but if you want to completely gut your bathroom, expect the process to take much longer. 

Renovating vs. remodeling 

Renovating and remodeling are often used interchangeably when they are actually two very different things. When you choose to renovate a room in your home, you’re only making changes to the existing structure with no demolition involved. Renovating involves making cosmetic changes to a space or making updates that doesn’t change the original location of plumbing or electricity. For example, if you’re wanting to renovate your bathroom, you could repaint the walls, recaulk the bathtub, or install a new facet. 

Remodeling, on the other hand, is a project that is a much larger undertaking. Remodeling can include demolition, construction, relocating major appliances, or all three. People often choose to remodel their bathroom if they want to completely change the layout or upgrade the room as a whole. Some examples of bathroom remodeling include remodeling your shower by replacing a bathtub with a standing shower, removing a wall to increase square footage, or adding recessed lighting. 

Should I renovate or remodel?

There are advantages and disadvantages to renovating and remodeling, here are some factors you may want to consider before making your final decision.

• Evaluate your budget – Since renovating consists of only cosmetic changes, it’s much more affordable to renovate than it is to remodel. If you have a budget of $3,000 or less, it is probably better to stick with renovating.
• Return on investment – If you’re upgrading your bathroom because you’re selling your home and hoping the upgrade increases your home’s value, it is likely better to remodel. Since remodeling can include making your half bath into a full bath or improving the functionality of the space, it makes a bigger difference to potential buyers than just upgrading bathroom fixtures. Both remodeling and renovating can increase the value of your home, but you will likely get more return on your investment by remodeling. 
• DIY vs. hiring a professional – Although online DIY and how-to videos may seem helpful unless you have extensive construction, electric, or plumbing experience, it’s better to stick to renovating your bathroom. If you want to fully remodel your bathroom, it’s best to call in a professional. 

Chris Egner, the national president of The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) advises, “Whether you are renovating or remodeling your bathroom, advance planning is key. High demand, supply chain delays, and a shortage of the skilled trades workforce have led to longer time frames for acquiring materials and completing projects. Make sure all materials required are received before starting any work. Utilizing professional remodelers can be extremely helpful in navigating scheduling issues. Consider using websites like NARI to help you find a list of local, trusted remodeling professionals to help you with your home improvement project.” – NARI

Should I DIY my bathroom remodel?

Some homeowners may consider decreasing their 5×7 bathroom remodel cost by trying to DIY their remodel. If you want to remodel your bathroom on your own there are a few things to know and consider before you start demolition. It’s important to be honest with yourself and your abilities. It’s easy to say that you’re going to remodel the entire bathroom for only $500, but in most cases that’s not realistic. Saving on labor may sound like a good idea at first, but making a big mistake can be costly later on. If you decide to DIY, make sure you do a lot of research or have experience specifically in bathroom remodeling. To be safe, it’s better to work with a professional for extensive remodels that include electrical or plumbing work.

How to get the most out of your bathroom remodel

To get the most out of your space, make sure you’re investing in items that have multiple functions and storage solutions. A floating sink may look nice, but it doesn’t provide any storage space for toiletry items. Remodeling a bathroom is a huge undertaking and you don’t want to sacrifice functionality for style. A great way to get both is to incorporate functional fixtures such as a vanity with drawers or an over-the-toilet cabinet. Both of these are discrete storage options that’ll allow you to make your 5×7 bathroom practical while looking fantastic. 

Individual results may vary. This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed and bonded home services professional.