What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Half Bathroom?

Typically less expensive than other bathroom remodels, a half bath remodel can also add real resale value to your home. Read on to find out how much you should expect to pay.

July 25, 2019
Powder Room With Butterflies

Powder Bathroom With Butterfly Wallpaper

An exciting wallpaper can be an amazing choice for a small powder room remodel.

Photo by: Heather Hawkins

Heather Hawkins

An exciting wallpaper can be an amazing choice for a small powder room remodel.

Though you may not spend a lot of time in your home’s powder room, that space can create a big impression about your personal style for guests and visitors to your home. A beautifully designed and decorated powder room lets your guests know that their comfort and convenience matter to you. But putting the most into a powder room remodel is also dependent upon how much you have to spend. So what is the average cost of a half bathroom remodel and what are the elements that make up a successful remodel?

Powder room remodels, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) 2019 Trends Report, cost an average of $12,000 including materials and labor. But much about that average cost is dependent upon whether you are choosing luxury or more middle-of-the-road fixtures, where you live and a host of other factors. But as a rule, powder room remodels are generally less expensive than other bathroom remodels because they have less square footage.

Despite their (relatively) diminutive size, powder rooms add a lot to a home. According to Realtor.com, powder room remodels are one of the most profitable home improvements you can make in your home.

Atlanta designer Andi Morse with Morse Design says she sees an average cost to remodel a powder room in her region of $5,000-$15,000. A lower-priced powder room remodel can run from $3,000-$5,000 and at the top end, powder room remodels can run up to $15,000 Morse says.

“The average bathroom remodel would involve changing the vanity to a custom or ready-made with a new sink, changing the counter to a marble or quartz, changing hardware for the sink, changing or adding lighting that can involve sconces and overhead lights, adding a custom mirror,” says Morse. “And fabulous wallpaper would be great to add to the overall feel and appearance of the space. Replacing flooring as well as adding tile to walls can also add to the final costs.”

A luxury powder room remodel, says Morse, would entail a custom-made vanity with marble counters and upgraded sink hardware, a custom mirror and high-quality sconces, recessed or overhead lighting and higher-end wallpaper and hardwood floors.

One of the advantages of remodeling a powder room is that you can take your time since this is a secondary, nonessential bathroom. This is not just a lifestyle issue, but a budget issue: quicker remodels tend to cost more than ones that take longer. The relative simplicity in terms of time, complexity and money of remodeling a powder room may also mean that doing the work yourself or hiring subcontractors yourself may be a more practical, affordable route.

But Morse advises one of the best things homeowners can do to keep their budget in check and on-track is to plan out the project and set aside money for unforeseen issues. “There will always be an issue that arises that was not planned for no matter what the size and scope of the project. Build in a little extra to cover those costs.”

Next Up

What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Looking to remodel your kitchen but don't have a clue what it will cost? Find out what a kitchen remodel will typically cost and how to save money on your new dream kitchen.

Powder Rooms

Browse helpful information on powder rooms so you can create an elegant bath and preparation space in your home.

How to Clean a Shower

Here's how you get rid of soap scum and shower grime so that your once-sparkly shower can shine again.

Average Cost of a Main Bathroom Remodel

It's one of the most lucrative and life-changing remodels you can do in your home. But find out what that main bathroom remodel is likely to cost.

Do You Need Permits to Remodel a Bathroom?

Whether or not you will need permits to remodel a bathroom will depend upon the scope of your project, where you live and other factors. Find out what you need to know about bathroom remodel permits.

Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen?

Whether you need a permit for a kitchen remodel varies according to the type of remodel you are undertaking and where you live. But experts agree you need to first check with your city government.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Remodel a Kitchen?

Want to know how long the typical kitchen renovation takes? Experts advise careful planning and sticking to a budget as ways to ensure your kitchen remodel is completed on time.

How to Remodel a Galley Kitchen

Get all the info you need on galley kitchen remodeling, and prepare to add an efficient and functional design to your kitchen space.

Contemporary Powder Room

Designer Kathy Geissler Best updates a bathroom with a bright color palette and custom details.

12 Illuminating Powder Room Light Fixture Ideas

Take your half bath from boring to bright with these ultra-trendy lighting accessories.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.