5x5 Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide

Remodeling a small bathroom, particularly a 5x5-foot space, can transform a cramped area into a functional and stylish retreat. While compact, these bathrooms require careful planning to maximize space and stay within budget. This comprehensive guide explores the costs associated with remodeling a 5x5 bathroom in 2025, covering materials, labor, and various remodel types, from budget-friendly updates to luxurious overhauls.

What is a 5x5 Bathroom?

A 5x5 bathroom measures 25 square feet, typically found in older homes, apartments, or as a powder room in modern builds. These compact spaces often include a toilet, a sink, and either a shower or a bathtub, with limited room for additional features like large vanities or storage. The small footprint demands efficient design, often prioritizing space-saving fixtures like corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets, or compact showers. Remodeling a 5x5 bathroom involves updating fixtures, finishes, and sometimes reconfiguring the layout to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

Costs Summary

The cost of a 5x5 bathroom remodel varies depending on the scope, materials, and labor. Below is a list of remodel types with their average costs per square foot, total costs, and key details.

• Budget Remodel

  • Average Cost per Square Foot: $100 – $200

  • Average Total Cost (25 sq ft): $2,500 – $5,000

  • Details: Includes basic updates such as new paint, standard fixtures (toilet, sink), prefab shower or tub, minimal tiling, and basic lighting.

• Mid-Range Remodel

  • Average Cost per Square Foot: $200 – $400

  • Average Total Cost (25 sq ft): $5,000 – $10,000

  • Details: Features upgraded fixtures, partial wall tiling, new vanity, better lighting, and possibly a tub-to-shower conversion for improved space utilization.

• Luxury Remodel

  • Average Cost per Square Foot: $400 – $800+

  • Average Total Cost (25 sq ft): $10,000 – $20,000+

  • Details: Incorporates custom features like high-end fixtures, full wall tiling, custom shower, premium vanity, designer lighting, and advanced features like bidets.

Factors Influencing Costs

• Materials: Standard vs. high-end fixtures (e.g., prefab vs. custom showers).

• Labor: Varies by region and complexity (e.g., plumbing or electrical rerouting).

• Scope: Cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures) vs. full gut remodel (layout changes, new plumbing).

• Permits: Required for structural or plumbing/electrical changes, costing $150–$700.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Estimator for Services

Below is a detailed breakdown of individual components and their estimated costs for a 5x5 bathroom remodel, based on 2025 pricing.

Bathtub Replacement Cost

• Cost Range: $800 – $4,600

• Details: Replacing an old bathtub with a new one, such as a prefab alcove tub ($450–$1,800) or a freestanding/clawfoot tub ($1,200–$10,000). Includes removal of the old unit and installation. Costs rise with premium materials or complex plumbing adjustments.

Shower Installation Cost

• Cost Range: $1,000 – $15,000

• Details: Installing a prefab walk-in shower ($2,000–$8,000) is more affordable than a custom walk-in shower ($5,000–$20,000). Costs depend on size, materials (e.g., glass doors, ceramic tiles), and plumbing requirements.

Tub to Shower Conversion Cost

• Cost Range: $1,000 – $15,000

• Details: Converting a bathtub to a shower maximizes space in a 5x5 bathroom. Costs include demolition ($300–$1,000), new shower installation, and plumbing adjustments. Custom showers with glass enclosures or intricate tiling increase expenses.

Tub Liner Cost

• Cost Range: $1,700 – $2,500

• Details: A tub liner is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement, fitting over an existing bathtub to refresh its appearance. Ideal for budget remodels but less durable than a new tub.

Shower Pan Replacement Cost

• Cost Range: $500 – $3,500

• Details: Replacing a shower pan involves removing the old base and installing a new one, often with updated tiling or waterproofing. Costs vary based on material (acrylic, tile) and labor complexity.

Sink Installation Cost

• Cost Range: $200 – $1,200

• Details: Options include drop-in sinks ($200–$600), undermount sinks ($200–$800), or pedestal sinks ($600–$1,200). Pedestal sinks save space in a 5x5 bathroom but offer less storage. Installation costs depend on plumbing adjustments.

Bathroom Faucet Cost

• Cost Range: $150 – $600

• Details: Faucets range from basic models to high-end designs with features like touchless operation. Installation is straightforward but may require a plumber for complex setups.

Toilet Installation Cost

• Cost Range: $500 – $4,000

• Details: Standard toilets cost $500–$1,000, while high-end models with bidet features range from $1,000–$4,000. Wall-mounted toilets save space but increase installation costs due to plumbing modifications.

Bathroom Tiling Cost

• Cost Range:

  • Floor: $200 – $800

  • Walls (Partial): $400 – $2,400

  • Walls (Full): $2,400 – $4,800

• Details: Tiling costs depend on material (ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone) and coverage area. In a 5x5 bathroom, floor tiling covers 25 square feet, while wall tiling varies (partial for accents, full for a luxurious look). Labor adds $8–$14 per square foot.

Flooring Cost

• Cost Range: $200 – $800

• Details: Beyond tiling, options like vinyl or waterproof laminate are budget-friendly alternatives. Tiling is most common for durability and water resistance in small bathrooms.

Vanity Cost

• Cost Range: $500 – $3,500+

• Details: Basic vanities ($500–$1,200) are functional for small spaces, while high-end custom vanities ($1,500–$3,500+) offer premium materials and storage. Space constraints often favor narrow or corner vanities.

Cabinets Cost

• Cost Range: $500 – $3,500+

• Details: Cabinets overlap with vanity costs in a 5x5 bathroom due to limited space. Wall-mounted cabinets or built-in shelves maximize storage without sacrificing floor space.

Bathroom Countertop Cost

• Cost Range: $250 – $3,000

• Details: Countertops for vanities range from affordable laminate to premium quartz or granite. In a 5x5 bathroom, countertops are small, keeping costs lower unless using high-end materials.

Lighting Cost

• Cost Range: $350 – $1,200

• Details: Lighting includes overhead fixtures, vanity lights, or recessed lighting. Energy-efficient LED options are popular, with costs rising for designer fixtures or dimmable systems.

Exhaust Fan Cost

• Cost Range: $150 – $550

• Details: An exhaust fan is essential for ventilation in a small bathroom to prevent mold. Costs include the unit and installation, with higher-end models offering features like humidity sensors.

Bathroom Painting Cost

• Cost Range: $150 – $1,500

• Details: Painting a 5x5 bathroom is affordable due to the small surface area. Costs increase with premium paints or intricate designs. Labor ranges from $5.75–$10.70 per square foot.

Cabinet Hardware Cost

• Cost Range: $60 – $1,200

• Details: Handles, knobs, and pulls for vanities or cabinets add a polished look. Costs vary based on material (brass, stainless steel) and design complexity.

Bidet Installation Cost

• Cost Range: $1,000 – $4,000

• Details: Bidet toilets or bidet attachments enhance hygiene. High-end models integrate bidet functions, increasing costs due to advanced plumbing and installation.

Mirror Replacement Cost

• Cost Range: $140 – $430

• Details: Mirrors are essential in small bathrooms, often above the vanity. Options range from basic framed mirrors to backlit or custom designs, with installation costs minimal.

Labor Costs

Labor is a significant portion of a 5x5 bathroom remodel, often accounting for 30–50% of the total cost. Below are key labor categories and their costs.

Plumbing

• Cost Range: $600 – $1,700 (or $75 – $150/hr)

• Details: Plumbers handle tasks like installing sinks, toilets, showers, or rerouting pipes for layout changes. Complex projects, such as tub-to-shower conversions, increase costs due to additional piping or drainage work.

Electrician

• Cost Range: $500 – $2,500 (or $50 – $130/hr)

• Details: Electricians install lighting, exhaust fans, or new outlets. Rewiring or adding circuits for heated floors or bidet toilets raises costs, especially in older homes requiring code compliance.

General Contractors Charge

• Cost Range: $50 – $150/hr or 10–20% of project cost

• Details: General contractors oversee the remodel, coordinating subcontractors and ensuring timely completion. For a $5,000–$10,000 project, their fee could be $500–$2,000, depending on complexity.

Interior Designers Charge

• Cost Range: $50 – $200/hr or 10–15% of project cost

• Details: Designers help optimize the layout and select materials for aesthetics and functionality. In a 5x5 bathroom, their input is valuable for space-saving solutions but may be optional for budget remodels.

Tile Repair Costs

• Cost Range: $8 – $14 per square foot

• Details: Tile installers handle floor and wall tiling, including cutting and grouting. Repairing or replacing damaged tiles in an existing bathroom falls within this range, though full tiling projects are more common in remodels.

Final Cost of a Bathroom Remodel in 2025

The total cost of a 5x5 bathroom remodel in 2025 depends on the remodel type and choices made. Below are estimates for budget, mid-range, and luxury remodels, including materials and labor.

Budget Remodel ($2,500 – $5,000)

• Components: Prefab alcove tub/shower ($450–$1,800), standard toilet ($500–$1,000), drop-in sink ($200–$600), basic vanity ($500–$1,200), minimal tiling ($200–$800), painting ($150–$500), basic lighting ($350), and exhaust fan ($150).

• Labor: Minimal plumbing ($600), electrical ($500), and general contractor fees (10% of project, ~$250–$500).

• Details: Focuses on cosmetic updates and affordable fixtures. Suitable for refreshing an outdated bathroom without structural changes. Example: Replace an old tub with a prefab unit, repaint walls, and update the sink and faucet.

Mid-Range Remodel ($5,000 – $10,000)

• Components: Tub-to-shower conversion ($1,000–$5,000), undermount sink ($200–$800), mid-range vanity ($1,200–$2,000), partial wall tiling ($400–$2,400), upgraded lighting ($500–$800), exhaust fan ($250), and painting ($500–$1,000).

• Labor: Plumbing ($800–$1,200), electrical ($800–$1,500), general contractor (15% of project, ~$750–$1,500), and tile installation ($200–$350).

• Details: Balances quality and cost, often including a tub-to-shower conversion for better space utilization. Example: Install a prefab walk-in shower, add partial wall tiling, and upgrade to a modern vanity and lighting.

Luxury Remodel ($10,000 – $20,000+)

• Components: Custom walk-in shower ($5,000–$15,000), high-end toilet with bidet ($1,000–$4,000), pedestal sink ($600–$1,200), custom vanity ($1,500–$3,500+), full wall tiling ($2,400–$4,800), premium countertop ($1,000–$3,000), designer lighting ($800–$1,200), and mirror ($300–$430).

• Labor: Plumbing ($1,200–$1,700), electrical ($1,500–$2,500), general contractor (20% of project, ~$2,000–$4,000), tile installation ($350–$700), and interior designer ($500–$1,000).

• Details: Emphasizes premium materials and custom features. Example: Install a glass-enclosed custom shower, full porcelain wall tiling, a high-end bidet toilet, and designer lighting for a spa-like experience.

Tips for Managing Costs

1. Prioritize Needs: Focus on essential updates (e.g., fixing leaks, improving ventilation) before aesthetic upgrades.

2. Choose Space-Saving Fixtures: Opt for corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets, or narrow vanities to maximize space.

3. Get Multiple Quotes: Compare contractor and subcontractor rates to ensure competitive pricing.

4. DIY Where Possible: Painting or installing cabinet hardware can reduce labor costs, but leave plumbing and electrical work to professionals.

5. Plan for Permits: Budget $150–$700 for permits if structural or utility changes are needed.

Conclusion

Remodeling a 5x5 bathroom in 2025 offers opportunities to create a functional and stylish space, even within a small footprint. Budget remodels ($2,500–$5,000) are ideal for simple updates, mid-range projects ($5,000–$10,000) offer modern upgrades like tub-to-shower conversions, and luxury remodels ($10,000–$20,000+) deliver high-end finishes and custom features. By carefully selecting fixtures, materials, and labor, homeowners can achieve a balance of cost, functionality, and aesthetics tailored to their needs.