What a Small Bathroom Remodel Costs in the DMV
2026 planning guide · updated August 16, 2026
A small bathroom — the classic 5×7 or 5×8 DMV hall bath — runs $14,000–$28,000 to remodel properly in 2026. Small doesn't mean cheap: the expensive parts of any bathroom (waterproofing, plumbing, tile labor) don't shrink with the room. Here's the honest math and where small baths actually save.
Small bathroom costs by scope (2026)
| Scope (5×7 hall bath) | Typical planning range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (vanity, toilet, floor, paint) | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Full remodel, keep layout (new tub/surround, tile, vanity) | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Full remodel with tub-to-shower conversion | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| Layout change (move plumbing) | +$4,000 – $10,000 |
Why small rooms don't scale down
- The wet area is the project: tub or shower replacement with proper waterproofing runs $6,000–$12,000 whether the room is 35 or 80 sq ft.
- Trades minimums: plumber, electrician, and tile setter each carry day minimums a small room still pays.
- Where small saves: tile square footage, vanity size, and paint — real savings, but 20% of the budget, not 60%.
Small-bath moves that punch up
- Tub-to-shower conversion with a glass panel makes a 5×7 feel double the size — the single most popular small-bath upgrade in our DMV projects.
- Comfort-height skirted toilet and floating vanity add usable floor visually and literally.
- Big-format tile with minimal grout lines reads larger; niches beat corner caddies forever.
Get a range built from your kitchen, not a national average
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Price your bathroom in the estimator →Frequently asked questions
How much is a small bathroom remodel in the DC area?
A 5×7 hall bath runs $14,000–$22,000 for a full same-layout remodel in 2026, $18,000–$28,000 with a tub-to-shower conversion. Cosmetic refreshes without wet-area work run $6,000–$12,000.
Can a small bathroom be remodeled for $10,000?
Only cosmetically — vanity, toilet, flooring, paint, and hardware. Any project that opens the tub/shower walls will exceed $10,000 in the DMV once waterproofing and tile labor are done correctly.
How long does a small bathroom remodel take?
2–4 weeks of construction for a full same-layout remodel, plus material lead times up front. Conversions run to the longer end; cosmetic refreshes take days.