Is it cheaper to renovate a small bathroom or a big one?

Small bathrooms are generally cheaper to renovate than large ones, primarily due to less square footage requiring materials and labor. However, the cost difference isn't always proportional to size due to several factors that can make small bathroom renovations surprisingly expensive per square foot.

Material costs favor smaller spaces since you'll need less tile, flooring, paint, and other surface materials. A small bathroom might need 30-40 square feet of floor tile versus 80-100 square feet in a large master bath. Similarly, you'll use less wall tile, primer, and paint. In Ottawa's current market, this can save $2,000-5,000 in materials alone depending on your selections.

Labor costs, however, don't scale linearly with size. Many renovation tasks have fixed costs regardless of bathroom size - demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical work, and waterproofing membrane installation require similar time investments. A licensed contractor still needs to properly prepare surfaces, install fixtures, and ensure code compliance whether the space is 25 or 75 square feet. This means small bathrooms often cost more per square foot than larger ones.

Small bathrooms present unique challenges that can increase costs. Tight spaces make demolition and installation more difficult, potentially requiring specialized tools or techniques. Storage solutions and space-saving fixtures often cost more than standard options. Custom work to maximize functionality in cramped quarters adds to the budget.

In Ottawa's 2024-2025 market, expect a basic small bathroom refresh to cost $3,000-8,000 compared to $5,000-12,000 for a larger space. Mid-range renovations typically run $12,000-20,000 for small bathrooms versus $18,000-30,000 for large master baths. The sweet spot is often medium-sized bathrooms that balance material savings with reasonable labor efficiency.

For an accurate estimate based on your specific space and goals, request a free consultation from Ottawa Bathrooms to discuss how size impacts your renovation budget.

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Find a Licensed Contractor

Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• Davinci Tiling ✓
• Capital Labour Solution ✓
• Justyn Rook Contracting ✓