Is it possible to create a new bathroom for under $1,000?

Rachel O'Hara
by Rachel O'Hara
We have an outdated bathroom that needs to be gutted down to studs for both the floor and the wall. We thought about demolishing it ourselves and bringing someone in, but we can't be without a bathroom either, so we're trying to figure out the best plan of action.

  5 answers
  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Jun 12, 2018

    The majority of the cost of redoing a bathroom is the fixtures. We are planning a remodel that will totally gut our very large bathroom, and rearrange where everything is placed. The initial cost is about $450 to tear our, put in a new main drain and move the placement of the rest of the plumbing. If you can go to a rehome store you can possibly find used tubs etc. I would suggest stockpiling things. Big home stores have clearance all the time. Find a tub/shower/whatever you can live with on clearance. Next time see about the vanity/sink, etc. Once you get those big ticket items purchased its just the tear out, clean up and reinstallation left.

  • Kauai Breeze Kauai Breeze on Jun 12, 2018

    A simple remodel doesn't have to be expensive. Leave the fixtures situated where they are because moving plumbing pipes costs a lot. Browse the Home Depot website to get ideas on prices of tubs, toilets, sinks, faucets, cabinets, light fixtures, mirrors, towel bars, etc. Use a laminate flooring which doesn't need time to set like tile does if it is your only bathroom. Stay away from bathtub remodel companies...they wanted $13,000 to replace my tub only! Have a list of what specific fixtures, including model numbers and price, before contacting a contractor. I have had better luck hiring a handiman to do the work and buying the materials myself. If contractors supply the material they add 15% profit to the retail price.

  • Lina Splichal Lina Splichal on Jun 12, 2018

    Just replacing the wallboard and subfloor will cost more than $1,000. You can remove the wallboards except for those with plumbing (tub/shower and sink). Once you have that done you may be able to pull the toilet and remove the floor, replace it and reset the toilet in one day by yourselves. But I expect that will be a long, frustrating and possibly impossible day. Then you may be able to replace the wallboard on the plumbed walls in one or two days. This will keep your bathroom usable while you work on it. Then you can go about finishing the rest of the room. You will, however, probably have to pull the toilet several times.


    Perhaps you can do some updating without a complete gutting> Think about paint, shiplap, wainscoting (real or painted) ceiling trim boards, new cabinet doors, different linens, a new sink and toilet, corner caps, etc.

  • Absolutely. You'll have to get creative with where you find things and think outside the box but that's the fun part. I redid this 9x5 bathroom on my own for under $1000. It's not everyone's taste but we love it: https://humboldtartdept.blogspot.com/2017/07/final-final-first-floor-bathroom-reveal.html Point being, if you're willing to do most of the work and think creatively, it's definitely possible.

  • Linda Linda on Jun 12, 2018

    Check your habitat for humanity re-store for bathroom fixtures And ceramic tile. Have seen greatly discounted options that are still offered in Home depot. A new fiberglass tub from home depot is at least $187,plus pipes, faucet, drain, cement board fot tub surround. May stretch your budget. Good luck