A Bathroom Update
A great bathroom fits both your home’s style and your lifestyle. If your bath falls short on either count, this light and bright space will inspire you. We changed the floor plan of the outdated bath (at one time a bedroom) to boost storage and privacy, and updated the style with a fresh, clean look that honors the home’s past. You can do the same thing in your bath without gutting the space. The key is breaking the redo into three stages: the tub area, vanity, and shower.
If you’re not comfortable doing bathroom renovations yourself, let Lowe’s do the work for you. Learn more about our bathroom installation services.
Before: The Tub Area
We took out the 1980s-look built-in whirlpool tub in one corner and replaced it with a freestanding soaking tub.
After: Inviting Tub
Set in front of the window, the focal-point tub is bathed in natural light. Plantation shutters provide privacy when needed. The tub comes with a floor-mount faucet that adds vintage flair.
After: Add a Caddy
Make a catchall wooden tray that spans the width of your tub to hold bath basics. The project requires only intermediate skills, a weekend to complete, and about $26 in supplies.
Before: Dated Sinks
The old vanity area included two pedestal sinks with improvised storage in between. Colors and surfaces gave off an outdated vibe.
After: Vanity Flair
We anchored the new look with a pair of Allen + Roth® vanities joined by a center storage unit. The vanities feature stone-look tops and undermount sinks.
Before: Not Showered With Space
Relocating the toilet let this corner shower morph into a larger enclosure.
After: Open Shower
A clear-glass enclosure rests on a base pan. The shower welcomes natural light and makes the bath feel spacious. The spa-style showerhead is easy on the eyes and the budget. Beside the shower, simple mouldings provide a spot for robe hooks. Save money by repeating the floor tile on the shower walls. Then add built-in storage with a tile-ready niche.
Floor Plan
Originally a bedroom, the bath in the "before" drawing was spacious, but the awkward layout lacked privacy, storage, and a focal point. We set the tub in front of the window, replaced pedestal sinks with vanities, moved the shower, and enclosed the toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?
A. A small remodel could be be done for as little as $2,500, while large master bathroom projects could cost $25,000 or more. When you're planning a bathroom remodel, there are numerous factors that determine cost.
- Consider the size of your project. Labor costs are often determined by the square foot. Smaller guest bathrooms will obviously cost less than a large master bathroom.
- Consider the cost of materials. Tile can cost anywhere from $2 - $50 (or more) a square foot. For example, a 100 square-foot bathroom floor costs $200 in tile at $2 a square foot versus $5,000 at $50 a square foot. Then you have to factor in labor costs.
- Will you DIY this project or hire a contractor? If you're handy, save money by installing your own tile, toilet, vanity or faucets. Then you could hire an electrician to install the lighting. If you decide to hire a contractor for the entire project, get at least three quotes in writing before selecting someone.
- Keep the same layout. Moving plumbing is one of the most expensive changes made in a bathroom remodel.
Q: What improvements add value to a bathroom remodel?
A. The best improvements that you can make to add value include: new floor and wall tile, vanities or cabinetry, lighting and new hardware such as vanity and shower faucets. Higher end improvements that can add value include: a freestanding tub, heated floors and a walk-in shower.
Q. What color makes a small bathroom look bigger?
A. The lighter your paint and tile selections are, the bigger the bathroom will look. With paint, consider shades of white, cream, light blues and grays. Select white tile floors or wood-like tile floors in light oak or pale gray. Keep the wall tile light and bright as well.
Q. How many days should it take to remodel a bathroom?
A. An average-sized bathroom remodel can take a month. Large remodels can take up to two months to complete. However, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Will the contractor be working exclusively on your project? The size and scope of the remodel also determines how much time it'll take. Finally, are all of your materials going to be on-site at the beginning of the project? Delays with material delivery will affect the completion date.