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Small bathrooms are some of the best-value renovations in a home — but they pack plumbing, electrical and waterproofing into a tiny space. Knowing what to hand off saves money and headaches.
Good DIY jobs
- Painting — use a moisture-resistant bathroom paint.
- Swapping a vanity light or mirror — if you’re comfortable turning off the breaker and replacing a like-for-like fixture.
- New faucet and shower head — usually just a wrench and plumber’s tape.
- Accessories and storage — towel hooks, shelves, a medicine cabinet.
Basic plumbing tool kit
Basin wrench, adjustable wrench and thread tape — covers most faucet swaps.
Check priceHire a pro for
- Moving plumbing — relocating a toilet or shower drain affects permits and venting.
- New circuits or wiring — bathrooms need GFCI protection and often a permit.
- Shower waterproofing — mistakes here show up as rot months later.
Where to splurge
Spend on what you touch every day: the faucet, the shower valve and good lighting. Save on tile by using an affordable field tile and a single feature wall.
