Bathroom Remodel: calculators, shopping list & budget
A small bathroom combines four trades in 40 sq ft. Tile counts, thinset bags and grout pounds all depend on tile size and joint width, and the waste factor is higher than in open rooms.
Calculate each layer below and keep the totals together in one budget.
Bathroom Remodel budget & shopping list template
- • Printable PDF checklist with quantities, estimated prices and an "Actual" column
- • Editable Excel or Google Sheets budget that calculates totals automatically, including contingency and remaining funds
- • Step-by-step plan and notes page
Which calculators do I need for this project?
Step 1
Tile Calculator
Estimate tiles, boxes and total square footage with waste factored in.
Step 2
Grout & Thinset Calculator
Estimate bags of grout and thinset for a tile job.
Step 3
Drywall Calculator
Estimate sheets, screws, mud and tape for any drywall job.
Step 4
Paint Calculator
Estimate gallons of paint for any room — doors and windows subtracted.
Step 5
CFM Calculator
Estimate CFM airflow for exhaust fans and ventilation.
Step 6
Water Heater Sizing Calculator
Estimate water heater gallon size for your household.
How much does it cost?
5 x 8 ft bathroom: tiled floor and tub surround, new vanity, toilet and fan. Estimated total: $1,611, or $1,772 with a 10% contingency.
| Item | Qty | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Floor tile | 46 sq ft | $161 |
| Wall tile (tub surround) | 95 sq ft | $285 |
| Cement backer board 3x5 | 8 sheets | $112 |
| Thinset mortar, 50 lb | 3 bags | $66 |
| Grout, 25 lb | 1 bag | $25 |
| Waterproofing membrane, gallon | 1 gal | $65 |
| Moisture-resistant drywall | 4 sheets | $72 |
| Bathroom paint, gallon | 1 gal | $45 |
| Vanity with top | 1 each | $350 |
| Toilet | 1 each | $220 |
| Exhaust fan 80 CFM | 1 each | $90 |
| Tile wet saw rental | 2 days | $120 |
Want this as a printable checklist and a self-totaling spreadsheet? Get the template.
What are the steps?
- Demo down to studs and subfloor.
- Fix plumbing and fan venting.
- Install backer board and waterproof wet areas.
- Tile walls, then floor; grout after 24 h.
- Patch, prime and paint drywall.
- Set vanity, toilet and fixtures; caulk.
Material guides for this project
How much does a DIY small bathroom remodel cost?
Mid-range materials for a 5 x 8 bathroom usually total $2,000 to $3,500 when you keep the plumbing in place.
How much extra tile should I buy for a bathroom?
Add 10-15%; small rooms have many cuts, and diagonal layouts need up to 20%.
What fan size does a bathroom need?
One CFM per square foot, with a 50 CFM minimum; a 40 sq ft bath needs 50 CFM, 80 is a comfortable choice.
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