Expanding a small bathroom to fit a tub and shower combo usually means moving at least one wall, rerouting some plumbing, and making smart decisions about what stays and what goes. The biggest cost drivers are how far you move the walls, whether you relocate the toilet or drain, and what finishes you choose. Keep those three things in check and the project becomes much more manageable.
A homeowner in Metairie LA recently walked us through their master bathroom situation. It was a classic 5-by-8 space with no room for a proper tub, a dated vanity, and flooring that had seen better days. They wanted a double vanity, a tub and shower combo, new flooring, and a whole new feel. Sound familiar? This is one of the most common bathroom renovation conversations we have.
As a local remodeling company, our bathroom remodeling team works through these decisions every day. Here is what you actually need to think about before swinging a hammer.
What Are the Biggest Cost Drivers in a Bathroom Expansion?
Three things will make or break your bathroom renovation budget: tile, glass enclosures, and moving plumbing. If you can avoid all three, or at least minimize them, you will stretch your dollars significantly.
- Tile: Full tile work in a wet area adds up fast. Opting for a shower liner or simpler surround keeps costs down.
- Glass enclosures: A frameless glass shower is beautiful, but a simple curtain rod setup is a fraction of the price.
- Moving plumbing: Every foot you move a toilet or drain adds real money. Keeping the toilet where it is and building around it is almost always the smarter call.
Should You Move the Toilet During a Bathroom Remodel?
Unless the toilet is in a genuinely bad spot, we almost always recommend leaving it where it is. Moving a toilet means cutting into the concrete floor, resetting the drain, and pouring new concrete around it. That is time, labor, and money that most homeowners do not need to spend.
The shower drain is a different story. If you are adding a shower where there was not one before, you will need a new drain set into the slab. That concrete work has to be cured properly before anything is built on top of it. Rushing that step causes problems down the road, so plan for it in your project timeline.
What Finishes Make the Biggest Difference in a Master Bathroom Remodel?
A double vanity with storage, updated lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring will transform the feel of a bathroom more than almost anything else. These are the details people actually notice every day.
- A longer vanity with drawers replaces a single sink and gives you real storage
- A new light bar above the mirror, angled slightly downward, makes the space feel modern and less harsh
- LVP flooring works great in wet areas, is easy to clean, and comes in styles that match almost any aesthetic
- A heat vent light in the shower area is a practical upgrade that most older bathrooms completely lack
These updates also happen to improve your home’s resale value. Master bathroom renovations consistently rank among the highest return-on-investment projects for homeowners looking to build equity.
You can learn more about what goes into a full project like this on our interior renovations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put LVP flooring in a bathroom?
Yes, absolutely. Luxury vinyl plank is one of the best flooring choices for bathrooms. It is waterproof, durable, and available in dozens of styles that can match hardwood floors in the rest of your home. It installs easily over most existing subfloors and holds up well in wet environments.
Is it worth expanding a bathroom if I plan to sell the house?
Generally, yes. Master bathroom renovations tend to deliver strong returns at resale, especially when the update is significant, like adding a double vanity, expanding the footprint, or adding a tub and shower combo. Buyers notice bathrooms. An outdated or cramped master bath can hold back your asking price more than most people realize.
How do I know if I need to move the shower drain?
If you are adding a shower in a location where there was not one before, you will need a new drain. If the shower is going back in roughly the same spot, you may be able to tie into the existing drain. A contractor can assess this during an in-home walkthrough before any work begins.
Ready to Expand Your Bathroom in Metairie, LA?
If you are looking at a small master bathroom and wondering whether a real renovation is even possible, the answer is almost always yes. It just takes the right plan. We serve homeowners throughout Metairie, LA and the surrounding area, and we are happy to walk through your space and show you what is actually possible before you commit to anything.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward the bathroom you have been putting off.