5x8 Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026: Real Prices by Scope

The 5x8 is the default American bathroom — the one behind most hallway doors built between 1950 and today. Forty square feet buys one extra foot of floor over a 5x7, and that foot is usually spent on a wider vanity rather than on anything structural.

5x8 Bathroom Remodel Cost at a Glance (2026)

• Cosmetic refresh (paint, vanity, fixtures, no layout change): $4,900-$7,200
• Mid-range gut and replace (new tile, tub or shower, vanity, fixtures): $10,800-$15,200
• Upscale build (custom tile, glass, heated floor, premium fixtures): $18,500-$25,500
• Typical mid-range cost per square foot: $270-$380 across 40 sq ft
• Typical schedule: 2 to 3 weeks from demo to final inspection

How a $13,000 5x8 Remodel Breaks Down

Here is where the money lands on a typical mid-range 40 sq ft job in an average-cost metro. Labor is the largest line, as it is in every bathroom.

• Labor across plumber, tile setter, electrician and GC: $7,150
• Tile and setting materials (about 40 sq ft floor, 80 sq ft wall): $1,690
• Tub, shower pan or base and glass: $1,690
• Vanity, top, mirror and lighting: $1,300
• Permits, dumpster, protection and contingency: $1,170

Layout Reality in a 5x8 Bathroom

The classic 5x8 puts a 60-inch tub across the back wall, toilet in the middle, and a 30 to 36-inch vanity by the door. Swapping to a 36-inch vanity with drawers is the upgrade most owners say they notice daily.

A 5x8 is the cheapest room in which a tub-to-shower conversion still makes sense; below 35 sq ft the glass and curb start to crowd the toilet.

What Pushes a 5x8 Remodel Over Budget

1. Moving the toilet or shower drain — $2,500-$5,000, more on a slab foundation.
2. Rotted subfloor discovered at demo — $600-$2,200 in a room this size.
3. Galvanized or cast iron lines in a pre-1975 home — $900-$3,000.
4. Upgrading to a curbless or tiled shower pan instead of an acrylic base — $1,800-$4,500.
5. Choosing a small-format or patterned tile that doubles setting hours.

Regional Pricing Matters More Than Finish Level

The same 5x8 scope that costs $13,000 in the Midwest lands near $16,640 in coastal California or the Northeast, and closer to $12,090 in parts of the South. Enter your ZIP in the calculator before you compare your quote to anything you read online.

Related Sizes and Guides

• 5x7 bathroom remodel cost — a close comparison if your room measures between the two
• 5x10 bathroom remodel cost — a close comparison if your room measures between the two
• Small bathroom renovation cost — the line-item detail behind these totals
• Bathroom remodel labor cost — the line-item detail behind these totals

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to remodel a 5x8 bathroom in 2026?

Most 5x8 (40 sq ft) remodels land between $10,800 and $15,200 for a mid-range gut and replace. A cosmetic refresh runs $4,900-$7,200 and an upscale build $18,500-$25,500 before regional adjustment.

What is the cost per square foot for a 5x8 bathroom?

About $270-$380 per square foot at a mid-range scope. Bathrooms are fixture-dense, so smaller rooms always show a higher per-square-foot rate than larger ones at the same finish level.

How long does a 5x8 bathroom remodel take?

Plan on 2 to 3 weeks once demo starts, assuming materials are on site and no plumbing is relocated. Special-order tile, glass and vanities are the usual cause of delay, not the trades.

Do I need a permit for a 5x8 bathroom remodel?

If you change plumbing, electrical or framing, yes — expect $250-$900 in fees depending on your city. A like-for-like cosmetic refresh usually does not require one, but check locally before demo.

Is it worth converting the tub to a shower in a 5x8 bathroom?

In a 40 sq ft room a conversion typically adds $1,500-$4,000 and buys real usable space. Keep at least one tub in the house if you plan to sell to families — buyers still look for it.