Mobile home bathroom remodeling ideas
Embarking on a remodeling project of any kind can be overwhelming and expensive, but when you’re on a budget it’s even more overwhelming. But fear not – Today, we’re exploring mobile home bathroom remodeling ideas on a budget, where every detail, from the mobile home bathtub to the exhaust fan, and everything in between can make huge a difference in the look of the room and how it feels on your wallet.
I’m sharing a comprehensive look at how to give your mobile home bathroom a fresh lease on life. From the very first step of planning to the final reveal of your revamped space, join me as we explore the art of mobile home bathroom remodeling, and create a space that’s both functional and chic. Let’s make your bathroom the sanctuary it deserves to be!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a recommended product, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I will not recommend any product that I would not use myself. For our full policies and disclosures click here.
Assess and Plan for your mobile home bathroom remodel
The first thing you need to do before diving into your mobile home bathroom remodeling project is to assess the space.
Do you need to do any structural work? This is where your budget can be eaten up pretty quickly when renovating. Make sure your structure is safe and secure before putting any money into decorative elements. Check for water damage and/or pests on floors, walls, and around windows, and fix them before moving on.
Do your floors and/or tiles need to be updated or replaced? Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes have beautiful options for these that are not too bad on the wallet. Psst…read my section on paint for some tile ideas you probably never thought about.
Take note of the existing fixtures, like the bathtub, sink, and even the toilet seat, and identify what needs to be replaced or what can be rehabbed. Did you know that bathtubs and sinks can be refinished rather than replaced? Saving where you can will make a big difference in your overall budget. After watching the linked video above, I think I’m going to attempt to refinish my farmer’s sink. Wish me luck!
What about your vanity and storage? Do you have enough space for all your things? Do you need more? Make a floor plan of the room and see if you can move some things around to create more space and storage. But keep this in mind…The more plumbing or structural items you move, the more expensive the remodel will be. If you are handy, this may be doable for you, but if you are not, always hire a professional to do this work.
Planning is key, and a well-thought-out floor plan can go a long way in optimizing the limited space often found in older mobile homes.
You might like this…
If you need help making a floor plan for your bathroom, read my post “How to draw a floor plan to scale” where I walk you through the whole process step-by-step.
A Fresh Start – The Power of a Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into an older mobile home bathroom is with a fresh coat of paint. Choose colors that complement the natural light and other areas of your home, creating a brighter and more modern look. Head to your local hardware store for a variety of colors and finishes that suit your taste or if you’re not sure what color to pick, read my post “How to choose paint colors for your home.” You can paint your walls, floors, doors, and vanity to change the whole look of the room.
Did you know that you can also paint ceramic tiles? Yup, if your tiles are in good shape then you can paint them rather than replace them. Read how to do this in my blog post “Can you paint tile and save money at home?“
Painting is the least expensive option with the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to updating a space. If you’re not sure what to update for your limited budget, start there!
Harness Natural Light and Ventilation into your remodel
Good news! Enhancing natural light is not only a great idea for the look of your bathroom but also adds value to your entire home. If you have the budget consider enlarging your windows or adding a skylight. But check with your local real estate agent or building inspector to see if adding a skylight will increase or decrease the cost of selling your home. Sometimes they are considered to be a maintenance nightmare because of leaking. Although, I think they have come a long way from that.
Opt for light, sheer curtains, or blinds that allow the maximum amount of light to filter in. This not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also contributes to the illusion of a larger space.
Also, updating the bathroom light fixtures will help to maximize brightness in the room as well as update the whole look of the room. Choosing the right fixtures can significantly impact the overall vibe of your mobile home bathroom. The link above is to the bath lighting section of my FAVORITE lighting company. They have quality and unique lighting options that are just beautiful and inexpensive! Check them out!
When updating bathroom fixtures, look for options that not only align with your style but also maximize illumination. Modern LED vanity lights are not only energy-efficient but also emit a clean and bright light, perfect for grooming tasks. Wall-mounted fixtures, strategically placed around the mirror, can eliminate shadows and create a well-lit vanity space.
Additionally, installing an exhaust fan is a popular option to combat humidity and ensure proper ventilation and they have many styles that will work with your room. And welcome to the future of bathroom design! Smart exhaust fans not only boast high-tech features like humidity sensors, adjustable settings, Bluetooth, and more but also come in sleek, futuristic designs. These additions align perfectly with a tech-savvy and contemporary rehabbed bathroom, providing both style and intelligent functionality.
So, the exhaust fan is not just a practical necessity but a design element that can enhance the overall style of your rehabbed bathroom. Choose the one that complements your style, ensuring that your bathroom not only looks fantastic but also functions at its best.
Storage – Maximizing Limited Space found in mobile homes
Limited space is a common challenge in mobile home bathrooms, but fear not – there are plenty of ways to add storage space. Explore the idea of a new medicine cabinet that recesses into the wall, or installing additional wall or floor cabinets for towels and toiletries. Thrift stores can be a treasure trove for unique storage solutions that fit your tight budget. All you’ll need is a little elbow grease and some paint or stain.
We realized that our hall closet backed up to our tiny bathroom closet, so we stole some space from the hall closet and ended up with plenty of space for our towels and other bathroom storage needs.
And the fun part of bathroom storage is all of the pretty bins, baskets, and organizers. Choose ones that fit the style of your new bathroom and give you the best option for organizing every inch of your space.
Choosing the Right Fixtures for your mobile home bath
Selecting the right fixtures can transform the entire space. A new vanity, sink, and tub are excellent choices to update the room’s look. Consider bowl shapes for sinks and modern details for hardware and faucets. I would suggest that you always stick with white for your sink, tub, and toilet to keep the look updated and to work with any color or style you want for the room.
Not sure what will look good or what options are available? Visit a cabinet specialist to explore a range of options that suit your taste and budget.
Flooring – From Stick Tile to Natural Stone
The best part of a mobile home renovation is the chance to explore new flooring options. Peel-and-stick tile is a popular choice and has come a long way with designs, providing a cost-effective way to give your bathroom a fresh look.
One of my personal favorites is luxury vinyl flooring. We replaced all of the floors in my dad’s mobile home with it ourselves and it completely transformed the look and feel of the mobile home. It’s relatively easy to install and is very durable and water resistant making it perfect for a bathroom or kitchen. And it looks like real wood floors with lots of options to choose from.
If you’re willing to splurge a little, natural stone tiles can add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Just make sure your subfloor is stable and suitable for natural tile so it won’t crack.
a Walk-In shower to a Walk-In tub to maximize space in your small bathroom
For a more modern look and to make the room look much larger, consider replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower. There’s a great option available for every budget, from shower pans, and shower walls, to stylish shower doors. Upgrading your plumbing pipes during this process can prevent water damage and add value to your home. Check out your local Home Depot and Lowes for some inexpensive options.
Still need or want a tub? Then consider replacing your shower curtain or old shower doors with more modern clear, frameless glass doors. There are even options for walk-in tubs for people who still want a tub but can’t safely step over the walls of the tub. They are pricey but a perfect option for handicap accessibility.
Finishing Touches – Towel Racks, Wall Art, and More
The devil is in the details, and in bathroom remodeling, it’s the finishing touches that elevate the space. Add a new modern towel rack and toilet paper holder, and hang some wall art, floating shelves, or cabinetry. And don’t forget about the little details like drawer hardware, towels, and bath rugs. These small touches contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your new bath remodel.
Seeking Professional Help – When and Why
While DIY is fantastic, sometimes a project requires professional assistance. For larger projects like a complete overhaul, moving plumbing, replacing windows, or doing structural work, seeking professional help is a good idea. Consider it an investment in the long-term value of your home.
How Much Does It Cost to remodel a mobile home bathroom?
You might be wondering about the costs associated with a mobile home bathroom remodel. Well, it depends on various factors. Are you doing a complete remodel or just small updates? Are you doing the work yourselves or hiring professionals? You will need to consider additional costs like circuit breakers for modern amenities, foundation issues, past damages, and even permit fees. And don’t forget about the fact that mobile home fixtures are not always standard sizes! These all play a role in what your remodel will cost.
According to Home Depot, the following are some estimates for different bathroom updates including labor:
Powder Room Remodel
Average Job Cost: $5,000 – $10,000
A powder room remodel may include:
- Faucet, toilet, and vanity upgrades
- New flooring and lighting
- Freshly painted walls and/or new wallpaper
Guest Bathroom Remodel
Average Job Cost: $14,000 – $20,000
A guest bathroom remodel may include:
- Upgrading bathtub or shower
- Updating faucets, flooring, and lighting
- Installing new tile in the tub or shower
- Installing a new vanity
- Freshly painted walls and/or new wallpaper
Master Bathroom Remodel
Average Job Cost: $30,000 & Up
A master bathroom remodel may include:
- Installing new cabinets/possibly adding a double vanity
- Replacing faucets
- Installing a frameless glass shower enclosure and/or a soaking tub
- Adding a recessed shower caddy
- Upgrading floor tile and wall tile for the shower
- New lighting, mirror, and fixtures
But if you need to keep to a smaller budget, figure out how much you can spend for the whole project then break it down by your must-haves vs. your wants. See where you can save money with DIY projects and buying second-hand, and don’t forget the power of paint!
Your New Mobile Home Bathroom Renovation
And there you have it – your guide to remodeling your mobile home bathroom. From the bathtub to the drawer hardware, every detail matters. Your small mobile home bathroom can become a stylish oasis with a little creativity, a small budget, and a little sweat equity.
