Sharing our modern long bathroom design plan and mid-range bathroom budget (no DIY).
It's a pinch-me type month over here because we are FINALLY starting a major renovation. Our hallway bathroom is going to be renovated and, for better or worse, we are hiring the project out (gasp!).
Here's what I'm starting with for the design.

I have a ton of design inspiration photos saved on Pinterest, but here's one that I come back to over and over again.
Here's the scoop on our current bathroom. When we moved in (in 2012), we knew we had to make some immediate changes. All our bathrooms had carpet (gross) but this one was going to be the main bathroom that Greyson used (the only one with a bathtub) and the main bathroom that guests used.
Here's the before of the bathroom and what we lived with for a short time until we started making some cosmetic changes:
We ripped off the wallpaper, ripped out the carpet, painted everything and laid tile.
Over the last ten years, we've done other upgrades (contact paper window cling, budget-friendly gray and yellow bathroom refresh, etc.) but we've always wanted/needed to completely renovate the space.
The cabinets are very low, the bathtub just has a tub (no shower) and overall, it's just very 1970s-esq.
We've contemplated making this bathroom smaller and enlarging our main bathroom but the cost on that scared us off. So, we are keeping everything in the same general spot, for the most part. We do plan on trying to center the bathroom plumbing on the vanity but that's pretty much the only thing we are trying to move.
I really wanted to add in the tile backsplash all the way to the ceiling but the fact is, we needed to save costs so I did cut that detail. We are still using that gorgeous green tile but it will only be used in our shower. The backsplash wall is over 100" so, cost really went up when I was trying to buy tile for that and the shower.
Modern Long Bathroom Design "Budget"
Before we get into the nitty gritty budget details, let me say that I'm horrible at "budgeting" in the way that most people think of "staying with a budget." We don't spent money we don't have, but when it comes to projects, I don't ever have a set amount of money that the project HAS to stay under. I have a good idea of what it's going to cost before we start (pricing out labor, tile, custom cabinetry, etc.). I try to make sure what I'm buying makes sense in regards to the overall cost.
Ok, and the last thing about the budget for this space; the space has to have custom cabinetry because of how long the cabinetry runs. That combined with the existing built-ins (linen closet and laundry chute) and how to incorporate those without nixing them is tricky. Custom anything costs a lot of money but for the length of cabinets we are talking about, it's definitely expensive. So, if you have a much smaller space, keep that in mind!
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Bathroom Remodel Budget + Task List
- Tub (Not a standard size and I'm doing a fancy deck on top)$2,200 (Actual $2131)*
- Shower Components (Dual Function Shower/Bath)- $1,400 (Actual $1232)
- Asbestos Abatement - $2,500 (Actual $2700)
- Drywall Refinishing - $2,000 (Actual $2776.41)
- Sinks + Faucets - $1,200 (Actual $1029)
- Lighting (Sconces + Overhead) - $800 (Actual $1228.78)
- Countertop - $6,000 (Actual $3639.20)
- Shower Tile (Cle in Bracken)- $3,400 (Actual $3409)
- Floor Tile (Limestone and Marble) - $1,760 (Actual $1760)
- Misc - $1,500 (Toilet handle $51, Mirrors $810)
- Custom wood vanity, laundry chute door, and linen built-in - $8,000
- Labor - $9,400
Budgeted Total Cost $40,160 (actual so far $20,766.39)
*Opted not to do the tub deck because of installed tub height. For reference, tub deck cost was going to add $2100 for material, fabrication, and installation.
When I added the items all together, I was kinda shocked at the price. In my head, I knew the price of the wood cabinetry, asbestos abatement, and the labor and with those prices alone, knew it was going to get a bit high. But, seeing it all added up is a lot to take in.
I splurged on the shower system, honestly it's a total splurge, and I splurged on all the tile. I tried my best to find cheaper options, but I really fell hard for the pieces I bought. So, it is what it is. We will have one FANCY bathroom in the whole house when it's all said and done. The other bathrooms we've done, we've done way more budget-friendly and we've done them all ourselves.
Allie over at The Adored Abode shared her bathroom renovation price breakdown and it's a really great resource to check out. They spent $23,500 (no DIY) on a slightly smaller space but with a different layout. She broke her pricing down slightly different than I did and also included three different quotes to check out.
I feel like it's hard to find an accurate pricing breakdown on renovations that you see floating around on Instagram/Pinterest because a lot of influencers/bloggers are working with brands to get products or they aren't as transparent with what they are spending. So, take my bathroom and Allie's bathroom as a starting place for knowing what you can get at what cost.
Anyways, we are excited and nervous. Asbestos removal started on Tuesday and demo starts next Monday. I'm guessing we will be completely done with the long bathroom mid-March which feels so far away but also, close?!
Jesse S.
I live in the construction world, and I think this is a very good price point for so much custom cabinetry. I thought this would have been a bit more expensive. I love the materials you choose, and I think it fits so well with your home. I am excited to see it come together!