Update Powder Room

Ideas, costs, tips and plans - the information you need for a successful Powder Room Makeover project

December 2021

Homeowners have many important questions about their Powder Room Makeover Project. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What problem areas do I need to watch out for? Can I recover my Powder Room Makeover investment when I sell? Can I do some of the work myself? What can I do to make sure that the work is done right?

Costs, materials and best practices for the example Powder Room Makeover project will help you answer these questions. Use this information to develop a budget, bid requirements, hiring contracts and a project plan.

Powder Room Makeover - Project Overview

Important considerations for this project are summarized below.

Project descriptionReplace sink, toilet and fixtures. Add granite countertop. Install new flooring. Paint walls and ceiling. Update lighting and electrical. Use above average quality materials and finishing detail.
Project size40 square feet
Do-it-yourself assessmentThe typical Powder Room Makeover project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Powder Room Makeover requires attention to detail and careful planning.
First year Return on Investment - ROIReturns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Powder Room Makeover project in an appropriate neighborhood can return as much as 77% - 91% of its initial cost.
First year Return on Investment - ROIReturns will be impacted by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Powder Room Makeover project can return as much as 67% - 78% of its initial cost
Green ratingPowder Room Makeover projects can employ renewable resources and environmentally friendly construction materials. Efficient lighting, HVAC, insulation and appliance choices can significantly reduce the energy footprint of your home.

Powder Room Makeover - Project Plan and Details

The following list includes major work tasks commonly performed during Powder Room Makeover. Use this list to understand the timing and sequence of different steps in the Powder Room Makeover project. Click any task name for task details and an up-to-date Homewyse example cost estimate for the task - this essential information will help you control Powder Room Makeover project cost and quality.

Do you expect to spend more than $250 on your Powder Room Makeover project? If so, it is important create and manage a detailed plan for all project activities.

TaskService ProviderTimeDifficulty-
Develop Project BudgetGeneral Contractor2 to 15 d-
Specify MaterialsInterior Designer2 to 15 d-
Install GFCI OutletElectrician1 d-
Install MoldingFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d-
Install Door KnobFinish Carpenter1 d-
Install Bathroom CabinetFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d-
Paint WallPainting Contractor1 to 3 d-
Paint MoldingPainting Contractor1 to 3 d-
Install Granite CountertopsInstaller5 d-
Install Surface Mounted LightingElectrician1 to 2 d-
Install Low Voltage LightingElectrician1 to 2 d-
Replace Bathroom FanElectrician1 to 2 d-
Replace Bathroom SinkPlumber1 d-
Replace ToiletPlumber1 d-
Replace Bathroom FaucetPlumber1 d-
Replace Electric SwitchElectrician1 d-
Replace Switch PlatesElectrician1 d-

Powder Room Makeover - Proven Ideas and Project Tips

Review these tips, design suggestions, options and lessons learned before finalizing your Powder Room Makeover project plan.

  • For best resale value, select a taste neutral design for your Powder Room Makeover
  • To maximize return on the Powder Room Makeover project, limit cost to no more than 1.8% of home's total, post project value
  • For best home resale value, follow a consistent design and decorating theme throughout the home
  • For best resale value, select components, appliances, finishes and fixtures of comparable quality
  • To minimize risk of electrical shock, have all circuits protected by GFCI
  • Update or restore electrical switches, receptacles and switch plates
  • Use low voltage interior lighting to illuminate pathways used at night
  • Install electrical receptacles inside cabinet where electrical devices are stored

Hiring Local Professionals

How to hire a trustworthy pro contractor for your project

Our FREE hiring guide helps you hire wisely, get quality craftsmanship and understand fair pricing for your specific project.



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