How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom?

Estimating Bathroom Remodel Costs

Bathroom remodel costs run anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000. Large master baths in luxury homes might even hit or exceed $50,000. The typical homeowner will spend between $6,000 and $15,000 for a complete tear out and replacement of all walls, fixtures and appliances.

Labor will run you anywhere from 40% to 65% of your total project. Ranges depend on your location. While material pricing doesn’t change much from place to place, a higher cost of living means higher wages.

Determining your bathroom makeover budget can be tricky. Consider the following:

• Room size.
• Regional pricing differences. Expect to pay up to 20% more if you live in an area with high real estate prices.
• Quality of materials. A fiberglass shower surround might run only $300. Custom tile work can easily hit $3,000+.
• Changing the floor plan. Making your bath larger, like converting a half bath to a full bath costs an additional $5,000+.
• Type of fixtures, appliances, counters and finishes you choose. Make a plan that includes both design and budget before choosing what to buy for your bath remodel.

Bathroom Remodel Labor Costs

Bathroom remodeling costs include labor at $50 to $75 per hour. Labor accounts for 40% to 65% of your total budget. Always ask for a detailed bid and invoice that breaks out all materials and labor.

You’ll probably need a plumber, a general contractor who specializes in bathrooms and kitchens, and possibly other specialists. Those prices break down further:

General contractor rates: $300-$400 per day.

• Hiring a plumber costs: $1,000-$2,000.
• Non-plumbing labor: $4,000-$8,000.
  • Interior design fees: $100-$500.
  • Electrician fees: $50-$100 per hour.
  • Drywall installation: $30-$50 per hour.

Cost to Demo a Bathroom

Interior bathroom demolition costs $1,000 to $2,300. Prices can go higher if you’re removing and moving walls to create a different footprint. For the experienced DIYer, this is a good place to save money by doing it yourself or assisting the contractor. However, demo can get expensive quickly if you take out a load bearing wall, cut electrical lines or break a water pipe. Avoid the risk by hiring a pro.

Price of Custom-Built vs. Store-Bought Fixtures & Accessories

Determine your total budget for fixtures and plan accordingly:

• Economy and off-the-shelf: $500-$2,000
• Mid-grade: $1,500-$3,000
• Luxury and custom: $4,000-$22,000+

Permits

Building permits cost $350 to $1,800. Price is location dependent so contact your local building code enforcement or permitting agency for details. In most cases, your contractor takes care of all permitting and includes this in your project price.

Average Cost of Bathroom Remodeling Per Square Foot

You’ll pay an average of $125 per square foot for a bathroom remodel. However, materials might push that price up or down. Luxury appliances and finishes can quickly double or triple your budget.

Average Bathroom Remodel Costs

Estimating Master Bathroom Remodel Costs

Master bath remodels run $10,000 to $25,000. The average homeowner can expect to pay about $18,000 for a complete master bathroom renovation. This includes a separate tub, shower, double vanity and larger space for cabinets and fixtures.

Small Bathroom Remodel

Cost to Expand a Bathroom

It might cost $1,000 to $15,000 or more just to expand the size of your bathroom. The variables involved in each unique space can make each project budget different. You’ll need to consider rerouting electrical and plumbing, adding structural headers and adding insulation.

• Rerouting electrical wiring costs: $500-$2,500.
• Installing plumbing costs: $350-$2,000.
• Structural engineer fees: $300-$700.
• Drywall installation prices: $1,000-$2,500.
• Framing costs: $500-$1,500.
• Architect fees: $1,000-$2,000.

Bathroom Disability Remodeling Cost

It’ll cost anywhere from $1,500 to $9,000 to remodel a bathroom for handicap accessibility for people with disabilities. Each upgrade is circumstance dependent. For example, for one individual you may need to install railings and widen the doorway, for another you might install a walk-in bathtub.

Full Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown

• Low range: economy grade or basic fixtures from home improvement stores.
• Mid-range: higher end home improvement offerings and specialty stores.
• High-range: custom made, one-of-a-kind or specialty order items.

Bathroom Cabinet Costs

sanBathroom cabinets cost $250 to $3,000 or more. Consider matching your kitchen and bath cabinetry when remodeling one or both. For a budget-friendly method, try refinishing them instead of buying new. Not only is it a fraction of the price, but most pros can match new installs with existing boxes.

• Refinishing cabinets costs $1,500-$4,000.
• New kitchen cabinets cost $2,000-$15,000+.

Shower Remodel Costs

Bathtub Remodel Prices

Installing a bathtub costs $1,000 to $5,500 or more. There are many options from cast iron to fiberglass. You can also refinish a tub using a service or a DIY kit, including the following:

• Miracle method services costs $500-$650 for the tub or $1,000-$2,000 for the tub and surround. The price includes all materials and labor.
• Rust-Oleum kits run as little as $25. These kits mimic the miracle method for DIYers.

Cost to Redo Bathroom Floor

You’ll spend anywhere from $100 to $3,500 redoing a bathroom floor. Custom luxury installations can reach $7,000. Floor installation pricing ranges depending on what materials you use.

• Tile: $500-$3,500
• Linoleum: $100-$500
• Vinyl Plank: $150-$800
• Wood plank: $200-$1,700

Electric & Plumbing Costs

You’ll spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more redoing or installing new plumbing or electrical fixtures. Any issues with your plumbing or electricity during the renovation raises the bill. Check both electrical and plumbing before starting. However, you can’t plan for all issues that might arise during a renovation.

Including both labor and materials, expect to spend the following on electrical or plumbing upgrades:

• Toilets cost: $100-$500.
• Sinks cost: $200-$500.
• Light fixture cost: $150-$800.
• New plumbing costs: $150-$500.
• New outlet installation costs: $130-$300.
• Water heater installation costs: $800-$1,500.

Vanities, Countertops & Cabinets

Bathroom vanities cost $300 to $3,800. However, luxury and custom work in large rooms can quickly exceed $10,000. For most projects, a vanity, which includes both the counter and cabinet, is used.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom repair costs run anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000 or more. Renovations and remodels differ significantly.

• Renovating, or rehabilitating, refers to the process of repairing something to make it like new again. This includes fixing damage, repainting and resurfacing. Your fixtures and configuration stay as is.
• Remodeling generally involves replacing or upgrading to new fixtures, tubs, showers and tile. This process often also involves new layouts and design work. The price of replacing a bathroom depends heavily on the size and quality you want, but it’s more expensive than renovating

Insurance sometimes pays for repair work, depending on the cause. Remodels are almost always out of pocket expenses entirely on the homeowner.

Typical Cost to Update Bathroom

Bathroom makeovers cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Typically, updating entails simple and economical changes to gain dramatic results. Common upgrades include:

• A fresh coat of paint.
• New faucets.
• Cabinet hardware.
• Addition of a new sink.
• New counters.
• Added wall shelves or artwork.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?

You’ll spend $3,000 to $8,000 on the typical remodel. Anywhere from 40% to 65% of a bath upgrade cost comes from labor. However, doing any project yourself means no insurance and added fees if something goes wrong. Hire a professional for any work you’re not comfortable doing, such as the plumbing and electrical. Consider the pros and cons of DIY vs professional bathroom remodeling.

Bathroom Remodel Contractor’s Work

Bathroom remodels provide 60% to 70% resale returns as a home improvement project. However, this project isn’t cheap. It is essential to plan your remodeling ideas ahead of time. Then, hire a remodeling contractor for the job. Ask questions, set realistic expectations, get accurate cost estimates and budgeting from the start. Also spend time learning how to work with a bathroom contractor.

A remodel involves various areas of expertise: construction, plumbing, electrical and lighting. Get value for your money. Avoid additional repairs and maintenance from their mistakes. Talk to your contractor at the start of the project about:

• How they deal with mistakes, damage and repairs.
• If they offer an expressed warranty or guarantee.
• If they have any previous reference work that demonstrates their skill.
• How they bid the project: by the hour, square foot or as a total.
• Other fees that might get tacked on, such as mold removal inside of walls.
• See our full list of bathroom contractor questions to ask.

Remodeling Quote & Schedule Agreement

As part of a quote and schedule agreement, experienced contractors give you:

• A written schedule.
• An itemized list of all materials, labor, permits and any other costs.
• A list of the construction tasks they’ll perform and prices for each.
• Deadlines for each task.
• Agreements for penalties if deadlines aren’t met.

This helps prevent disagreements along the way. It also gives you clear expectations about how long the project should take to complete.

A few other points to remember:

• Get everything in writing. This includes a payment schedule, contract with total amounts, guarantees and warrantees.
• Typically, don’t pay anything up front. Only pay for work completed. Often, you’ll pay at milestones, such as the halfway point of work.
• Always check licenses and previous work. Don’t just take the contractors word. Look at reviews and talk to previous clients. FindPros prescreens all contractors.

Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

Inexpensive bathroom remodeling helps keep prices down and returns high. A few tips to help you save some money include:

• Do the demolition yourself. Ripping out old tile and tubs isn’t fun and takes and eye for detail to avoid damaging pipes or electrical work. But it’ll save you about $1,000.
• Do your own painting. Painting is a great DIY project. It takes a little skill for a professional finish, but it’s forgiving if you make mistakes.
• Buy off-the-shelf fixtures in the clearance aisle. They might not be high end, but they’ll look new and help freshen up the overall look.
• Reuse sinks and toilets. If it isn’t broken, try reusing it instead of buying new.
• Resurface tubs, counters, cabinets and tile. You can cut costs in half by resurfacing rather than buying new.
• For better ROI, get custom tile. If it’s in your budget, put in a tile surround for the tub or shower and floor. You’ll get a better return on the investment, especially if you plan to sell.

FAQ

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas and Inspiration

Ask yourself these questions before planning

1. Why do you want to remodel the bathroom?
   • Is it to modernize the functionality?
   • To update the style and color?
   • Who is it for: female, male, adult or kid?
   • How will it flow with the rest of the house based on the style you choose?
2. Does it fit your lifestyle? How you plan to design it reflects both your aesthetic taste and lifestyle, and all of this impacts your costs and price range for accessories.
   • Maybe you live a fast-paced lifestyle where you never have time for more than a quick shower in the morning.
   • Perhaps you like a long, leisurely, relaxing soak in a jetted tub at night.
   • Ask yourself if the design style should be classic or contemporary, mid-century modern or Bohemian chic.

Approach your contractor with many examples of your remodel ideas, including pictures from home decor magazines, links to design ideas on the web and paint chips from the hardware store. The more information a contractor has ahead of time, the more your bath remodel ideas will turn out exactly how you want it.

Here are some examples that might help you define how to remodel your bathroom: