Bathroom Remodel Cost

Don’t let your remodeling budget go over-board by hidden surprises – understand what the average bathroom remodeling cost is near you by using our simple to use bathroom cost calculator.

As an experienced licensed home improvement contractor, I know first hand what it should cost for various levels — from Basic, Better, and of course the best.

This bathroom remodeling cost estimator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. Simply enter your zip code and the linear footage, next click update and you will see a breakdown on what it should cost to have gutters installed onto your home.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

Remodeling a bathroom is an extensive project — you need a budget and a plan. Minor renovations and one-day remodels can cost as little as $2800 for an average 40-square foot bathroom while a luxury redesign could set you back $17,000 or more. At $110–$280 per square foot, most homeowners spend $4300–$9900 for essential upgrades. What you’ll pay depends on the size and scope of your project.

Cost to remodel a 5×7 bathroom

5×9 (45 sq. ft)

Low	$4,500
Mid-range	$7,425
High-end	$16,875
National Average Cost	$4500 – $9,600

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost

The average bathroom remodel costs $5,200 to $14,800 — most homeowners spend a modest $8,650. Half-bath and small bath overhauls run from $2,200 to $11,000 while transforming a large master bath averages $12,000–$33,000 depending on the quality of materials and the complexity of installation.

Expect to pay $110 per square foot for projects using off-the-shelf upgrades to $280 per square foot for plans requiring layout changes — the choice is yours, and the sky’s the limit. Here’s a rundown of average costs for popular projects.

Half-Bath Remodel Cost

A half bath, or powder room, with a toilet and sink — but no shower or tub — is among the most cost-effective to remodel. At an average of 20 square feet, you’ll pay as little as $2200 for essential upgrades to $5000 for a whole new high-end look.

Small Bathroom Remodel Cost

Small bathrooms average 40 square feet — using mid-priced fixtures and an existing layout, costs to remodel start at $2800. Plans requiring structural changes or luxury features could run as high as $11,000. Most homeowners spend around $4300.

Full Bathroom Remodel Cost

Prices for remodeling a full-size, 80-foot bathroom range from $5500 to $9600 using budget-priced fixtures plus new flooring, cabinets and lights. Altering the layout or choosing deluxe accessories could drive the cost as high as $14,500. The average expenditure is $7600.

Master Bathroom Remodel Cost

The average master bedroom measures 120 square feet. Remodeling costs range from $11,500 to $31,000 using economy- to mid-priced fixtures and flooring. Luxury upgrades such as walk-in showers, soaking and double vanities drive the price closer to $50,000. Most homeowners invest $18,500.

Luxury Bathroom Remodel Cost

There’s no limit to how luxurious a bathroom can be or how much it can cost. From heated floors and marble tile to tubs that rival a 5-star hotel’s, today’s luxury bathrooms feature the best in upscale design. Expect to pay $50,000 and up for materials and labor, including designer fees and the cost of changing the floor plan.

Bathroom Disability Remodeling Cost

Among homeowners’ top reasons for remodeling a bathroom is to make it friendlier for people with mobility challenges. Making a bathroom more accessible for everyone can be as simple as installing budget-friendly aids such as grab bars, railings and a hand-held shower head. Or it could involve major upgrades such as a walk-in tub and adjusting the height of counters and cabinets. Prices range from as little as $2300 for limited improvements to $14,000 or more for a complete renovation — the average is $8900.

Estimating Bathroom Remodel Costs

Setting a budget for your bathroom makeover can be tricky — and there are always surprises in store.
You’ll need to consider:

1. Room size
2. Price of materials
3. Regional differences in labor rates
4. Cost of structural changes required to alter a floor plan

In general, the project total will include 65% for materials and 35% for professional services. An easy way to get a ballpark estimate for your project is to take the average cost of remodeling a bathroom by the square foot and adjust it up or down based on the complexity of your design and the quality of the materials you choose.

Average Bathroom Remodel Costs

Bathroom Size	Square Ft.	Total Price
3×5	15	$2,475
4×6	24	$3,960
4×8	32	$5,280
6×6	36	$5,940
5×8	40	$6,600
5×9	45	$7,425
8×8	64	$10,560
8×10	80	$13,200
9×10	90	$14,850

Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown

To get a more specific estimate, add up the average prices of fixtures and labor. Labor rates vary by area, but materials are comparably priced nationwide.

Bathroom Remodel Materials Cost

The price ranges on this list are for materials from Lowe’s and Home Depot — installation is not included. Tally up the totals on the low-end if your plan calls for budget fixtures. Use the high end for mid-range upgrades. Add 50% –%200 for custom-made or luxury products.

Cost of Bathroom Fixtures and Other Materials

• One-piece bathtub and shower with surround — $440–$2800
• Shower only — $310–$3100
• Drop-in tub — $170–$770
• Freestanding tub — $550–$1400
• Walk-in tub — $3800–$11,900
• Single vanity — $140–$1800
• Double vanity — $840–$2800
• Vanity sinks — $100–$200
• Countertops — $220–$1100
• Cabinetry — $280–$1600
• Light fixtures — $40–$280
• Exhaust Fan — $45–$320
• Mirror — $25–$550
• Flooring — $270–$2000
• Paint — $60–$200
• Doors — $90–$1500
• Plumbing fixtures (faucets and showerheads) — $30–$400
• Miscellaneous hardware (knobs, shower rods, towel bars and more) — $35–$320

Labor Cost To Remodel a Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling projects may require experts from building contractors and plumbers to painters, electricians and tile experts. Labor costs average $1,000 to $4,500 and up — or about 35% of your project’s total.

These professionals charge:

• Interior designers — $40–$200 per hour
• General contractors — $35–$100 per hour
• Plumbers — $60–$200
• Painters — $40–$90
• Drywall Contractors — $30–$85
• Tile setters — $35–$320, or $3–$9 per square foot

Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown by Project

Some bathroom remodels are complete overhauls; others are less involved and may include only a few simple upgrades. Here’s how their prices stack up.

Bathtub Remodel Prices

Installing a new one-piece bathtub and shower with an integrated acrylic surround costs between $850 and $6200 for labor and materials — showers alone run $700–$6400. A tub or shower with a tile surround averages $600–$4100, installed, for the fixtures — plus $700–$2600 per 100 square feet for the tile of your choice.

Bathroom Floor Costs

The average cost to replace a bathroom floor is $5 to $24 per square foot, installed, or between $600 and $4,200 on average. Flooring prices are based on material type plus disposal of old flooring and repairs to the sub-floor if needed.

Flooring choices include:

• Vinyl tile or sheet flooring at $1.70–$6 per square foot
• Ceramic tile at $0.80 to $6 per square foot
• Porcelain tile at $3–$9 per square foot
• Natural stone at $6–$12 per square foot
• Engineered wood at $5 – $10 per square foot

While many types of engineered wood flooring are suitable for bathrooms, natural hardwood is too prone to moisture damage. Bathroom floors take a beating, so materials that last longer, such as porcelain tile, are ideal choices.

Bathroom Cabinet Costs

Bathroom cabinets, not including the vanity, average $280–$1600 installed — examples include built-in linen towers and medicine cabinets. Prices depend on their size and construction quality. Save money by opting for open shelves instead of cabinetry with doors.

Vanity Costs

Vanities come in a broad range of styles from utility to designer — the differences in price are stark. Installed, you’ll pay $140–$1800 for a single-sink model, plus an additional $100–$200 for a bowl and faucet. Double vanities range in price from $840–$2800.

Choose a mid-priced vanity or better for durability. Moisture can wreak havoc on low-quality models made from pressed board, causing drawers to warp over time — while a heavy countertop and sink can cause delicate materials to sag in the center where the weight is the greatest.

Bathroom Countertop Cost

The average cost to replace a bathroom countertop is $460 to $1,600 or $12 to $65 per square foot installed. Disposal fees for your old countertop and sink may apply.

Because bathroom countertops are often wet, it doesn’t pay to skimp on materials. Virtually waterproof surfaces such as porcelain and stone are a better long-term value than laminate, and since bathroom surfaces are smaller than kitchen counters, the investment is reasonable.

Include one of these materials in your budget — prices are per square foot installed:

• Porcelain tile —$3–$9
• Laminate—$12–$40
• Granite —$50–$210
• Marble—$21–$175
• Quartz —$45–$110
• Concrete—$55–$120
• Stainless Steel—$65–$95

Electric & Plumbing Upgrade Costs

Installing new fixtures where old ones existed is the best way to trim labor costs, but occasionally, relocating a tub, toilet or light is necessary. In addition to the carpentry cost, select tubs and fixtures may also require rerouting plumbing and wiring.

Experts also recommend upgrading to a tankless water heater if you’re installing a sizable walk-in tub — it’s a must to keep up with demand.

Professional fees for these services average:

• Toilet rough-in — $400–$800
• New light fixture — $160–$660
• GFCI outlet installation — $95–$230
• Adding a dedicated 15-amp circuit for a jet tub — $750–$1400
• Installing a tankless water heater — $1200–$1800

Cost To Expand A Bathroom

The cost to expand a bathroom is tough to estimate because each home is unique. If the expansion pushes into existing space without the need for extensive structural changes, the cost can be as low as $1500. Projects that require reframing or adding support beams can run 10,000 or more plus professional fees for the input of architects and engineers.

Remodeling vs Renovations

The terms remodeling and renovation are often used interchangeably, but in the world of home improvement, “remodeling” describes projects that change the flow of a room — “renovation” refers to upgrading an existing space. Not surprisingly, renovations are typically less expensive, but floor to ceiling changes can look as impressive as a remodel.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

What’s the difference in cost between remodeling and renovation? On average, renovations run up to 30% less. The cost of some upgrades are comparable, but the difference shows in projects like these:

Cabinet Refacing

If you like your existing cabinets, but want a look that paint alone can’t provide, consider refacing them. New bathroom cabinetry range in price from $280–$1600 — refacing runs $150–$600. The more cabinets you have, the more refacing saves.

Bathtub Liners

At $1200–$2900 installed, liners that fit over your existing tub cost about the same as a new fixture — but because they can be installed in less than a day, you’ll save up to 25% on installation, and you won’t have to pay for removal of your old tub.

Bathtub Reglazing

An even less costly alternative is reglazing. You can change the color of your tub and restore the factory finish for $250–$550, depending on its color and condition — it can take several coats to cover dark hues and deep scratches. Finish the surround to match for an additional $500–$800. That’s a savings of almost 50%.

DIY reglazing kits are available for $40–$150. Reviews suggest the results look as good as professional resurfacing, but they may not be as durable. You may need two kits to reglaze a deep tub and four or more for a three-wall surround.

One-Day Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom remodeling services such as Re-bath and Bath Fitter offer both renovations and remodeling for less. Because bathrooms are all they do, they’ve refined techniques that bring you a brand new space quicker and for less money.

Brands include:

• Re-Bath
• Bath Planet
• Bath Fitter
• Luxury Bath
• Bathwraps and more…

Compared to similar services from Home Depot and Lowe’s, bathroom remodelers charge about 10% less for renovations and up to 30% less for full remodels. Because they only work with select products, however, style options may be limited.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?

Remodeling a bathroom yourself can save up to 40% of the total cost depending on the scope of the project. Unless you have carpentry, plumbing and wiring skills, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to tackle the whole project — know your limits — but many tasks are DIY-friendly for handy persons and doing just a few can save thousands.

You’ll need to purchase your own fixtures and materials plus tools and supplies for an additional $150–$500. But compared to $4300–$9900 for professional remodeling and $3900–$8900 for work done by a bathroom modeler, DIY projects average $1750–$7200 or $80–$90 per square foot.

Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

A bathroom model improves the resale value of your home, so it’s an investment. Still, there are ways to save money.

How To Save on Bathroom Renovations

1. Avoid changing the floor plan. Moving a fixture is double the cost of replacing it.
2. Purchase and deliver materials yourself. Last year’s fixtures and tile are every bit as sound as this year’s styles for a fraction of the price. Buying products on clearance and avoiding delivery fees can lop 50% or more of the cost of materials.
3. Replacing a tub is among the most costly bathroom renovations. Resurface or reglaze it instead to save hundreds.
4. Stick with mid-priced fixtures. They’re typically better quality than economy models, but without the added cost of design features that look great but don’t contribute to the function or longevity of your purchase. Low-cost solid countertops, for example, are an excellent value.
5. Take your time. Unless there are significant savings to glean from doing a project all at once, remodeling in stages allows you to budget conservatively.
6. Do at least some of the work yourself. Even if you don’t know one end of a tile saw from the other, you can still help a contractor with demolition work and disposal of old flooring and fixtures.
7. Choose paint over wallpaper. It’s cheaper and stands up to moisture better.
8. Don’t skimp on storage space — needs tend to grow over time.
9. Work your project around budget-priced materials. The more flexible you are, the more you’ll save.
10. Select fixtures and materials that are easy to clean and repair — you’ll be happier in the long run.
11. Reconsider DIY demolition — it’s not as fun as it seems on television. If you start swinging a sledgehammer, there’s a strong possibility you could damage pipes and wires hidden in walls.

Green Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Squeeze the most out of your bathroom remodel by incorporating money-saving technology including:

• Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Touchless faucets
• Low-flow toilets
• Greywater recovery systems
• Natural lighting
• Eco-friendly floor and wall materials
• Energy-saving LED light bulbs

Your checkbook and the environment will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required to remodel a bathroom?

Usually, yes. Prices vary based on the extent of the work and range from $25–$125.

What does it cost to remodel a bathroom in a mobile home?

Prices are similar among all types of homes, but mobiles with small bathrooms may require petite fixtures that cost a little more. Plumbing exposed to cold outdoor temperatures will also require additional insulation.

Does a basement bathroom remodel cost more?

It can add $850–$1200 depending on the type of plumbing upgrades you need. A motor-driven waste ejection system may be required to move effluent up and out of your home.

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

It depends on the scope of the project. Minor renovations average 1–3 days — a full remodel could take 1–3 weeks.

What’s the return on investment on a bathroom remodel?

You can expect a 50%–70% return on investment if upgrades are appropriate for your area. Bargain remodels won’t appeal to upscale buyers, while lavish upgrades in a modest area won’t be as valuable at sale time.

Do Lowe’s and Home Depot remodel bathrooms?

Yes — both remodel bathrooms and more.

Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Remodeling a bathroom is a significant investment — it pays to hire the right people to do the job.

Before you hire a contractor:

• Compare at least four estimates from contractors rated “A” or better by the Better Business Bureau
• Request references and ask to see photos of recent work.
• Consider experience. Not all contractors are as skilled with bathrooms as others.
• Inquire if companies are they’re licensed and insured — you could be on the hook for injuries or damage to your home if they’re not.
• Insist on detailed estimates — unusually low prices may not include services such as material delivery or disposal.
• Clarify who is responsible for obtaining and paying for building permits.
• Ask for warranties in writing.

Final Thoughts

Designing your dream bathroom is thrilling, but avoid the temptation to do it without a mission and a budget. Remodeling can be rewarding or frustrating — success lies in planning.

What Others are paying:

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