How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $6,628 - $17,532

The average cost for a bathroom remodel ranges from $6,628 to $17,532, with a national average of $11,996. Expect to pay even more if you choose high-end materials or change your bathroom layout.

How we get this data
white bathroom with navy details
Photo: Studio Luniste
Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Updated July 28, 2023
white bathroom with navy details
Photo: Studio Luniste

Daydreaming of a bathroom that heightens your daily dose of luxury? Standard bathroom remodel costs can range anywhere from $6,628 for mid-sized renovations and up to $30,000 to gut the tiles, fixtures, and floors and start from scratch with high-end materials. You can also start small, spending under $500 for a new toilet, shower stall, or faucet. Let's build your bathroom remodel from the ground up, whether you're building an at-home spa or making personalized changes one at a time.

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How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$6,628 - $17,532
  • Average
  • $11,996
  • Low end
  • $2,500
  • high end
  • $30,000
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Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown

Instead of looking at bathroom remodeling costs as one lump sum, break down each budget line item to build your dream design. The size of your bathroom, finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and labor will sway the final costs strongly in either direction.

13 common costs breakdown for a bathroom remodel, with cabinets and shelving averaging 25% of the total cost

Size of Bathroom

The size and layout of your bathroom are the first places to start when estimating the cost of renovations. Bathroom remodels range from $70 to $250 per square foot, depending on the type of bathroom and whether you opt for basic or designer finishes. For instance, the average size of a small, full bathroom is 40 square feet, so you'll pay anywhere from $2,800 to $10,000 for renovations. Large bathrooms with a tub, separate shower stall, and double sinks will be 100 square feet or larger, pushing the costs to between $7,000 and $25,000.

Bathroom Size (Square Feet)Price Range
25$1,800 – $6,300
40$2,800 – $10,000
50$3,500 – $12,500
75$5,300 – $18,800
100$7,000 – $25,000
Pro Tip
If you have a larger bathroom, need to completely remove a tub, or want a custom vanity or custom features, such as a unique shower door, you can expect to pay more during a bathroom remodel.
Traci Snyder
Traci Snyder
Vice President of Marketing, People and Technology, Improveit Home Remodeling

Cabinets and Shelving

The cost of new bathroom cabinets ranges from $300 to $42,000 with an average of $200 to $600 per unit. Storage cabinets, medicine cabinets, and vanities take up the largest square footage outside of your major plumbing installations—making them a major star in your renovation. 

Keep in mind that your vanity hosts your sink and hides the plumbing, so the more customized the vanity, the more you'll spend for hookups. A customized vanity can add $10,000 to your budget for materials and installation.

Building a shelf unit—for your hand towels, candles, and perhaps a few bathroom plants—will cost between $50 and $100 if you install them yourself or as much as $1,300 if you hire a professional contractor.

Countertops

Nothing spruces up a bathroom more than a fresh new countertop. High-end countertop materials can have a significant impact on the vibe of the space. If you’re only removing and replacing your old one, the price of a vanity countertop will range from about $400 to $4,300 for labor and materials. 

Let's break it down further. For materials alone, stock vanities that include pre-fit countertops cost between $100 and $2,600, while custom countertops cost $500 to $2,800. Include about $300 to remove and dispose of the old countertop and $200 to $1,000 to install the new one. You may also need to hire a plumber to adjust the fit of the pipes and fixtures. 

Last but not least, the countertop material costs will vary as well. See some of these in the table below.

Countertop MaterialAverage Cost (per Square Foot)
Ceramic$1 – $15
Porcelain$3 – $28
Laminate$8 – $27
Corian$20 – $75
Granite Slab$15 – $140
Marble$15 – $190
Stainless Steel$60 – $100

Shower and Tub

Swapping out your shower or tub for the ultimate spa experience is often at the forefront of a homeowner's mind when revamping a bathroom. Installing a shower averages $6,800, but the cost to remodel a shower ranges from $200 to $15,000, depending on the extent of the upgrades. Prefab shower kits cost as little as $600 with materials and labor, whereas custom showers push costs over $10,000 since they require more time and labor for proper measurements, construction, and installation.

The overall price of a bathtub replacement ranges between $4,200 and $11,000. Standard tub materials include acrylic or fiberglass, or you can spring for higher-end models made of cast iron, steel, or cultured marble. You'll also pay extra for clawfoot tubs, jets, and freestanding models.

Major changes to your shower or tub may require your plumber to move or add pipes. Freestanding tubs and tubs with jets often require special configurations. Below are some options for installing a new tub and shower during your bathroom remodel.

Tub and Shower StyleAverage Cost (Labor and Materials)
Premade Shower Kit$600 – $1,800
Walk-In Shower$4,200 – $8,500
Tub-and-Shower Combo$600 – $10,000
Tub-to-Shower Conversion$1,200 – $3,600
Wet Room Conversion$2,000 – $30,000
Cast-Iron Tub$400 – $1,400
Acrylic Tub$700 – $14,000
Cultured Marble$2,000 – $5,000
Fiberglass$200 – $800
Steel$200 – $1,000

Tile and Flooring

There's no other room in the house where the flooring, shower, and wall tiles have such a close-knit relationship. Investing in new materials to waterproof a bathroom is crucial for durability and style. You'll pay an average of $12.50 per square foot for the cost of retiling a bathroom or the cost of installing new flooring—including materials and labor. Tile alone costs between $0.50 and $15 per square foot, but it can go as high as $35 for high-end options. 

Budget-friendly bathroom tiles often come in traditional shapes like squares and rectangles and are easier to install. Once you look at installing large marble slabs, custom-shaped ceramic tiles, or any material treated for better durability, you get into the higher price ranges. If stepping out of the shower and onto a warm floor interests you, heating bathroom tiles costs between $20 and $40 per square foot.

Flooring will range from $2 to $22 per square foot for materials, and add $0.60 to $4 per square foot for labor. To match the rest of your home, skip the bathroom tile and bring in hardwood, vinyl, or polished concrete; vinyl can mimic the look of wood or stone but keeps prices down and extends the floor's longevity. 

Tile and Flooring MaterialAverage Cost (per Square Foot)
Ceramic Tile$2 – $30
Granite Tile$5 – $15
Limestone Tile$2 – $11
Marble Tile$8 – $90
Slate Tile$4 – $15
Travertine Tile$5 – $35
Hardwood$6 – $25
Vinyl$1 – $14
Polished Concrete$3 – $8

Sinks

The cost to install a sink varies between $215 and $625. In a bathroom, the sink goes hand in hand with the type of vanity you choose. Dreaming of dual sinks that sit side by side? What about a trendy vessel sink that sits above the counter? Choosing and installing just the sink is quite simple before accounting for fixtures, plumbing, and how it fits with the surrounding counters. 

The total cost will depend on the materials as well. Here are the costs for common bathroom sinks, including labor:

  • Wall-mount sink: $350–$650

  • Drop-in sink: $60–$500

  • Undermount sink: $170–$2,000

  • Farmhouse sink: $360–$2,000

  • Pedestal sink: $330–$730

  • Vessel sink: $450–$5,000

Faucets and Plumbing

Upgrade your sink faucets for $170 to $360. Faucet installation prices rely heavily on how the sink mounts to the wall and its finish. For example, a traditional faucet mounted to the countertop costs between $40 and $200, while one mounted directly to the wall can cost over $750. Special finishes also add between $10 and $100, including:

  • Brushed nickel: $10–$25

  • Matte black: $20–$40

  • Graphite black: $20–$50

  • Matt gold: $25–$50

  • Bronzed gold: $50–$100

  • Champagne bronze: $50–$100

A plumber may need to make adjustments to your current pipes to attach a new sink, toilet, or shower. The average cost to rough-in plumbing for a bathroom is $7,000 for a new bath or major renovations. The cost of installing new pipes runs between $0.50 and $8 per linear foot for materials only. You'll also pay $45 to $200 per hour to hire a plumber.

Plumbing updates during a bathroom remodel average $800. Keep in mind your plumber may also discover more complex repairs during renovation. Plumbing repairs have a large price range, costing an average of $175 for simple fixes like clogs and up to $3,000 for issues that stem back to the supply side (water main or well) or the disposal side (sewer or septic system).

Toilet

Expect to pay an average of $375 for the cost of installing a new toilet. While the shower, tiles, and vanity steal the show, you have some fancy commode options as well. Some common toilet designs and their average price tags include:

  • Two-piece toilet (tank separate from the bowl): $725

  • One-piece toilet: $1,025

  • Wall-mounted toilet: $675

  • Low-flow toilet: $510

  • Dual-flush toilet: $350

  • Upflush toilet: $950

  • Composting toilet: $900

  • Smart toilet: $4,000

Extras and Accessories 

Once you check the major bathroom installations off your list, hone in on the fun details that add a bit of luxury to the design. Bathroom extras and accessories include touches like a low-flow showerhead and cabinet hardware with metallic finishes. Keep these elements in mind, especially if you're hoping to add some small designer accents:

Ventilation and Lighting

Controlling moisture is half the battle when it comes to protecting your bathroom from mold and water damage. Install a bathroom vent fan with a light for an average of $400, or call a pro who installs vent fans. Complex vents that include a heating lamp cost as much as $425, while simple wall-mounted vents cost as low as $130.

Ventilation aside, bathroom lighting plays a functional and fashionable role in your bathroom's design. Installing a new light fixture costs anywhere from $150 to $930. You can opt for a simple ceiling-mounted light for as little as $90 or an antique chandelier for up to $2,000. Recessed lighting and track lighting can also designate separate areas of a bathroom, differentiating between the vanity area and tub or shower.

Doors and Windows

Remember to update the surrounding structure of your bathroom as well. Installing a new door costs between $360 and $1,200, depending on whether you opt for a pre-hung door or something customizable like a pocket door. Trim will add $2 to $3 per linear foot, and hardware costs $200 extra. 

You may have to account for the cost of installing a wall if you add a new door or window. For example, if you're adding a new wall opening, it will cost between $120 and $200. Adjusting the wall may also require the help of a structural engineer or a mold remediation specialist if your contractor finds some surprises in the wall. 

Assume you'll pay about $280 for the cost of replacing an existing window, including materials and labor. The cost to install a new window and cut an opening is about $6,400. You might consider investing in the price of glass block windows for $710 or adding frost to traditional windows for privacy.

Paint or Wallpaper

Spruce up the paint in your bathroom with a paint sheen that can take on high moisture levels and potential mildew. The cost to paint a bathroom is $50 to $100, while the price of hanging wallpaper runs from about $2 to $6 per square foot for materials and $1 to $7 per square foot for labor. Flex your DIY muscles and save on costs by painting your bathroom yourself.

Labor

You will work with an impressive team of experts to make your bathroom remodel a reality. Labor comes out to 40% to 65% of your total remodeling budget or $50 to $75 per hour. As noted in each category above, labor will vary depending on the project's complexity. Your total labor cost will also depend on where you live. 

Here are some common fees for your bathroom remodeling team.

You might be able to DIY small upgrades like installing a new showerhead and toilet, painting the walls, and changing out the sink, but for more complex bathroom renovations, you’ll want to hire a team. 

Demolition and Prep

The demolition of your old bathroom will add between $1,000 and $2,300 to your bill. Make sure to double-check that these costs are in your contractor’s estimate. For example, you’ll want to be sure the costs cover the removal and disposal of old tiles, flooring, and fixtures.

Permits

The price of local construction permits heavily depends on where you live. You may not need to pay a fee for small projects. However, assume anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for permits for more in-depth construction, like changes to plumbing and electrical. Your contractor can provide approximate costs and obtain the permits for your project. 

Cost of Bathroom Remodel by Type 

Whether you’re remodeling a small half bath or gut-renovating your jack-and-jill bathroom, the type of bathroom will play a role in your final costs. Here are some considerations regarding each type and the corresponding price tag.

Half Bath or Powder Room Remodel

Coming in at about 30 square feet, a small half bathroom costs between $1,500 and $15,000 to renovate, depending on the finishes and fixtures you choose. Most powder rooms only feature a toilet, sink, and vanity but might require new floors, tiling, and a coat of paint. 

Half bathroom or powder rooms on average measure 30 square feet, with a toilet, sink, and small vanity
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Guest Bathroom Remodel

A guest bathroom has everything your friends and family need to ensure a comfy stay. It features a shower or tub, sink, toilet, and vanity space to set up their toiletries. A standard guest bathroom measures about 80 square feet and will cost between $3,500 and $20,000 to remodel. 

Guest bathrooms on average measure 80 square feet, with a tub or shower, toilet, sink, and small vanity
Photo: Mark Lopez / Moment / Getty Images

Primary Bathroom Remodel

The primary bathroom is often the place to pull out all the stops and showcase impressive finishes, your favorite type of bathtub, and double sinks. The cost of primary bathroom renovations for a 120-square-foot layout is between $7,000 and $30,000 when you account for the extra coverage of tile, flooring, and counter space, plus additional plumbing hookups.

Primary bathrooms on average measure 120 square feet, with a tub and or walk-in shower, toilet, and double sinks
Photo: Studio Luniste

Bathroom Remodel vs. Bathroom Renovation 

“Remodel” and “renovate” are commonly used interchangeably but there is an actual difference between the two. Renovating means to refresh or improve a space, whereas a remodel involves significant functional or layout changes.

Whether you want to remodel or renovate your bathroom first comes down to cost. A bathroom remodel will put you at the much higher end of the cost range ($20,000 or more) as it can involve structural changes like tearing down walls, moving plumbing, and changing the overall square footage. A bathroom renovation can fall on the lower end of the scale ($15,000 or less).

The next consideration is whether you like the overall layout of your bathroom or not. If you just need a materials upgrade, renovating your bathroom with new tile, countertops, and cabinetry is a better choice. But if you’ve never liked the layout of your current space or want to repurpose adjoining rooms to increase your square footage, that would fall under a full remodel. 

Finally, investing in big ticket bathroom upgrades, like a steam shower or large clawfoot tub, may also require a remodel to accommodate the new plumbing needed. 

Additional Factors That Influence the Cost of Bathroom Remodels

Passionate home remodelers know a major project like this will always include extra costs that go unnoticed at first glance. Here are some often overlooked bathroom remodel costs to include in your budget.

Design Costs

As noted earlier, an interior designer costs between $50 and $200 per hour. However, with large projects like a bathroom renovation, you may pay a flat fee instead, either based on square footage or the extent of a designer's services. Assume an interior designer will charge between $5 and $15 per square foot, with a minimum fee of around $250 for small spaces like bathrooms. 

Interior designers, unlike interior decorators, will help you determine the layout, finishes, and fixtures and coordinate with your general contractor. 

Floor Plan Changes

A bathroom remodel will cost an additional $5,000 if you change the room’s layout. Unlike shifting some furniture around the living room, we're talking about moving fixtures attached to plumbing and relocating tiles to fit your new vision. This work can also entail rewiring, framing, drywall, and insulation. The overall cost to add a new bathroom to your home is $5,000 to $35,000

You may also need to hire a structural engineer for between $100 and $200 per hour. The cost of their services covers inspections and recommendations when making changes to walls, ceilings, windows, or doors and when adding a heavy bathtub.

“Building codes are quite strict for bathrooms, and adhering to them can be costly,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “For example, a bathtub chandelier must be a certain minimum height, or large glass windows near slippery surfaces must be tempered.”

Electrical

Bathroom lighting will undoubtedly play a role in your new design, whether you're updating the exhaust fan, adding vanity lights, or hanging a chandelier. You may also choose to relocate outlets for easy blow-drying. The average cost to hire an electrician is $150 to $500 or $50 to $100 per hour.

Accessibility or ADA Compliance Features

Remodeling a bathroom with accessibility in mind is a must-have in homes with older adults or those with mobility issues. Bathrooms can be particularly challenging, but there are toilets, sinks, countertops, cabinets, and towel racks you can install at the right height to make them more accessible. You may also want to widen the door frame and remove the shower curb for wheelchair users. 

Building an accessible bathroom from the ground up costs $9,000 on average, while adding individual fixtures will run $100 to $3,000. The cost of adding a walk-in bathtub ranges from $4,000 to $12,000

Converting your bathroom into a wet room is also popular for accessibility, eliminating the need to step over a shower threshold or concerns about waterproofing. Installing a wet room costs between $2,000 and $30,000, or an average of $9,000.

More specific features and their costs include:

  • Grab bars: $100–$500

  • Shower lift: $1,000–$1,500

  • Voice-activated controls: $1,000–$3,000

Water Damage Repairs

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for contractors to unearth sneaky damage from moisture behind your old tiles, tub, walls, or flooring in a bathroom. Water damage restoration costs between $3.75 and $7 per square foot. Related fixes—such as resolving leaky pipes, clogged drains, or poorly sealed fixtures—can add to the repair costs. Taking care of these repairs now will prevent more costly repairs in the future, like damage to the flooring or the ceiling in rooms below the bathroom. 

Smart Technology

If you opt for all the modern bells and whistles when remodeling your bathroom, you’ll be able to play music from your toilet, activate controls with voice, get the weather report from your mirror, and keep your feet toasty on a winter morning with heated floors. 

Many smart devices, such as those connected to your plumbing, can control water usage and temperature. Here are some tech bathroom features to consider for your remodel: 

  • Interactive mirrors: $1,000–$2,000

  • Smart shower or showerhead: $300–$2,000

  • Smart toilet: $2,000–$13,000

  • Smart sink or faucet: $40–$2,000

Changes to Adjoining Rooms

Bathroom renovations often fall within a larger vision for your home, meaning that the costs can extend past your bathroom door. Match paint colors between your bathroom and an adjoining bedroom for a cohesive look. The cost to paint a room runs from $2 to $6 per square foot. You can also extend the flooring to seamlessly flow into an adjoining walk-in closet or hallway for an average of $12.50 per square foot

Post-Construction Cleanup

Your contractor may include general cleanup and hauling fees in their fee, but you'll likely want a sparkling clean bathroom before unveiling your remodel. Hiring a cleaning service to clean your bathroom costs between $70 and $170

You can also add finishing touches to areas of your bathroom not renovated by your team. Grout sealing, for example, costs between $0.90 and $1.60 per square foot (if your contractor didn’t include it in your estimate). Sealing grout has to wait until the grout cures, which can take days to a week. If you need surfaces caulked, professional caulking will cost $1.25 to $4 per linear foot.

Lastly, did you do any of the projects yourself and end up with a pile of old materials lying around? Junk hauling costs about $240 on average, including potential fees at the dump.

Prefabricated vs. Customized Bathroom Components

One of the most significant cost factors is whether you choose stock options or custom designs for major installations and finishes. For instance, stock cabinetry can cost as low as $100 for a small vanity, while custom options range from $3,000 to $10,000 for a small bathroom. Countertops on vanities will cost $100 to $600 for prefabricated designs and between $500 and $2,800 for custom options. 

You'll see major differences between standard and custom tile shapes. When considering the cost to tile a shower, labor prices to install unique tile patterns—such as herringbone or pinwheel—go up to $16.50 per square foot. Simpler patterns, such as squares and rectangles, will cost closer to $7 per square foot to install.

Using prefabricated cabinets and basic tile designs, you can keep things more budget-friendly. Instead, add style and personality with accessories like towels, shower and window curtains, plants (real or faux), and other inexpensive items that are easy to swap in and out. 

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?

Contemporary bathroom with freestanding red bathtub
Photo: YinYang / E+ / Getty Images

You may be thinking of attempting a bathroom remodel on your own. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves (and have the experience necessary), the average cost range for a DIY bathroom remodel lies between $3,000 and $8,000. However, while simple things like changing a faucet, switching out a vanity, or changing the tile can be doable on your own, do-it-yourself projects like this can often look haphazard or lack a contractor's professional touch. And you’ll be the one who notices that crooked cabinet door every time you brush your teeth.

“If you are planning to do anything with water supply likes, such as the water line to the toilet or sink, first find the main water cutoff to your house,”  says Tschudi. “Valves get old and deteriorate, and can break as you are connecting or disconnecting them.  The last thing you want is water gushing out with no way to stop it.”

In addition, if you’re gutting your space to move major fixtures (or doing anything else that will affect the plumbing or electrical connections in your bathroom), you’ll definitely want to work with an insured bathroom remodeler near you. Find someone who knows local zoning regulations and restrictions and can handle sourcing premium materials (perhaps at a discount) for your project. Make sure they work with licensed plumbers and electricians or are one themselves.

You can always complete some aspects of the project on your own to save on costs. Below are some DIY-friendly bathroom projects for handy homeowners.

DIY ProjectPotential Cost Savings
Paint the Bathroom$200 – $700
Install a New Showerhead$50 – $100
Install Ceramic Floor Tiles$1,000 – $1,300
Install a New Sink$200 – $800

DIY Costs vs. Professional Bathroom Remodel 

Remember, labor costs to remodel a bathroom account for 40% to 65% of the total project cost. To put that in perspective, DIYing the project can save between $1,500 and $5,300 on labor for a small full bath (about 40 square feet). However, only some tasks are suitable to take on yourself, and contractors have access to less-expensive materials. 

When it comes to large projects like these, hiring a pro to get it done right can be worth it. Expensive mistakes—such as improperly sealing your flooring and wall tile, incorrectly altering plumbing, or putting yourself at risk by adjusting electrical elements—can all add up to far more than the basic remodeling cost with a pro at the helm.

Also, hiring an insured bathroom contractor means the work is covered if something breaks due to an accident. This is likely not the case if you scratch, crack, or drop something while working on your own.

Project Pitfalls to Avoid

We know that embarking on such an extensive renovation can look daunting at the starting line, so it's best to learn about common bathroom remodeling mistakes before swinging the hammer. 

Underestimating the Timeline

A bathroom remodel timeline can take two to three months to complete when you factor in the time to design, order materials, and schedule each contractor. You may also need permits and inspections for larger projects. If you're building when materials are in high demand, crucial fixtures can get backordered, clogging up the works even further. Remember that you should have an alternate bathroom available during this time.

Only Budgeting for Materials

It's one thing to look up the cost of a new bathtub and another to pay for labor. Labor can make up more than half of your bathroom remodeling costs, and since DIY is not an option for larger parts of the project, you can end up way off your budgeting mark if you leave this out.

Placing Fashion Over Function

Bathrooms are highly prone to water damage due to lack of ventilation and hidden leaks. Allocate your time, budget, and attention as much to stylish finishes as you do to installing them with longevity in mind. 

Overdoing the DIY

There are many risks and rewards with DIY projects, but things get dicey when you cross into structural, plumbing, or electrical territory—all of which can factor into a bathroom remodel. For example, installing a bathtub or shower requires detailed knowledge about drainage, slope, and sealing to avoid costly damage. Always leave the major renovations to the professionals, and focus your DIY energies on small fixtures.

Should I Remodel My Bathroom?

Remodeling your bathroom may be a large investment, but many bathroom renovations come with an impressive 70% ROI to add to the value of your house when you choose to sell it. Signs that it's time to remodel your bathroom may include major mold issues, damaged tiles, leaking fixtures, or a design that significantly clashes with the rest of your home's style.

Efficiency Upgrades

You may also consider fully renovating your bathroom to reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills. Revisit your home energy-efficiency checklist to ensure your bathroom has kept up with the times. Low-flow toilets and faucets can decrease water usage, LED lights require fewer replacements, and Energy Star-approved ventilation fans will ensure you're addressing moisture issues while using less electricity.

Safety Concerns

Let's be real—sometimes, a bathroom becomes so outdated that safety can become a concern. Cracked, uneven, or slippery tiles or mildew buildup on tubs and floors can be dangerous when navigating the bathroom, especially for older adults and those with mobility issues. And lastly, inconsistent hot water, signs of hidden leaks in your bathroom, and potential mold or mildew exposure are all reasons to call in a pro ASAP.

Minor Renovations

Not all bathrooms require a total gut reno. Regrouting a shower can make a world of difference to the overall aesthetic of a bathroom while also fighting off mildew. Regrouting a standard shower will cost between $570 and $1,800

You can even spruce up your bathroom by fixing things behind the scenes. New pipes for a bathroom cost between $600 and $1,600 and protect against leaks and related water damage.

If you're debating whether to tackle a few small projects or pay for a full bathroom renovation, ask a general contractor to take a look. 

11 Ways You Can Save on the Price of a Bathroom Remodel

woman’s hand opening vanity drawer
Photo: Studio Luniste

Bathroom remodeling components, from a new vanity or bathtub to new tile flooring, come with quite a price range—a clear indicator that there are plenty of ways to keep costs as low as possible. Here are some bathroom-specific tips for saving money during your renovation.

  1. Regrout the shower, wall, and floor tiles instead of replacing them. You’ll save on labor and materials. 

  2. Stick to the same bathroom layout to avoid big costs for moving the fixtures around. Work with the existing plumbing and electrical placement.

  3. Consider swapping out sink and shower fixtures if the rest of the structure is still strong. For example, upgrade to a modern showerhead for a new look without demolishing your existing setup. Meanwhile, make any necessary repairs like replacing a shower or tub drain for the average price of $230 to $1,170

  4. DIY low-risk projects like painting, adding wallpaper, and installing decorative items.

  5. Act as a general contractor by planning your own renovation timeline and hiring subcontractors (the plumber, tile installer, electrician, etc.). 

  6. Buy materials, like your tile, countertops, and fixtures, during holiday sales or in bulk. You’ll save money and potentially find a higher-end option while staying within your budget. 

  7. Stick to simple, stock finishes and prefabricated cabinets, shelves, and tiles. High-end materials look luxurious, but they come with a hefty price tag. 

  8. Meet with at least three professionals before hiring the right contractor.

  9. Install smart plumbing fixtures certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to save money on long-term water usage.

  10. Batch projects together. If you can, tackle renovating a full bathroom and half bath at the same time. 

  11. The cost of refinishing your bathtub might be more wallet-friendly than replacing it. The same goes for refinishing existing cabinetry and your sink. But if you really want a new vanity, try some upcycled bathroom vanity ideas. 

Help Us Improve Our Cost Data

Send us your project quotes to help us improve our cost guide data. If you have given or received a quote for this project, please send an email to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly. Learn more about our cost data methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

An updated bathroom or bathrooms are one of the key features that add value to your home, with the average homeowner recouping about 70% of the cost of the remodel upon resale. Plus, recently updated homes tend to sell more quickly. 

That said, if your bathroom remodel is extremely unusual, trendy, or avant-garde, it could be a major selling point or a negative if buyers in your area tend to have more traditional tastes. So keep that in mind before going all-in on that under-the-sea theme your kiddo insists on.

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Learn more about our contributors
Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
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