How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $6,630 - $17,542
The average cost for a bathroom remodel ranges from $6,630 to $17,542, with a national average of $12,011. Expect to pay even more if you choose high-end materials or change your bathroom layout.
Daydreaming of a bathroom that heightens your daily dose of luxury? Standard bathroom remodel costs can range anywhere from $6,630 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.
- Average
- $12,011
- Low end
- $2,500
- high end
- $30,000
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.
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 |
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 Style | Average 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 or Flooring Material | Average Cost (per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $2–$30 |
| Porcelain | $5–$15 |
| Laminate | $2–$11 |
| Corian | $8–$90 |
| Granite Slab | $4–$15 |
| Marble | $5–$35 |
| Stainless Steel | $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: $725
One-piece: $1,025
Wall-mounted: $675
Low-flow: $510
Dual-flush: $350
Upflush: $950
Composting: $900
Smart: $4,000
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 Material | Average 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 |
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.
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:
Towel racks (heated and non-heated): $100–$500
Showerhead pricing: $125–$150
Cost of installing cabinet hardware: $3–$200 per piece
Cost of installing a bidet: $40–$1,500
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.
Contractors cost: 10%–20% of your overall project cost
Hourly rate plumbers charge: $45–$200 per hour
Cost to hire an interior designer: $50–$200 per hour
Cost to hire an electrician: $50–$200 per hour
Hourly rate for HVAC repairs: $50–$100 per hour
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.
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.
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.
Additional Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors
Anytime you decide to remodel a room, there are likely to be some unexpected costs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Design Costs
An interior designer costs between $50 and $200 per hour or $5 to $15 per square foot. Most designers will charge a minimum rate, but they can coordinate with your contractor to help with layout and other aesthetic needs.
Floor Plan Changes
If you decide to change your floor plan, the cost to change plumbing and electrical can be an additional $5,000. The overall cost to add a new bathroom to your home is $5,000 to $35,000. A structural engineer for larger renovations can cost an additional $100 to $200 per hour to ensure that your remodel is up to building codes and safe for use.
Electrical
Updating lighting and fixtures as well as adding wiring or outlets requires the help of an electrician. The average cost to hire an electrician is $150 to $500 or $50 to $100 per hour.
Cost of a new outlet: $130–$300
Cost to rewire the room: $2–$4 per square foot
Cost of a new bathroom fan: $240–$550
Accessibility or ADA Compliance Features
Bathrooms can be a challenge for those with limited mobility, and they’re the number one location for slip and fall injuries. Adding individual fixtures can cost between $100 and $3,000 while building a new accessible bathroom from the ground up costs $9,000 on average.
Grab bars: $100–$500
Shower lift: $1,000–$1,500
Voice-activated controls: $1,000–$3,000
Walk-in tub: $4,000 to $12,000
Wet room floor: $2,000 to $30,000
Water Damage Repairs
Bathrooms can often be a source of unexpected water damage from leaky pipes, condensation, or drainage problems. Fixing surprise water damage can cost between $3.75 and $7.00 per square foot.
Smart Technology
Adding voice activation for heat, music, and even taps is a convenient upgrade for your bathroom.
Interactive mirrors: $1,000–$2,000
Smart shower or shower head: $300–$2,000
Smart toilet: $2,000–$13,000
Smart sink or faucet: $40–$2,000
Changes to Adjoining Rooms
Making flooring and paint flow between rooms can be an important cost consideration for a bathroom remodel. It costs between $2 and $6 per square foot to paint a room, and $12.50 per square foot to extend the flooring.
Post-Construction Cleanup
Once construction is finished, cleaning your new bathroom costs between $70 and $170. In addition to regular post-construction clean-up, you’ll likely need to hire a junk removal service for $240 on average.
Prefabricated vs. Customized Bathroom Components
Here are some popular customizations, compared to standard alternatives.
| Part | Custom | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Vanity | $3,000–$10,000 | $100 |
| Countertops | $500–$2,800 | $100–$600 |
| Tile | $16.50 per sq. ft. | $7.00 per sq. ft. |
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?
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 Project | Potential 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.
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.
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.
Repairing leaks, mold, and cracked tiles will greatly add value to a bathroom remodel; otherwise, potential buyers may ask you to make these repairs. For example, repairing cracked tiles in a bathroom averages $280 to $340. Changing out light fixtures, expanding the shower, adding storage and chrome faucets, and replacing the tile can make the bathroom look new without undertaking a major remodel. Repainting the bathroom walls with a light and neutral color can also make a big impact and appeal to buyers.
In many cases a shower is a safer option than a tub, causing less slip-and-fall accidents, so if safety is a concern, the conversion is worth it. Making your home safer is always worth it, but the cost of conversion can be a deterrent to some people, as the average price is between $1,200 and $8,000.