Summary
It’s time to upgrade your bathroom with confidence. Our guide breaks down bathroom remodeling costs so you can create your perfect bathroom oasis.
We’ve all sat on the porcelain throne and thought to ourselves, “Man, this really needs an upgrade.” You’re tired of the lack of storage, hate the cramped mornings, and generally just feel bleh about the vibes. Yep. You’ve thought about fixing your bathroom more than once.
Good news, your bathroom remodel is much closer than you think. We’re here to clear up the mystery of bathroom remodeling costs so you can take your bath from meh to marvelous without breaking the bank. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost and ROI
In the grand scheme of home remodels, bathrooms are high in priority (right behind kitchens, of course). If you search for bathroom remodeling costs, you’ll notice the numbers swing wildly from one extreme to the other, which can make it hard to plan. The truth is, bathroom remodeling costs depend on many factors.
We’ll get into those factors in a minute, but first, it’s important to note that bathroom remodels have a strong return on investment of about 80% of their cost. Combine that stat with the fact that your everyday routines become easier, and suddenly a bathroom remodel becomes both a practical upgrade and a smart investment.
Types of Bathroom Remodels and Their Costs
Bathroom remodels usually fall into a few clear categories based on the types of changes that are made. Perhaps you’re just giving your powder room a facelift. Or maybe you’re ready to knock down some walls and make your primary bath a walk-in spa. Both projects come with different price tags.
A minor refresh like this costs roughly $3,000 to $10,000. A partial refresh, which involves changing a major element such as the shower/tub, sink, or flooring, runs about $10,000 to $25,000, and a full bathroom renovation costs $25,000 to $80,000.
Factors of a Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom remodeling costs change based on what gets updated and how complex those changes are. Here are the most common factors that influence price.
Wet Room Remodels
Wet rooms (where the shower area is fully open and integrated into the room, rather than enclosed by a traditional shower pan or curb) require extensive waterproofing and careful planning. Because the entire space gets treated as a water area, labor and material requirements increase.
Shower Remodels
Shower remodel costs vary based on size, materials, and plumbing changes. Custom tile work, glass enclosures, and built-in features add complexity and increase price.
Bathtub Remodels
Bathtub updates are more cost-effective when replacements match existing footprints. Costs rise when tubs move locations or when structural support is required.
Updating Bathroom Cabinetry
Bathroom cabinets affect cost through material choice and installation requirements. Custom sizes and storage features increase costs because they require custom fabrication and more labor.
Updating Bathroom Countertops
Bathroom vanity and countertop pricing depends on material, sink placement, and edge details. These items all affect installation and labor.
Changing Bathroom Faucets and Plumbing
Plumbing changes, such as water lines and drains that need to be moved, affect cost. Even small adjustments require skilled labor and coordination with more dollar signs attached.
Toilet Upgrades
Toilet upgrades stay straightforward when locations remain the same. But keep in mind that relocating a toilet increases labor and structural work, translating to higher costs.
Installing New Bathroom Flooring
Bathrooms often require added preparation for moisture protection, and bathroom flooring costs vary based on subfloor conditions. Material here also matters and changes pricing.
Replacing Bathroom Light Fixtures
Lighting updates range from simple fixture swaps to full rewiring, which costs more. Adding lighting zones increases planning and electrical work and costs.
Updating Bathroom Ventilation
Ventilation upgrades affect both comfort and code compliance. New ducting or fan placement increases installation needs and costs.
Other Potential Bathroom Remodeling Projects
Additional features such as heated floors, built-in storage, or accessibility upgrades increase the cost. Each added element increases coordination and planning needs.
How To Budget for Your Bathroom Remodel
It’s easy to get lost in an endless Pinterest scroll of bathroom ideas, but the reality is creating a list of top priorities is going to help you narrow down where you want the bulk of your spending to go. Here are a few tried-and-true steps to help you budget for your bathroom remodel.
Step #1: Determine Your Priorities
Start by identifying what needs to change versus things you want to change. Focus on issues that affect daily use, safety, and layout rather than cosmetic wants. Upgrades should solve real problems, and that’s where your priorities and money should go.
Step #2: Understand Local Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Bathroom remodeling costs vary by location due to labor rates, permit requirements, and material availability. Local research (asking for quotes, exploring contractor galleries) gives you a more accurate baseline than national averages.
Step #3: Set a Budget Range With Flexibility
Choose a comfortable range instead of a single fixed number. A range gives you wiggle room when decisions start stacking up. This should also include a contingency fund (5-10%) for any unexpected issues that might arise (shipping costs, unexpected plumbing issues, etc).
Step #4: Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t be afraid to shop around. Get quotes from multiple remodelers and compare what each company includes in their scope of services. You’ll be able to quickly determine who is worth their salt this way.
Step #5: Explore Bathroom Remodeling Financing Options
Financing options help spread costs over time and protect your cash flow. Terms, interest rates, and repayment structures all affect the total investment. Reviewing your options early will help you plan cash flow and understand what you need to do before construction starts.
Bathroom Remodeling Costs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?
There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for a bathroom remodel budget. A realistic budget depends on how many bathroom changes are needed and whether plumbing, electrical, or layout changes are necessary.
Can you redo a bathroom for $5000?
For $5,000, you can make minor updates to a bathroom, such as paint, fixtures, and minor finishes. This amount will not cover a full remodel. You will have to spend more for more complex changes, such as layout, plumbing moves, shower installation, and so on.
Can I renovate a bathroom for $10,000?
A $10,000 budget allows for modest updates when the existing layout stays in place. This range often works for focused improvements rather than structural or plumbing changes.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Plumbing and waterproofing work typically costs the most in a bathroom remodel. Moving fixtures, reworking drains, or upgrading shower systems also increase cost more than finishes alone.
Work With Premier Remodeling, Your Local Bathroom Remodeler
Say goodbye to the bathroom of your nightmares and hello to the bathroom of your dreams. We’re ready to give your bathroom a complete makeover. Let’s get started!