Bathroom remodel costs typically range from $2,500 to $80,000, but homeowners will pay $10,978 on average to remodel a bathroom. While bathroom remodeling is a significant investment, it’s a great way to revamp your home. Your total project cost depends on various factors, including your bathroom’s size and the project’s scope. This guide covers cost factors and provides saving tips.

 

---

 

Major Cost Factors of a Bathroom Remodel

Since bathroom remodeling projects can encompass everything from installing a few new fixtures to overhauling the room’s floor plan, they have a wide price range. The bathroom size will affect the final budget. For example, remodeling a half-bath is lowest on the cost spectrum, while remodeling a luxury or primary bathroom is highest. The specific aspects you choose to update will also play a large role in both the cost and the projected ROI of your remodel. The more complicated the remodeling, the higher the investment required.

Cost Factor 1: Bathroom Size and Type

Because material costs vary, it’s difficult to specify bathroom remodeling costs by square footage alone. However, materials and labor are almost always pricier for larger spaces, so it’s possible to give some broad ranges. Costs average between $600 and $800 per square foot, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report.

Cost Factor 2: Countertops

Bathroom countertops need to be waterproof but not quite as heavy-duty as kitchen countertops. New tile or laminate countertops have the lowest price per square foot, while solid surface and marble are good mid-range options. Natural stones such as quartz, soapstone, and granite are on the luxury end. Though these are more expensive materials, they can last more than a century when properly maintained and cleaned. Depending on the selected material, expect to pay between $350 and $4,000. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost for countertop materials:

In addition to the material, you’ll need to decide if a prefabricated (pre-fit) or custom bathroom vanity works best for your bathroom design. Pre-fit countertops are built to standard dimensions that work for most bathroom layouts. They provide an easy installation and cost-saving alternative, with prices between $200 and $1000. 

Custom countertops offer the most customization at a higher price tag. They work best for bathrooms that don’t fit a standard layout or for homeowners with a specific design in mind. Expect to pay around $500 to $4,000 for custom countertops. 

Cost Factor 3: Doors and Windows

An upgraded bathroom door or window can compliment your room’s decor and add more functionality to the space. Popular bathroom door styles include French, barn-style, or pocket doors. Frosted bathroom doors offer an updated style and allow for privacy. The average price for replacement bathroom doors ranges from $300 to $1,400, depending on the selected style. 

Bathroom windows offer improved air circulation and upgrade your bathroom’s look. Casement and awning windows work well in smaller spaces and provide excellent airflow. Other complementary types of windows include the classic double-hung or space-saving sliding options. You could also choose a custom window to add your personal touch to the room. 

If you’re considering replacing a window, you should budget $300 to $700 for simplistic styles and upwards of $1,200 for more complex window options. If you plan to add a window, you’ll need a professional contractor to cut a new hole for the installation, which increases your costs by $3,000 to $6,000.

Cost Factor 4: Flooring

ChAppoosing the right bathroom flooring can serve as protection and a design tie-in for your remodeled bathroom. Floor renovations may involve retiling or installing a new flooring material. Common material options include ceramic, vinyl, porcelain, and linoleum. We’ve highlighted some common flooring options below with their average cost per square foot:

You may opt for concrete flooring to complement an industrial-style bathroom or hardwood flooring to align with darker decor. Homeowners can also splurge on luxurious options such as bamboo or radiant (heated) flooring. Commen floor installations include tiles or flooring sheets. You could pay an average of $12 per square foot for new tiles or flooring, but your room size and chosen material will affect the final price. 

Cost Factor 5: Lighting and Ventilation

You can save money on bathroom lighting by replacing the fixtures and using the wiring that’s already there. Brass and industrial-style lighting are making a comeback, and you can match the color and finish to your other bathroom hardware. You can also apply stick-on LED strip lighting under cabinet edges and along crown molding to add new lights without needing to hire an electrician. Alternatively, you can rewire the bathroom for additional vanity lights or even a chandelier, and maybe add an outlet or two while you’re at it.

On average, adding new light fixtures will add between $200 to $1,000 to your overall cost. 

Proper ventilation helps reduce the moisture in your bathroom, protecting it from mold and mildew. If your current fan doesn’t function properly, you should invest in a new one. Replacing an exhaust fan costs around $180 to $600 depending on any added extras, such as a heat lamp or integrated light fixture. If you need to install a new exhaust fan, your cost will increase to $1,000 or more since additional work, including vents and ductwork, are needed. 

Cost Factor 6: New Cabinetry

Cabinetry is an excellent way to make the most of space, especially in small bathrooms. Size and material determine price, with options including prefabricated fiberboard, metal, hardwood, and more. Customization is also a factor, with ready-to-assemble cabinets being the least costly. Adding new cabinets could cost $200 to $500 per unit, or range between $400 and $4,000.

Unless you have a pedestal or wall-mounted sink, you’ll also want a vanity that matches your cabinets in finish, edge, frame, and hardware. You can opt for a double vanity with two sinks, depending on the floor space and the number of people who use the bathroom.

Cost Factor 7: Plumbing Fixtures

Your bathroom’s plumbing includes everything from faucets to toilets. A quick and affordable way to update your bathroom is to replace the plumbing hardware with something in a new material, finish, or style. Your bathroom remodel may include one of these common faucet styles below:

Brass and stainless steel are popular materials, though copper can add a touch of luxury. Chrome and metallic finishes are the most common, but a matte black finish provides a bold look that can be echoed in cabinet hardware.

You can also opt for a new toilet, shower head, sink, or tub. There are numerous options, from a simple alcove tub to a whirlpool or jetted tub. Likewise, a new shower can range from a prefabricated stall unit to a high-end custom shower with mosaic wall and floor tile.

Some bathroom remodeling projects require additional plumbing adjustments to accommodate new fixtures. You’ll need to repair any issues from previous installations, and update any existing plumbing if you’re in an older house. Here’s a list of some common plumbing adjustments and their costs:

• Plumbing repairs: $150 to $3,500
• New pipe installation: $325 to $4,000
• Moving fixtures: $450 to $6,500
• Moving plumbing: $1,000 to $5,000

Cost Factor 8: Wet Area

A bathroom’s wet area is the portion of the room that’s meant to get wet. Altering this area is often expensive, as the tub, shower, and surrounding area require special waterproofing. Wet area remodeling projects include everything from tub refinishing to tub-to-shower conversion. Changing the location or layout of the wet area also requires hiring a plumber to move the plumbing, increasing cost. Wet area costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the selected bathroom fixtures, installations, and any custom designs.  

One popular high-end remodeling project is converting a bathroom into a wet room, allowing you to open up the shower area for a larger, spa-like feel. This involves waterproofing the entire bathroom, including installing new flooring and tile and replumbing. Converting a bathroom to a wet room could cost $10,000 to $20,000.

Cost Factor 9: Sinks

From traditional looks to more stylistic choices, sinks can function as a bathroom’s focal point. The cost to install a sink averages between $300 to $4,000 for a standard bathroom. Both style and materials play an important part in the final price. The location also plays a factor in remodeling costs. Sinks can be installed within a countertop, vanity, or attached to a wall. Your costs will also increase with multiple sink options, such as a dual sink installation. 

Here’s an overview of popular sink types and their average costs with installation:

Cost Factor 10: Toilets

Despite their basic functionality, toilets have become a luxury item in many homes. With add-ons such as bidets, seat warming, and smart features, selecting the right toilet adds to your bathroom’s comfort level and improves water efficiency. On average, the cost of a new toilet for homeowners will be $375 to $500, with high-end smart models costing $2,000 or more. Below are the average prices of some common toilet types:

Cost Factor 11: Tubs and Showers

The tub and shower are the most common upgrades in a home remodel project. These fixtures are at the heart of your bathroom and determine room’s entire feel. Whether you decide on a simple clawfoot tub or indulge in a rainfall shower, showers and tubs can turn your bathroom into a full spa experience. 

Depending on your bathroom’s size, you may opt for either a shower or tub. In larger spaces, such as a primary bathroom, you can indulge in separate shower and tub fixtures. Some homeowners prefer a shower and tub combo to save space. You can also convert your current fixtures to update your layout. 

Expect to pay a high price tag for luxury upgrades such as a hot tub or more extensive changes such as a wet room. On average, tub installations cost $1,500 to $6,000 and showers range from $4,000 to $12,000. Here’s a cost breakdown of common shower and tub options for homes:

Cost Factor 12: Wallpaper and Paint

Homeowners should consider updating their bathroom walls with a new color or wallpaper. Adding a bright color or decorative wallpaper will make a room cozier and may improve your mood. White or light colors can make a room feel bigger, while bold accent walls can add vibrance to your space. The average cost to paint a bathroom is $375 to $800. 

Wallpaper is a painting alternative that offers a great variety of pattern choices. Paper or vinyl wallpaper are the most common options for bathrooms. To extend its longevity, you should control your bathroom’s humidity and heat and avoid installing wallpaper near water-heavy areas. While the price of bathroom wallpaper is relatively low, you’ll need to account for the professional installation cost. You should budget $5 to $11 per square foot for materials and labor.

---

Other Potential Costs of a Bathroom Remodel

Some other factors affect bathroom remodeling costs aside from size and materials.

---

Bathroom Remodel vs. Renovation

The words “remodel” and “renovation” are often used as synonyms, though some use “renovation” to refer to upgrading what’s already there and “remodel” to refer to creating a whole new bathroom. In that sense, a renovation is less expensive because it focuses on cosmetic changes such as new fixtures, countertops, and tile. A remodel involves changing the layout and replacing the tub or shower and requires additional installation costs.

---

Professional vs. DIY Remodeling

You can do a decent amount of remodeling work yourself, depending on how extensive the project is. Here’s what you can expect from a professional remodeling job versus one you do yourself.

Professional Bathroom Remodel

Barring any large scheduling or supply problems, hiring a professional will get your bathroom remodeling job done faster. Experienced contractors have the training and equipment to get the job done properly, giving you peace of mind.

The trade-off is the cost of labor. Around 60% to 70% of bathroom renovation costs go to labor. Demolition or time-consuming work such as retiling a bathroom floor or shower increases cost the most. You’ll also need to deal with contractors coming in and out of your home for several weeks.

DIY Bathroom Remodel

The benefit of doing a renovation yourself is that you only need to pay for the materials, tools, and equipment. However, your bathroom will almost certainly be out of commission for longer. 

You’ll also need to be aware of building codes so you don’t jeopardize your home’s resale value. You may need to hire a licensed plumber or electrician to complete certain parts of the remodel. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into so that you don’t need to hire a contractor to fix your DIY mistakes.

---

Signs That You Need to Remodel Your Bathroom

Homeowners can usually decide when their bathroom needs a makeover, but here are some signs you should consider it.

• Your family has grown, and the bathroom no longer suits your needs.
• There’s visible water damage or mold.
• More than one fixture (tub, toilet, etc.) is on its last legs.
• The colors or designs are outdated.
• You want fixtures with better water or energy efficiency.
• There’s not enough counter or storage space.
• You or a family member have changing mobility or accessibility needs.

---

How to Save on a Bathroom Remodel

Despite the high price of bathroom renovation, there are some ways to save without having to do all the work yourself.

• Over budget in case you come across unexpected problems.
• Begin with a solid design and a clear plan of action.
• Work around the existing layout, plumbing, and wiring wherever possible.
• Oversee the project yourself, and choose contractors for individual jobs instead of hiring a general contractor.
• If your bathroom has an outdated design but is still functional, consider sticking with cosmetic changes such as new faucets and hardware, a fresh coat of paint, or new accent pieces.
• Refinish the tub and sink instead of purchasing new ones.
• Source your materials instead of going through your contractor unless the contractor can provide a discount.
• Find out from your contractor if there are jobs you can do yourself, including demolition, preparation, and cleanup.

---

Our Recommendation

Consider your budget and how much disruption you can tolerate in your daily life before beginning any remodeling job. If you decide to do the work yourself, be honest about your time and ability to complete the necessary work. While it’s more cost-effective to remodel the entire bathroom at once, you can start small and take it one feature at a time if you don’t have the money to create your dream bathroom right now.

 

---