Budgeting

Bathroom Remodel Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Bathroom Size

The size of your bathroom is a major factor in determining the cost of your remodel. Typically, a bathroom remodel will cost between $70 and $250 per square foot.

• Half-baths or powder rooms generally cost less than a full guest bathroom or primary bathroom remodel because you don’t need to worry about replacing a tub or shower. Expect to pay about $5,000 to $10,000 for this upgrade.
• Guest bathroom remodels cost about $14,000 to $20,000 on average. This will usually involve upgrading the bathtub or shower, as well as installing new tile for the tub or shower area. This is on top of installing a new vanity, updating the faucets, replacing the flooring, and putting in new lighting.
• Primary bathrooms tend to cost the most to update at about $30,000 or more. This is due to the size of the room and the extent of the features that need to be updated or replaced. Similar to a full guest bathroom, the contractor will upgrade the bathtub or shower, install new tile for the shower area, put in a new vanity, replace the lighting fixtures, put in new flooring, and switch out the toilet and faucet.

Bathroom Cabinets and Countertops

The style and size of your new cabinets will also affect the cost of your remodel. Cabinets can range in cost from about $300 to $4,200, though the high end of this price range is significantly less common. Typically, you will pay about $200 to $600 per cabinet unit.

Similarly, a new bathroom countertop will cost between $400 to $4,300. This price difference largely depends on the material used to make the countertop. Premium options, like stainless steel, granite slab, or marble will cost more than inexpensive materials, like ceramic or porcelain.

Bathroom Shower and Tub

Generally, installing a shower will cost about $6,800, though a shower remodel can range from as little as $200 to as much as $15,000, depending on the type and extent of the upgrades.

Putting in a new bathtub for the bathroom will cost about $4,200 to $11,000. The final cost of this replacement depends heavily on the material used to make the bathtub. Standard tub materials, like acrylic or fiberglass, are less expensive than cast iron, steel, or marble models. Additionally, if the new tub is freestanding or has built-in jets, then you may need to pay for a plumber to move or add pipes to connect the bathtub.

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

The sink, faucets, and toilet will also need to be removed and replaced with updated models. Generally, it will cost about $215 to $625 to install a new sink, while it can cost about $170 to $360 to purchase a new faucet.

A new toilet will cost about $375, though you may also need to pay for the plumber to update the water and drain lines, which will cost about $800 on average.

Bathroom Tile and Flooring

You can expect to pay about $7 to $25 per square foot to retile the bathroom floor.

Tiles can also be used on the bathroom walls as a reliable method to waterproof the walls. Outside of the shower, you will pay about $7 to $25 per square foot to tile the walls, depending on the type of tiles. Inside the shower, the cost to replace the tile floor costs about $500 to $1,000, while the cost to remodel the walls ranges from $800 to $2,600.

Bathroom Ventilation and Lighting

Generally, it will cost about $400 to put in a vent fan with a built-in light, while a basic wall-mounted vent may cost as little as $130. You can also invest in vents with a built-in heating lamp, though these products cost about $425.

The lighting for the bathroom may also need to be removed and updated with new light fixtures. Typically, installing a new light fixture will cost about $150 to $930, though the total cost depends on the type and number of fixtures required.

Bathroom Doors and Windows

The cost of doors, door trim, windows, and window frames can vary depending on the size, type, and location.

Generally, a new door will cost about $360 to $1,200, then the door trim will add another $2 to $3 per linear foot. Include the costs of hardware for an additionally $200 to come up with the total cost to replace the door. Most bathrooms don’t have a window, but if yours does, then it will cost about $280 to replace the existing window. If you plan to put in a new window, then the cost to cut an opening is about $6,400.

Additional Considerations

Paint or Wallpaper

In some cases, the bathroom will have a fully tiled floor and walls, so the only thing that needs paint is the ceiling. However, other bathroom designs may have painted walls or even walls that are covered with water-resistant wallpaper. After remodeling the bathroom, decide on the type of finish for the walls and ceiling. The cost to paint a bathroom is about $50 to $100, while the cost to hang wallpaper ranges from $3 to $13 per square foot.

Labor

Experienced DIYers that choose to handle the entire bathroom remodel project on their own will not need to worry about labor rates. However, for any that decides to hire an electrician, plumber, or general contractor, they will need to make room in the budget to pay these skilled workers for their time and effort. Plan to spend about $50 to $75 per hour on labor.

Demolition and Permits

An existing bathroom will need to be demolished before any new flooring, lighting, or plumbing fixtures can be installed. Demolishing the existing bathroom will typically cost about $1,000 to $2,300, though many DIYers will take on this part of the project to help reduce the overall cost of labor for the job.

Additionally, the homeowner can get a permit for the work from the local permit office, but if you are working with a general contractor, then they may handle permit acquisition in your stead. A permit to remodel the bathroom can range in cost from $100 to $1,000, depending on the extent of the project.

Cost to DIY Remodel a Bathroom

Experienced DIYers may be able to handle a large portion of a bathroom remodel without help from professionals. Taking on this work can help save between $1,500 to $5,300, though the DIY bathroom remodel will still cost about $3,000 to $8,000, on average.

If you don’t have a lot of hands on experience and knowledge, hire a contractor to remodel the bathroom. Professional contractors complete this type of work on a daily basis, so the quality of the job will generally be higher when you go with a pro. Additionally, in some areas you may not be able to get a permit unless the electrical and plumbing work is handled by a licensed electrician and plumber. Check with the permit office before starting on this project to determine the specific requirements.

Signs You Should Remodel Your Bathroom

When you are trying to decide whether to patch up the existing bathroom or tear everything out for a full remodel, there are a few signs to look out for that indicate a bathroom remodel is the way to go. These signs of wear can show up in a variety of ways, including badly scuffed floor tiles, cracked shower tiles, or leaking plumbing fixtures. Other signs include inconsistent hot water, uneven tiles, mildew buildup, and mold exposure.

Even if the bathroom is in decent condition, you might choose to renovate in order to replace old plumbing fixtures and update the aesthetic to a style that is more in line with your personal tastes. Similarly, some may decide to remodel and replace old plumbing fixtures with low-flow models, while the overhead fan and lighting can be switched out for high-efficiency products to reduce the cost of utility bills.

FAQs

Can I remodel my bathroom for $10,000?

On average, a bathroom remodel will cost $11,521. However, if you opt for more affordable materials, then you can complete a bathroom remodel for under $10,000.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

Generally, the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation project is remodeling the bathroom’s wet area, which is the portion of the room that must be waterproofed. This typically includes the bathtub, shower, or a combination of both, as well as the walls surrounding this area.

What comes first in bathroom remodeling?

The first step in any remodeling job is to remove the old parts of the room, including the tub or shower, floor tiles, toilet, sink, and vanity. After stripping the room bare, you can start the renovation project by installing new flooring.