How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
$100 – $500 average cost per square foot
$3,500 – $7,500 minor renovation cost (35 – 50 square feet)
$8,800 – $25,000+ full remodel cost (35 – 50 square feet)
Average bathroom remodel cost
A bathroom remodel costs $100 to $500 per square foot or $3,500 to $25,000+ total for an average-sized bathroom. The actual cost to remodel a bathroom depends on the bathroom size, materials used, the scope of the project, and local labor prices. The cost to renovate a large primary bathroom with high-end fixtures and materials can reach $60,000.
| Remodel type | Average cost per square foot | Average total cost* | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor renovation | $100 – $150 | $3,500 – $7,500 | Updating flooring, vanity, paint, and fixtures or adding a prefab shower stall |
| Partial remodel | $150 – $300 | $5,300 – $15,000 | Replacing some elements like a tub, shower, sink, toilet, vanity, and tiling |
| Full remodel | $250 – $500 | $8,800 – $25,000+ | Major layout changes, potentially using luxury or custom materials |
*For a 35- to 50-square-foot bathroom
Bathroom remodel price by size
Your bathroom's size is a big determining factor in the cost of a bathroom remodel. Renovating a small half-bathroom will cost much less than a large primary bathroom with a double vanity and lots of space.
| Size (square feet) |
Average cost (minor renovation) |
Average cost (partial remodel) |
Average cost (full remodel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3' x 5' (15 SF) | $1,500 – $2,300 | $2,300 – $4,500 | $3,800 – $7,500 |
| 4' x 6' (24 SF) | $2,400 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $7,200 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 5' x 7' (35 SF) | $3,500 – $5,300 | $5,300 – $10,500 | $8,800 – $17,500 |
| 5' x 10' (50 SF) | $5,000 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $15,000 | $12,500 – $25,000 |
| 6' x 10' (60 SF) | $6,000 – $9,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| 8' x 10' (80 SF) | $8,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| 10' x 10' (100 SF) | $10,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| 10' x 12' (200 SF) | $12,000 – $18,000 | $18,000 – $36,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Bathroom renovation cost estimator
Your actual costs will depend on the scope of your project and what kinds of upgrades or replacements you're planning. Renovating typically includes fixing or improving the existing bathroom, while remodeling may involve more extensive changes or adding new elements, like replacing a tub with a walk-in shower.
The average cost of a bathroom remodel includes one or more of the following services:
| Service | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Bathtub replacement cost | $800 – $4,600 |
| Shower installation cost | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Tub to shower conversion cost | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Tub liner cost | $1,700 – $2,500 |
| Shower pan replacement cost | $500 – $3,500 |
| Sink installation cost | $280 – $1,200 |
| Bathroom faucet cost | $150 – $600 |
| Toilet installation cost | $350 – $800 |
| Bathroom tiling cost | $400 – $8,000 |
| Flooring cost | $200 – $800 |
| Vanity cost | $400 – $4,000 |
| Cabinets cost | $400 – $4,000 |
| Bathroom countertop cost | $250 – $3,000 |
| Lighting cost | $70 – $300 |
| Exhaust fan cost | $150 – $550 |
| Bathroom painting cost | $150 – $1,500 |
| Cabinet hardware cost | $60 – $1,200 |
| Bidet installation cost | $250 – $1,000 |
| Mirror replacement cost | $140 – $430 |
The following factors may influence the cost to renovate a bathroom:
Layout: Complex layouts cost more to renovate than simple floor plans.
Materials: Premium tiles, countertop materials, or light fixtures will raise costs.
Scope of work: The cost to gut and remodel a bathroom is might higher than simple updates. Moving pipes or wiring adds to expenses. Bathroom demolition costs $600 to $2,000.
Custom or luxury features: Options like custom walk-in showers or cabinetry increase costs. Heated bathroom floors cost $500 to $2,800 including new flooring.
Accessibility features: If you need to make changes so your bathroom is more accessible, remember that larger, ADA-approved fixtures like a roll-in shower may cost more. Installing a grab bar costs $100 to $350 on average.
Permits and regulations: The permits and inspections your city requires may add fees if your project includes extensive changes or goes over a certain amount.
Disposal: Some companies charge extra to remove and dispose of old materials. Ask your contractor beforehand if they'll do this job and if they'll charge extra for it.
Region: Costs are higher in urban and high-demand areas, although you're more likely to find skilled workers.
Labor
The average labor cost to remodel a bathroom is $50 to $150+ per hour depending on the type of specialist or project:
General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the project cost.
Hiring a plumber costs $75 to $150 per hour.
Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour.
Upgrading an electrical panel costs $850 to $2,500 for more power.
Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot.
Regrouting costs $7 to $28 per square foot.
Remodel companies
There are several nationwide companies that offer fast bathroom remodel services, with some advertising same-day or 24-hour bathroom remodels. The following table shows average one-day bathroom remodel costs from popular companies:
| Company | Average total cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bath Planet cost | $6,000 – $17,000 | Conversions or replacements |
| Bath Fitter cost | $3,000 – $7,500 | Bath liners, wall panels, conversions |
| Jacuzzi Bath Remodel cost | $11,000 – $20,000 | Conversions, replacements, and jetted tubs |
| Re-Bath cost | $5,000 – $30,000 | Conversions, replacements, liners, full bathroom remodels |
Additional projects
Some ideas for small changes to make during a bathroom renovation include:
Adding a medicine cabinet
Installing a towel rack
Installing soft-close drawers
Changing shower curtains and mats
For more ideas, check out our guide on bathroom remodel ideas!
Is a bathroom remodel worth it?
Remodeling your bathroom can be a pricey project, but it offers more than just a fresh look: it can add real value, improve safety, and boost your home's efficiency. Whether you're updating for personal comfort or preparing to sell, the benefits are worth considering before you start your project.
Return on investment (ROI)
A mid-range bathroom remodel has an average return on investment of 60% to 74%, making it one of the best investments you can make in a home. Upscale remodels cost more and actually have a lower ROI of about 45% to 49%, but they can still boost your home's resale value.
Improved safety
A bathroom remodel can address safety concerns, especially in older homes or for residents with limited mobility. You might need to move outlets, add lighting, or change the layout to make the space safer and easier to use for everyone in your household.
Better energy efficiency
Old fixtures and appliances can increase your energy bills. Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads saves water, while switching to LED lighting reduces electricity costs and boosts efficiency. Updated bathrooms improve both energy efficiency and functionality, especially when you use modern, eco-friendly fixtures.
More storage
Many bathrooms lack enough storage, leading to clutter and inconvenience. Remodeling lets you add cabinetry or redesign the layout, making the space more organized and functional.
Updated design
Bathroom styles change quickly, and personal taste plays a big role. Remodeling updates the look and feel of your bathroom, making it more enjoyable for you and more attractive to future buyers, which can also increase your home's value.
Tips for a low-cost bathroom remodel
If you're worried about high bathroom remodel costs, follow these tips to help reduce the overall price:
Keep plumbing and electrical wiring in the same location to save on labor.
Choose mid-range materials for good value and durability.
Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors and shop around.
Plan for a 10% to 20% contingency for unexpected expenses.
Focus on making high-impact changes that will make a noticeable difference like painting, lighting, new faucets, or cabinet hardware.
Bathroom remodel FAQs
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A typical bathroom remodel takes 3 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller or simpler remodels can finish in as little as 3 to 4 weeks, while larger or more involved renovations may take 6 to 12 weeks or longer.
The timeline depends on factors like the current bathroom's condition, whether you're moving plumbing or electrical lines, material availability, and the number of inspections required. Cosmetic updates go faster, but full remodels with layout changes or custom features will extend the schedule.
Can I remodel my bathroom myself?
A DIY bathroom remodel costs $1,500 to $10,000 on average, which might seem appealing to homeowners trying to stick to a budget. However, complex tasks involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes usually require licensed professionals to ensure safety and code compliance.
What's the difference between a bathroom remodel and a bathroom renovation?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're technically different. A bathroom remodel tends to change the structure, layout, or major features of a bathroom. You might move walls, relocate plumbing, or install new fixtures. Remodels may even expand the space, making them more extensive and costly.
A bathroom renovation updates or refreshes the existing space without changing the layout or structure. You might replace surfaces, update fixtures, repaint, or repair damage. Renovations usually cost less because you keep the original configuration and focus on cosmetic and functional improvements.
Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
You usually need a permit for bathroom remodels that involve structural changes, major plumbing or electrical work, or altering the layout. Projects like moving walls, relocating fixtures, or adding windows almost always require approval from your local building department.
For minor updates like painting, replacing fixtures in the same spot, or updating decor, you typically don't need a permit. Always check with your local building authority or consult a licensed contractor to confirm requirements before starting your project.
Getting estimates from bathroom remodelers
Before hiring a bathroom remodel company near you, follow these important steps:
Get at least three quotes to compare prices for similar equipment.
Read customer reviews on sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Be wary of the lowest bid, as it could mean lower quality.
Ask for a written estimate, contract, and warranty before any work begins.
Don't pay the full amount up front before installation.
Questions to ask remodelers
Ask these questions to find the best bathroom remodeling contractors in your area:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Can you provide proof?
How many years have you been in business?
How much experience do you have with bathroom remodels?
Can you show examples of your recent bathroom projects or provide references?
Do you handle design in-house, or will I need to hire a separate designer?
What specific services do you offer for bathroom remodels?
Will you use subcontractors for any part of the project, and are they insured?
Can you provide an itemized written estimate and contract?
What is the payment schedule and what forms of payment do you accept?
What is the projected timeline for my remodel, including start and completion dates?
How will you handle permits and inspections? Will you obtain them on my behalf?
Who will be my main point of contact, and how will we communicate during the project?
How do you manage project scheduling, delays, and unexpected issues?
How do you contain dust and protect the rest of my home during the remodel?
What is your process for waterproofing showers and wet areas?
Do you offer warranties on your work and the products you install?
How will you handle cleanup and disposal of debris at the end of the project?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.