How much does a DIY bathroom remodel cost?
How much does a DIY bathroom remodel cost?
$70 – $100 average cost per square foot
$1,500 – $10,000 average total cost (DIY)
$5,500 – $15,000 average total cost (PRO)
DIY bathroom remodel cost
A DIY bathroom remodel costs $70 to $100 per square foot or $1,500 to $10,000 total, depending on the bathroom size and scope of the project. A DIY shower remodel costs $400 to $4,100 and offers a high ROI. Replacing old bathroom faucets yourself costs $70 to $250 each.
| Type | DIY remodel cost | Pro remodel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Full bathroom | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Primary bathroom | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Labor fees make up 20% to 40%of professional installation costs, which you can save on by handling the project yourself.
Materials or fixtures account for 60% to 80%of the remodeling cost.
A DIY bathroom remodel may require experience with plumbing, electrical work, flooring, tile, waterproofing, and drywall.
DIY bathroom remodeling costs by project
| Renovation | DIY remodel cost | Pro remodel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathtub installation cost | $200 – $1,000 | $800 – $4,600 |
| Shower installation cost | $400 – $4,100 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Glass shower doors cost | $250 – $1,300 | $400 – $1,900 |
| Sink installation cost | $40 – $750 | $330 – $1,300 |
| Faucet installation cost | $70 – $250 | $200 – $600 |
| Toilet installation cost | $100 – $200 | $120 – $800 |
| Bathroom countertop installation cost | $100 – $1,500 | $450 – $1,500 |
| Bathroom vanity installation cost | $250 – $4,200 | $400 – $4,000 |
| Refacing existing cabinets cost | $50 – $500 | $200 – $800 |
| Tile flooring installation cost | $80 – $400 | $800 – $3,800 |
| Bathroom exhaust fan installation cost | $20 – $400 | $150 – $550 |
| Mirror installation cost | $20 – $600 | $140 – $430 |
| Install light fixture | $50 – $400 | $150 – $1,500 |
| Install medicine cabinet | $60 – $460 | $150 – $400 |
| Painting bathroom walls costs | $150 – $300 | $150 – $650 |
| Retiling shower cost | $25 – $240 | $800 – $3,000 |
| Steam shower cost | $950 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Shower pan installation cost | $150 – $950 | $500 – $3,500 |
| Bathtub or shower liner costs | $850 – $1,400 | $1,700 – $2,500 |
| Tub refinishing costs | $30 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| Permit cost | $200 – $800 | $200 – $800 |
DIY shower remodel cost
A DIY shower remodel costs $400 to $4,100, depending on the shower size and material type. A glass shower door costs $250 to $1,300 for materials only. DIY shower retiling costs $25 to $240.Converting a tub to a shower costs more than replacing an existing shower.
DIY bathtub remodel prices
DIY bathtub remodel prices are $200 to $1,000, depending on the tub size and material. A bathtub refinishing kit costs $30 to $200 and is simpler than removing and replacing the whole tub.
DIY bathroom cabinets and countertops remodel
DIY bathroom cabinets cost $250 to $4,200, depending on the size and finish. Refacing existing cabinets costs $50 to $500 to DIY and extends the lifespan of existing cabinets instead of replacing them. DIY bathroom countertops cost $100 to $1,500, depending on the material and size.
DIY bathroom flooring remodel prices
DIY bathroom tile flooring prices are $80 to $400 for materials and supplies, depending on the tile size, material, grout type, and floor size. Check the bathroom floor for water damage before attempting a DIY tiling project. Damage to the subflooring may result in more work and higher costs.
DIY bathroom plumbing remodel costs
DIY bathroom plumbing costs $40 to $750 for a sink or $70 to $250 for a faucet. Installing a new toilet yourself costs $100 to $200. Keep in mind that most plumbing jobs should be done by a professional to prevent accidents and water damage, especially removing or installing pipes.
DIY bathroom remodel cost vs. hiring a pro
DIY bathroom remodeling cost $70 to $100 per square foot, compared to $120 to $275 per square foot for a professional remodel. Some homeowners choose to DIY part of the project and hire contractors for the rest.
| Remodel type | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| DIY project | $70 – $100 |
| Hire a professional | $120 – $275 |
Expect these labor costs if you hire a pro to handle part of the project:
Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour.
Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
Painters charge $20 to $50 per hour or $1 to $6 per square foot of surface area.
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of surface area.
Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour to help you plan a more functional bathroom layout and update the décor.
General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
DIY bathroom remodeling tools cost
Bathroom remodeling tools cost $100 to $600 total, depending on the project and which items you may already have at home.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Caulking gun & sealant | $10 – $60 |
| Chalk line | $10 – $20 |
| Chisel | $3 – $20 |
| Gloves | $5 – $20 |
| Hacksaw | $5 – $30 |
| Hammer | $5 – $30 |
| Power drill | $20 – $200 |
| Pry bar | $5 – $30 |
| Safety mask | $3 – $10 |
| Spackle & knife | $10 – $30 |
| Stud finder | $5 – $50 |
| Tape measure | $3 – $15 |
| Utility knife | $2 – $10 |
| Wrench & screwdrivers | $10 – $50 |
How to budget for a DIY bathroom remodel
The following table shows a typical cost breakdown for a bathroom remodel according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
| Item | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Cabinetry and hardware | 18% |
| Fixtures | 17% |
| Faucets and plumbing | 16% |
| Flooring | 11% |
| Countertops | 9% |
| Lighting and ventilation | 7% |
| Walls and ceiling | 7% |
| Doors and windows | 6% |
| Design Services | 6% |
| Disposal and other fees | 3% |
| Total | 100% |
Some homeowners choose to replace old fixtures and tiles only, which rejuvenates the space without having to replace everything.
DIY bathroom remodel FAQs
Do I need a general contractor for bathroom remodel?
A general contractor can help complete a remodel faster and more safely than a DIY job. Remodeling a bathroom yourself saves money in labor costs, but you may still end up hiring a plumber or electrician.
Can you remodel bathroom yourself?
Experienced DIYers can remodel a bathroom on their own, but professionals recommend hiring help for complicated aspects like plumbing or electrical work.
Bathroom remodeling typically requires a permit before work begins.
How long does it take to remodel a bathroom DIY?
A DIY bathroom remodel takes 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the bathroom size, number of fixtures, and experience level. Smaller bathroom renovations take 1 to 2 weeks.
Getting estimates from professional bathroom remodelers
Before hiring a professional bathroom remodeler, try to:
Get at least three in-person remodeling quotes to compare.
Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded company.
Look for someone certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
Review ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed list of all permits, materials, and labor costs.
Get a full warranty description.
Follow a payment schedule instead of paying up front in full.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can help you find the best contractor:
How many bathroom remodels have you done before?
Can I see a portfolio of past remodeling jobs?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What hours do you usually work?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
What’s your payment schedule?
What does your warranty policy include?