How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Whether you’re ripping out old laminate to make way for new tile or completely gutting your primary bathroom to create a spa-like retreat, a bathroom renovation can be intimidating — not to mention costly. 

Bathroom renovation projects can cost $30,000 or more, depending on the project’s scope. Luckily, the return on investment (ROI) of a bathroom renovation can range from 50% to nearly 80% — depending on the project you choose — but most bathroom remodels see about a 50% ROI. 

Though you won’t recover 100% of the cost of your remodel, a remodeled bathroom can attract potential buyers if you want to sell your home. A bathroom facelift or overhaul can help you love your forever home — forever. This article will discuss what you can expect your bathroom remodel to cost and how you can save the most money and get the most ROI on your project.

Ready to get started on your bathroom remodeling project? Use our tool below to get connected with top contractors in your area.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

The average cost to remodel a bathroom is $5,000 to $12,000 — but depending on the size of the bathroom and the scope of the project, remodeling a bathroom can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $40,000 total.

The most affordable remodeling options involve keeping existing floor plans and installing low-end fixtures installation, but there are plenty of ways to save money on your overall project cost.

The most expensive bathroom renovations are usually remodeling the primary bathroom, but you can also spend up to $40,000 to build a bathroom designed with accessibility in mind. 

Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable. All cost data in this article were gathered from RS Means construction materials and labor database and bids from top contractors.

How Does Bathroom Size Impact the Overall Cost?

A small bathroom remodel — for half bathrooms or powder rooms — are the least expensive to remodel at $3,000 to $15,000. This number largely depends on the materials you choose to install. These bathrooms are usually only 20 to 30 square feet and typically have a small vanity and toilet, so you don’t have to worry about expensive tubs and showers.

Full bathrooms are the most expensive to remodel because you have four major fixtures to replace: the toilet, vanity, shower, and bathtub. These remodels get expensive if you need to install custom cabinetry or double vanity, both commonly found in these larger bathrooms. Depending on the fixtures, large bathroom remodels cost between $7,000 and $30,000 — and sometimes more.

An accessible bathroom is specifically designed to make the bathroom safer for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. More injuries happen in the bathroom than in any other room, so it’s important to install showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and more with accessibility in mind. Some of the most common accessible modifications include:

• Accessible storage
• Bath or shower seats
• Grab bars and hand grips
• Handheld shower control
• Non-slip surfaces
• Roll-under or wall-mounted sinks
• Safety rails
• Walk-in bathtubs
• Wheelchair turnaround space

Cost data include the unit and labor, if applicable. 

Watch this video to learn more about designing an accessible bathroom.

How Are Total Bathroom Remodel Costs Broken Down?

The total cost of a bathroom renovation comprises dozens of components, but some key materials make up the bulk of the cost. The most expensive is the installation of a new shower and bathtub, but vanities and flooring can easily add hundreds of dollars to your cost.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for each part of a bathroom home improvement project:

Cost data include the unit and labor, if applicable.

Bathtub

A bathtub can be a relaxing retreat after a long day at work, and it can also be a lifesaver for parents of young children. Installing a bathtub costs $1,200 to $4,500, depending on the bathtub you install. The most expensive bathtubs are freestanding tubs, while the least expensive are tub and shower enclosures. The latter can be a good option if you’re renovating on a budget, as you don’t have to install a separate shower.

• Freestanding bathtub: $4,500
• 48” x 42” recessed bathtub: $4,200
• 72” x 36” recessed bathtub: $4,100
• 48” x 42” corner recessed bathtub: $3,800
• 60” x 34” bathtub with shower surround: $1,200

Countertops

Countertop cost is calculated by the linear foot, so the more countertop you need, the more expensive your project will be. You can expect to pay between $50 to $245 per linear foot of countertop. Laminate countertops are the least expensive option and the best choice if you have a lower budget. Natural stone countertops — like granite — and engineered quartz are often more expensive but have increased durability. 

When it comes to countertop cost, the thickness and material make up most of the price tag. The thicker the countertop, the more expensive it will be. So if you want to save money, don’t choose the ¾” thick countertop and instead go for the ½” thick material.

• Engineered stone: $140 – $215 per linear foot
• Granite: $145 – $245 per linear foot
• Laminate: $35 – $100 per linear foot
• Marble: $95 – $195 per linear foot
• Quartz: $50 – $200 per linear foot

Learn more about bathroom countertop materials in this video.

Flooring

Bathroom floors must be waterproof. Most homeowners use tile in their bathroom because of its durability and water resistance, but vinyl and laminate flooring are excellent budget-friendly options that can also be resistant to water damage. 

The cost ranges for the best flooring options for your bathroom include the following:

• Engineered hardwood: $2.60 – $15 per square foot
• Hardwood: $6 – $25 per square foot
• Laminate: $0.40 – $10 per square foot
• Tile: $1.75 – $13 per square foot
• Vinyl: $1.90 – $6.75 per square foot

Tile is an expensive flooring material to install because it’s labor-intensive. Not only do you have to lay tile in an intricate pattern, but you also need to grout. This means labor costs for floor tiles can be higher than other flooring projects and can range anywhere from $35 to $320 per hour of work.

Paint or Wallpaper

If you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, a new coat of paint is the best way to finish the job. New paint can give the space new life and transform it. The size of your bathroom is the main factor that impacts paint costs. It costs between $150 and $500 to paint a small bathroom but up to $1,500 to paint a large primary bathroom.

A recent trend has been adding an accent wall with wallpaper in your bathroom as a main feature. Wallpaper can be a good alternative to tile backsplash and is something you could do on your own to save money. On average, wallpaper costs $5 to $8.75 per square foot.

Shower

Showers are one of the most expensive parts of a professional bathroom remodel. When you install a new shower, you’ll need to install a shower pan, shower door, showerhead, backsplash, and tile (if you choose). On average, a new shower costs between $1,700 and $14,200, but most homeowners pay between $3,500 and $7,000.  

If you want to save money on a new shower, we recommend a shower pan and surround — but if you want a more modern shower, tile flooring and backsplash can give you a sleek and trendy look.

Sinks

The price range for sinks is from $30 to $2,000+, including the sink, installation, and faucet. This range largely depends on your chosen material, with the most common materials being ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, acrylic, and stone. The type of sink also affects the cost. You can choose from pedestal sinks, wall-mounted sinks, under-mount sinks, or a vanity with a pre-installed sink.

Toilet

No bathroom is complete without a toilet, so prepare to pay $350 to $1,300 to install a new toilet. 

You have two types of toilets to consider as you plan your bathroom renovation: the traditional vanity top toilet or a wall-hung toilet. Vanity top toilets are generally more affordable, especially if you don’t plan on changing your bathroom’s layout. But if you want a more modern bathroom design, you may opt for a wall-hung toilet.

• Vanity top toilet: $350 – $980
• Wall-hung toilet: $350 – $1,300

Vanity

Bathroom vanities range from $400 to $6,000+, but most homeowners will spend less than $2,000 on a new vanity. You can buy a single or double vanity, and your space will determine your choice. If you’re renovating a smaller bathroom, a single vanity is perfect. A double vanity with two sinks is the way to go for a primary bathroom.

• Single vanity:  $400 – $800
• Double vanity: $950 – $6,000

What Other Factors Impact the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?

The total cost of remodeling a bathroom depends on many factors. Everything from the fixtures you choose to the flooring you install can have an impact. If you know what each part of your remodel will cost, there’s a better chance you’ll save money. 

High-End vs. Budget-Friendly Fixtures

The fixtures and features you choose to install in your bathroom have the biggest impact on the cost. You can’t do much to reduce labor costs, but the tile, shower, backsplash, vanity, and other fixtures you choose can save you money. Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $12,000 to remodel their bathroom, but if you opt for top-of-the-line everything, you can pay $15,000 to $30,000 to remodel the same-size bathroom.

The finishes you choose to install in your bathroom will depend on the trends in your state and neighborhood. Not every home needs the most expensive fixtures or high-end features to get the most value out of a bath remodel, and you can get away with less expensive fixtures and still get good ROI. Some luxury fixtures — such as expensive rain showers and spa-like bathrooms — were shown to have little to no resale value, according to a 2022 study by Zillow. 

Cost data include the unit and labor, if applicable. 

Bathroom Fixtures, Materials, and Accessories

The main components of a bathroom — such as a shower, tub, or vanity — are usually quite expensive, but the accessories and fixtures can add up quickly. The final details — custom handles, light fixtures, mirrors and faucets — can easily add $500 to $1,000 to your project.

However, the fixtures and accessories can also save you a lot of money. For example, you can choose a showerhead that costs only $100 to install, or you can opt for a high-end showerhead that adds $600 or more to the overall cost. The handles and faucets for cabinets and vanities can also be expensive if you aren’t careful, so you can choose the handles that cost $3 per handle instead of $20 or more.

Some accessories and recent bathroom trends, like heat lamps and backsplashes, are also optional. Although a heat lamp can be heavenly in the cold winter, it’s not essential in the bathroom. You can also paint your walls or install wallpaper instead of an expensive backsplash, saving you hundreds of dollars while still being on trend. 

Cost data include the unit and labor, if applicable.

Hidden Bathroom Renovation Costs

It’s always a good idea to set aside money for a contingency fund, and we recommend at least 10% to 20% of your total budget to go towards potential problems. As you open up walls, remove flooring, replace showers, or do any home project, there is always a chance you’ll run into problems. If you set aside money up-front to cover potential issues, you won’t have to dig into your renovation budget to fix them.

Water damage is the most common problem you’ll encounter as you renovate your bathroom. And when there’s water where it shouldn’t be, it can also lead to mold. Here are the average costs to repair the three most common problems you’ll run into during a bathroom renovation:

• Mold and mildew: Bathrooms are inherently damp and moisture-filled, so mold is possible for many homeowners — especially if you live in a humid area. Mold can be found under the floor or behind walls, so you may not even know it’s there until you get into demolition. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 to get rid of mold.
• Old electrical systems: If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to update the electrical wiring in your bathroom as you renovate. Old wiring can be dangerous, and updating it can only make your home safer. It costs up to $2,500 on average to update electrical systems in a bathroom.
• Water leaks: Water damage is the most visible of bathroom problems, so there’s a good chance you already know about a leaky pipe or shower. However, you may also find problems as you remove flooring and replace bathtubs and showers. Fixing a plumbing leak typically costs between $150 and $800.

Labor Costs

Labor typically accounts for 35% to 65% of the total cost of your project, which amounts to $1,000 to $5,000 on average for a bathroom remodel. You’ll need a general contractor, plumber, and tile setter for most bathroom remodels. You may also need someone to paint your walls and fix your drywall, especially if you are expanding your bathroom. 

The table below shows the average cost per hour homeowners pay for a bathroom remodel.

Cost data national average hourly rates of each profession. 

What Features Add the Most Value to a Bathroom?

Oddly enough, upscale bathroom remodels have one of the lowest ROIs (48.8%), according to our study of more than 70,000 homes. Instead, you’re better off doing a mid-range bathroom remodel or an upscale bathroom addition to get up to 64% ROI. Still, some upgrades add the most value to your bathroom. 

If you want to get the most out of your remodel, Zillow suggests you make these upgrades:

• Add storage: There’s nothing worse than insufficient storage space for towels, cosmetics, and toiletries. Add shelving, racks, and cabinets to your bathroom so potential buyers can see how much storage they’d have for their personal items.
• Replace dated lighting: One simple change you can make is to swap out old vanity lighting with a new look. You can get a new bathroom vanity light for under $200 and choose to install it yourself if you have electrical expertise.
• Recaulk the bathtub: If your bathtub is in good condition, then new caulk can give it the refresh it needs. Professional caulking costs between $65 and $300 on average.
• Update flooring: New tile can quickly give your bathroom a whole new feel and increase the value of your bathroom. Flooring costs range from $2 to more than $10 per square foot, but since most bathrooms are between 40 and 200 square feet, updating your bathroom floor can cost less than $500.

Can You DIY a Bathroom Remodel to Save Money?

If you remodel your own bathroom, you can save money on labor. Labor can account for between 35% to 65% of the cost of your entire project, so even if you can just do some of the work yourself, you’ll save money. 

Remodeling Your Bathroom Yourself

We recommend working with a professional contractor to remodel your bathroom because they will make sure everything is done well and meets code. Permits are often required for larger projects — such as expanding your bathroom or adding plumbing fixtures. If you try to remodel your bathroom without a permit, you could face a fine, and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage to your home.

Although a professional contractor does the best work, there are also some renovation projects you can do yourself. Smaller projects like replacing light fixtures, installing tile, or replacing cabinets are easy to do yourself. You can also hire a contractor to do the heavy lifting like re-piping and installing bathroom fixtures, and you can save money by laying tile, painting, and putting on the finishing touches yourself.

See how you can make a small, outdated bathroom look modern with these tips:

Hiring a Professional for Bathroom Remodeling

A professional contractor can help you plan your bathroom remodel from start to finish and advise you on the best updates to make so that your bathroom matches the trends in your area. These professionals not only handle the labor but they will also purchase materials and get the permits needed to complete your project.

Follow these steps to contact professional contractors near you:

1. Use the tool below to connect to local installers: Fill out your information using the tool below, and a local contractor will contact you shortly to discuss your bathroom renovation project.
2. Get a quote from a few options: Labor costs amount to a large portion of your bathroom renovation, so get a few quotes to compare costs. You may find that some contractors charge more for labor than others.
3. Consult them about their recommendations: Ask each contractor what they recommend you renovate. Experienced contractors have renovated hundreds of bathrooms and can help you choose the right fixtures to get the most out of your money.
4. Choose a contractor: After you’ve got at least two quotes, choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.
5. Plan your bathroom remodel: Choose the fixtures, tiles, paint colors, and features that you’ll be installing in your bathroom.
6. Schedule your bathroom remodel: Schedule your bathroom remodel and enjoy your new updates. It can take up to six weeks or more to finish a larger bathroom remodel, and some projects can last at least three months.

Ready to plan your next bathroom renovation? Use our tool below to connect with your area’s best contractors.

So, Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth the Cost?

For most homeowners, a complete bathroom remodel costs between $5,000 and $12,000 — but that sum can rise to $30,000 or more if you choose the most expensive materials and fixtures. With an average ROI of 50%, a bathroom remodel can be worth it if you want to sell your home. Even if you don’t get all your money back, a renovated primary bathroom can attract potential buyers to your home.

When planning a bathroom remodel, it’s important that you only make the changes that will benefit you the most. Instead of choosing the most expensive fixtures, stick to a mid-range budget and focus on safety-related updates to ensure your bathroom looks new and is safe and functional.