A bathroom remodel can cost $6,456–$24,715 or more, with an average cost of $15,586. The total cost of bathroom remodeling can vary widely depending on factors like the scope of your project and the materials you choose.
In fact, 53% of homeowners planned to remodel or renovate their bathroom in 2025, according to our 2025 nationwide survey. A bathroom remodel can help homeowners enjoy the comfort, convenience, and satisfaction of having a newly designed space. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about bathroom remodeling costs, helping you plan your budget effectively and maximize your return on investment (ROI).
Key Takeaways
- The average bathroom remodel costs $6,456–$24,715 for spaces measuring 40–150 square feet.
- The typical ROI of a mid-range remodel is 80%, according to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report from the Journal of Light Construction (JLC).
- Larger bathroom remodels, like with primary bathrooms measuring around 80-square-feet, tend to cost the most, averaging $10,148–$24,715, while guest and half-bath renovations cost $6,456–$15,920.
- Labor typically accounts for 40%–65% of total project costs, based on our research.
- Material quality significantly impacts costs—luxury fixtures and finishes can double or triple your budget.
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost and ROI
The cost of a bathroom remodel depends on several factors, including the size of your bathroom and the scope of your project. For example, a full remodel of a bathroom measuring 40–150 square feet costs an average of $18,706, including old material disposal and demolition fees. A cosmetic remodel that doesn’t account for demolition services costs roughly $11,582.
| Bathroom Remodel Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full remodel, including demolition | $18,706 |
| Cosmetic remodel | $11,582 |
The quality of the materials you use also determines how much of a return you’ll get in the form of increased home value. A mid-range bathroom remodel offers the highest ROI (80%) compared to universal or accessible remodels (61%) and upscale remodels (36%), according to the JLC.
Jim Fuson, the owner of 21st Century Home Inspections, says that bathroom remodels can get complicated.
“The sky’s the limit on bathroom design,” Fuson said. “If we’re going from just your traditional single-person shower, and now we want a two-person shower with dual shower heads and all the little toys inside, you may end up looking at increasing your water heater storage capacity.”
Comprehensive projects like this might involve a new tankless water heater, additional electrical work, or radiant floor heat installation, all of which increase your overall cost.
Cost of Different Types of Bathroom Remodels
Like most home renovation projects, you can remodel your bathroom within a budget you’re comfortable with. Choosing the right type of remodel for your bathroom depends on your goals, whether boosting resale value, improving livability, or both.
A basic refresh is the most affordable type of bathroom remodel, making it ideal for quick updates or prepping a home for sale. Basic updates can include cosmetic changes like painting, hardware swaps, and lighting replacements. This level of remodeling typically costs $8,478–$10,883 for a 50-square-foot bathroom.
A midrange bathroom remodel offers a balanced investment, like updating vanities, flooring, and fixtures without making extensive layout changes. This level of work costs about $14,609–$19,040 for a 50-square-foot bathroom.
High-end remodels for luxury homes or primary suites often involve premium materials, custom cabinetry, and possible structural changes, costing upwards of $27,492–$35,808 for a 50-square-foot space.
Compare the three different types of bathroom remodels, along with average costs and potential returns, below.
| Remodel Type | Average Cost | ROI | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic remodel | $9,681 | Varies | Quick updates, budget-conscious homeowners, and home sale preparation |
| Mid-range remodel | $16,825 | 80% | Suitable for most homes, especially homeowners seeking a balanced approach to functionality and quality |
| High-end remodel | $31,650 | 36% | Complete overhauls, primary suites, and luxury homes |
How Much Do Common Bathroom Projects Cost?
Bathroom remodels often involve multiple small projects, each contributing to the total cost. Understanding typical pricing for common updates, like bathtubs, sinks, toilets, vanities, and flooring, can help you budget more effectively and prioritize changes that deliver the most value.
The table below shows an item-by-item breakdown of estimated costs for a bathroom remodel.
| Bathroom Project | Cost |
|---|---|
| Countertops | $332 |
| Bathtub faucets | $423 |
| Electrical | $456 |
| Toilet | $467 |
| Flooring | $1,114 |
| Freestanding bathtub installation | $1,123 |
| Painting | $1,145 |
| Tiling | $1,326 |
| Water heating upgrade | $1,478 |
| Insulation and drywall | $2,338 |
| Cabinetry | $2,929 |
| Plumbing | $5,545 |
| Shower installation | $8,044 |
Remodeling Costs by Bathroom Size
The size of your bathroom significantly affects remodeling costs, as larger layouts require more materials, labor, and time.
A powder room remodel typically stays on the lower end because of its limited square footage and focus on the essentials, like a new toilet and sink. Mid-size bathroom remodels fall into a moderate range, often including a walk-in shower, tub upgrades, and additional fixtures. Primary bathrooms or en-suites demand higher budgets because they typically feature double vanities, separate tub and shower setups, and custom finishes.
The tabs below break down typical remodel costs by bathroom square footage, including demolition, installation, and labor.
- Square Footage: 40–60 square feet
- Average Cost Range: $12,695–$14,845
- Best For: Space-saving fixtures, corner showers
- Square Footage: 70–90 square feet
- Average Cost Range: $15,920–$18,070
- Best For: Single-vanity upgrades, tub-to-shower conversions
- Square Footage: 100–120 square feet
- Average Cost Range: $19,166–$21,295
- Best For: Double vanities, separate tub and shower
- Square Footage: 130+ square feet
- Average Cost Range: $22,370–$24,715
- Best For: Luxury features, separate water closet
What Factors Affect a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
In addition to your bathroom’s size, the areas, features, and components you renovate and the materials you choose can go a long way toward determining the final price tag. The most expensive material costs come from the wet area, which includes the shower or bathtub, bathroom vanity, and tiling.
Below, we break down the most common cost factors to keep in mind when planning a bathroom remodel.
Wet Room Remodels
The wet room is the portion of a bathroom that can withstand damp, humid conditions thanks to waterproofing. Typically, a wet room includes the bathtub, shower, or combination of the two, as well as the surrounding walls and floors. It’s usually the most expensive part of a bathroom remodeling project.
Because there are multiple projects in the wet room area, the time and expense of remodeling can vary widely. It might take just a few hours if you’re just having the tub refinished or a liner installed. However, large projects like converting a tub into a shower can take several days to several weeks since they involve substantial demolition, not to mention time, effort, and expertise.
Shower Remodels
Another major expense when renovating a bathroom is the shower. Factors that influence the cost of a shower remodel include your chosen materials, the size of your shower, and the type of features, fixtures, and shower you want. A complete shower remodel costs $8,044, which includes materials and labor. We highlight the average prices of the materials needed for a shower renovation in the table below.
| Shower Fixture | Labor Cost | Material Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shower head | $33 | $69 | $102 |
| Drain | $105 | $41 | $146 |
| Shower surround | $132 | $38 | $170 |
| Shower basin | $165 | $21 | $186 |
| Shower base | $165 | $338 | $503 |
| Tile floor | $517 | $83 | $600 |
| Shower pan | $193 | $959 | $1,151 |
| Shower liner | $237 | $1,304 | $1,541 |
| Shower door | $138 | $1,462 | $1,600 |
| Backsplash | $1,095 | $951 | $2,046 |
Bathtub Remodels
A bathroom remodeling job often involves replacing an old or broken bathtub. This might mean repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures and pipes, or simply removing an old tub and installing a new bathtub in the same spot. Factors that play a role in the cost of a new tub include the type of bathtub you choose, the scope of the project, and the materials required.
On average, a freestanding bathtub installation costs about $1,123. Expect to pay roughly $1,258 for a bathtub-and-shower combination. The price of a bathtub can rise or fall depending on the type of tub. For example, a whirlpool tub might cost considerably more than a standard, all-purpose bathtub.
Updating Bathroom Cabinetry
Replacing, upgrading, or refinishing your bathroom cabinets is typically less expensive than other parts of a remodeling project. Bathroom cabinetry can cost about $2,929 to install, which includes removing your current cabinets. While it may feel tempting to choose budget-friendly cabinets, it’s important to remember that cabinetry needs to withstand more humidity than cabinets in other rooms. If you’re shopping on a budget, make sure to still look for quality components.
Updating Bathroom Countertops
Bathroom cabinets usually go hand-in-hand with countertops, and you’ve got a choice of materials here, too. Bathroom countertops don’t have to stand up to the same level of use as kitchen countertops, so you have a few more material options. We found that the average cost to install bathroom countertops is $332. Your price can vary depending on how much countertop material you need, the type of countertop you choose, and your home’s location.
The least expensive materials are laminate, tile, and sealed wood, though these may become difficult to clean or susceptible to damage. Granite, marble, and solid-surface materials like quartzite are more expensive and durable.
Changing Bathroom Faucets and Plumbing
Updating the faucets in your bathroom is a relatively minor expense, and you can change them yourself for a few hundred dollars. This hardware is available in zinc, stainless steel, and brass in several finishes. Chrome-finished plastic is also available, and though it’s the least expensive option, we don’t recommend it because it’s often flimsy and lacks durability. Good hardware should come with a substantial warranty should something go wrong after installation.
Although the faucets themselves are inexpensive, making substantial changes to your bathroom’s plumbing isn’t. When you start tinkering with your bathroom’s layout and existing plumbing, like moving the toilet or tub, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to do the work safely and correctly. Plumbing work typically costs $5,545 on average for a bathroom renovation.
Toilet Upgrades
Depending on your old toilet’s condition, you may decide it’s time for an upgrade. A new toilet costs an average of $467 for the unit itself and the installation, though you’ll pay less if you install it yourself. If you want a luxury upgrade, you can look into higher-end models, like dual-flush toilets, bidets, or smart toilets.
Installing New Bathroom Flooring
Bathroom flooring comes in many options, including some materials that can save you money. Natural stone and hardwood flooring are higher-cost options, but new vinyl and laminate flooring options can mimic the same appearance at much lower prices. Ceramic or porcelain floor tile is another popular option. Although often inexpensive, bathroom tile is harder to install and to keep clean.
All these options vary based on your bathroom’s square footage, so the larger your space, the higher the material and labor costs. On average, expect to pay roughly $1,114 for updated flooring. If you want a more luxurious bathroom floor, you can opt for a radiant heating system under the tile work for an increased price tag.
Replacing Bathroom Light Fixtures
Adding new light fixtures to your bathroom costs relatively little. If you’re just swapping out existing fixtures, you can often do this yourself for an affordable price. However, moving or adding lights means you’ll need to hire an electrician. Electrician costs can range from $40–$120 per hour. Electrical work, particularly in an area with so much water around, is best completed by a professional. Even general contractors usually subcontract this work.
Updating Bathroom Ventilation
Ventilation is essential to ensure your bathroom dries between uses, preventing mold and mildew from becoming a problem. Typically, this takes the form of an exhaust fan. If you need to install one from scratch, you must also install ductwork and vents. For this, you should hire a professional HVAC technician.
The cost of bathroom vents usually depends on the fan’s noise level, the size of your bathroom, and the type of lighting, if any. Quieter fans that move more air and come with LED lighting will generally cost more.
Other Potential Bathroom Remodeling Projects
While common bathroom remodels include replacing a shower or upgrading vanities, there are other projects you can tackle that are less involved and can still spruce up your space. Here’s a list of several optional projects to consider updating during your bathroom remodel:
- Bidet
- Hardware (drawer pulls, towel racks, toilet paper holder, etc.)
- Hot tub
- Medicine cabinet
- Mirrors
- Sauna
- Shower doors or curtains
- Tub and shower wall surrounds
What Are Additional Bathroom Remodel Costs?
Some costs associated with a bathroom remodel might go overlooked, but it’s important to factor in everything that could affect your budget. Keep the following expenses in mind when estimating the cost of your bathroom remodeling project.
- Permits: Bathroom remodeling projects involving plumbing, electrical work, window installation, or structural changes often require permits. Homeowners must apply through local municipalities, though contractors can assist with the process.
- Accessibility: Upgrades, including walk-in tubs, grab bars, and roll-in showers, enhance safety and mobility but increase material and labor costs due to project sizing and complexity.
- Material disposal: Bathroom remodels that involve demolition come with waste. You must arrange for proper disposal of materials or hire a junk removal service, especially when dealing with hazards like asbestos or lead.
Regional Bathroom Remodeling Cost Variations
Bathroom remodel costs can vary dramatically by location. Cities typically have higher labor rates because of increased living expenses and a tighter skilled labor market. Homeowners in rural and suburban areas, on the other hand, often benefit from lower rates and reduced demand. Regional pricing also reflects the permitting landscape. Some municipalities enforce strict code requirements and costly inspections, which can increase timelines and costs.
Material transportation adds another layer of variability. Remote areas typically face higher shipping and handling fees, especially for bulky or fragile items, like tile or vanities. In high-demand housing markets, contractors can charge a premium for remodels due to competition for services and limited scheduling flexibility, pushing total project costs even higher. We recommend keeping these factors in mind when considering a bathroom remodeling project.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
How To Budget for Your Bathroom Remodel
Once you’ve determined your overall bathroom remodeling budget, we recommend setting aside 20% for unexpected expenses. Putting these funds into a separate account can help ensure that money stays available if needed. You can then start dividing up your remaining budget as follows:
Determine High-Priority Projects
While the priorities for your bathroom remodel may not cost the most, it’s important to allocate funds accordingly, starting with your non-negotiables, like shower or vanity updates, rather than lighting upgrades.
Decide What You Can Do Yourself
Balance the cost savings of completing certain remodeling tasks yourself, like ripping out an old tub or toilet, with the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional for work outside your wheelhouse.
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare contractors based on estimates, customer service, availability, and contract terms to match individual project costs with your overall budget.
Track Expenses and Adjust Spending
Keep a spreadsheet of finalized costs as specified in your contractor agreement and record what you actually pay, adjusting or tapping into contingency funds as necessary.
You may face difficult budgeting decisions when planning a bathroom remodel, especially when deciding whether to add creature comforts and small luxuries. However, some of the best budget bathroom remodel ideas offer stunning results for a fraction of the price, and without sacrificing minor indulgences.
Bathroom Remodeling Financing Options
While remodeling a bathroom is typically expensive, there are several financing options available if you don’t have the cash to cover the project fully upfront. Below, we highlight several common bathroom remodeling financing options:
- Leverage your home equity: A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) enable homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve accrued in their house. This funding source is ideal for homeowners with higher credit scores who plan on staying in their current house for the next several years.
- Finance with loans: Similarly, personal and construction loans require good or excellent credit to obtain the most favorable interest rates and terms, but often have a shorter application process.
- Take advantage of credit cards: Homeowners who want to maximize their bathroom remodel purchases can use rewards credit cards, which work best for less costly purchases that homeowners can pay off before their next statement period to avoid interest charges. For example, a credit card may work best if you’re replacing bathroom faucets, rather than converting the entire shower.
- Consider using cash: If you have a separate, well-funded savings account, you could pay for a bathroom remodel in cash to streamline funding and limit debt.
It’s important to identify which funding sources you’re eligible for before beginning your bathroom remodel. Comparing the advantages and drawbacks of each can help you determine which best suits your remodel budget, timeline, and current and expected financial health.
Expert Advice
Outside of tackling some of the easier cost-cutting strategies…working with your designers to find fixtures for industry professional prices, the best strategy you can take is to work with a contractor on day one for costs estimates and budget adjustments as the design takes place. Having a real-time estimate on your design strategies will help you determine where you can cut costs.
Opt for refinishing existing fixtures (such as bathtubs or cabinets) and focus on updating elements like cabinet doors rather than replacing entire units. Keeping the original layout of the bathroom is a big cost-saver.
Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?
If you’re wondering whether or not to remodel your bathroom, first ask yourself these questions:
- Are my bathroom fixtures 20 years or older?
- Do I like the current look or functionality of my bathroom?
- Are there visible signs of wear and tear on my bathroom fixtures, tiling, furnishings, etc.?
- Are there elements in my bathroom that are broken or require frequent repairs?
- Is it dangerous to maneuver inside my bathroom?
- Can I afford a bathroom remodel?
The decision to remodel your bathroom comes down to your satisfaction with your current space, budget, and tolerance for disruption to your daily life. On the one hand, bathroom remodeling often offers a solid ROI for your home’s value. However, bathroom renovations are fairly expensive and can take time. Let’s look at some benefits of remodeling your bathroom.
Improved Safety
If you have an older, poorly designed home or a resident with limited mobility, a bathroom remodel can address any safety issues in your current bathroom. You may need to relocate electrical outlets farther away from water sources, add more lighting or ventilation, or make the layout or fixtures more user-friendly for your housemates.
Katie Loughmiller, Ph.D., an associate professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science, emphasizes the long-term value of an ADA-compatible design.
“For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, a bathroom remodel can provide an opportunity to upgrade to an ADA-compatible design,” she said. “By incorporating zero-entry showers, ADA-compliant toilets, and grab bars, you ensure continued accessibility as residents age.”
Better Energy Efficiency
Older appliances and light fixtures could add an unnoticed burden to your home’s energy usage. Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads can help you conserve water, and updating light fixtures to LEDs could lower your electricity bill.
“An updated bathroom not only improves functionality and safety (especially in aging-in-place remodels) but also enhances energy efficiency with modern fixtures like low-flow toilets and LED lighting,” said Alecia Taylor, an interior designer at CabinetNow.com.
More Storage
A common bathroom complaint among homeowners is limited storage, which often results in a cluttered or nonfunctional bathroom. Remodeling to add more cabinetry or create a more usable layout can improve your bathroom’s appearance and functionality.
Updated Bathroom Design
Bathrooms can become outdated quickly. There’s also a lot of personal preference that goes into designing a bathroom. A bathroom remodel can freshen up the room, make it up-to-date, and turn it into a space you enjoy being in if your existing room isn’t your style. This is not only a win for you but for your home’s value and future buyers.
DIY vs. Professional Bathroom Remodel Cost
Several bathroom remodeling projects are do-it-yourself (DIY)-friendly, while others may require a professional contractor. When starting out, you may question whether to hire a professional contractor or interior designer or manage the project yourself. Here’s a quick summary of each option and the typical bathroom remodeling projects they fall under.
DIY Bathroom Remodeling
As with any DIY home project, you should make the decision to forego professional help based on your experience with tools and DIY projects. You could see significant upfront cost savings from remodeling your bathroom yourself. However, for every financial benefit you might find initially, you could end up with more potential drawbacks if you can’t complete the job or the work isn’t done properly.
DIY-Friendly Bathroom Projects
Homeowners with basic tools and moderate remodeling skills can likely tackle several bathroom upgrades without hiring a pro. For example, painting walls and ceilings gives the space an instant refresh and protects surfaces from moisture. Another DIY-friendly project is installing a new toilet. Toilets only require a wax ring, wrench, and a little muscle.
If you feel comfortable, you can also consider replacing faucets and showerheads yourself instead of hiring a professional. While simple, these updates increase both the style and water efficiency of your bathroom with straightforward connections. You can also swap cabinet hardware, which creates a modern look in minutes. All of these projects don’t require specialized tools or training.
Professional Bathroom Remodeling
Hiring a professional home designer or builder to conduct your bathroom remodel might cost more, but the benefits typically often outweigh the cost savings. In addition to ensuring quality work, contractors also have the tools and expertise to stay safe while working and complete projects in a timely manner. That said, if you’re experienced and confident in your ability to complete complex home improvement projects, you can consider taking advantage of the potential cost savings that come with remodeling yourself.
Projects Best Left to Professionals
Some bathroom remodel tasks require technical knowledge, precise execution, and code compliance. For example, relocating plumbing lines or altering pipe layouts demands advanced skills to avoid leaks and long-term water damage to your home. Electrical work, especially in wet zones, must comply with safety regulations and often requires a licensed electrician.
Shower pan installation requires an exact slope and sealing to prevent water intrusion. Complex tile patterns or large tiled areas benefit from professional layout and cutting techniques. Structural changes can affect load-bearing supports around your bathroom, which is important to do correctly. Finally, installing or rerouting a ventilation system calls for HVAC expertise to ensure proper airflow and moisture control.
Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth the Cost?
Remodeling your bathroom is worth it if you value modern bath amenities or plan to sell your home in the near future. It might also seem worth it if someone who lives in your home requires assistance or is unable to safely use standard bathtubs, showers, sinks, or toilets.
With an above-average ROI and other potential benefits, many homeowners find that renovating their primary or guest bathroom is a good fit for their home. If you’re intimidated by the average cost of a bathroom remodel, know that material and design choices can bring the price down. For example, you might consider an inexpensive bathroom flooring option that looks expensive, or you can refinish your tub instead of replacing it.
You can reduce labor and plumbing costs, which are typically the most significant parts of a bathroom renovation project, by avoiding substantial changes to the bathroom’s plumbing and electrical systems. Finally, while you can’t always plan for the unexpected, intentionally leaving some extra room in your budget can significantly reduce your stress.
FAQs About Bathroom Remodels
How much should you spend on a bathroom remodel?
Experts recommend spending 5%–10% of your home’s value on a bathroom renovation. For a $200,000 home, that’s $10,000–$20,000 for a primary bathroom. For secondary bathrooms, 3%–5% is typically sufficient.
Can you remodel a bathroom for $5,000?
Yes, a limited bathroom refresh is possible for $5,000, so long as you plan to renovate a small bathroom or focus purely on cosmetic changes, like paint, fixtures, lighting, and minor upgrades. A $5,000 budget usually doesn’t accommodate larger bathrooms, layout changes, or premium materials.
Can you renovate a bathroom for $10,000?
A $10,000 budget allows for a more comprehensive renovation of a small to medium bathroom, including new fixtures, basic tile, standard vanity, and lighting updates. Note that this budget range still requires careful budgeting and possibly some DIY work if you wish to stay under $10,000.
What is a realistic budget for a bathroom renovation?
A realistic budget for a full bathroom renovation starts at $6,456 for a small bathroom with basic cosmetic updates. Expect to pay $15,920–$22,370 for a medium bathroom remodel with mid-range fixtures, and $23,445 or more for larger or primary bathrooms with premium features.
What is the difference between a full bath remodel and a partial bath remodel?
A full bathroom remodel makes substantial changes to the layout and plumbing of a primary or guest bathroom, usually including the wet area. On the other hand, a partial bath remodel changes smaller features such as cabinets, fixtures, and walls while leaving the general layout intact. As you might expect, a partial remodel costs less than a full remodel.
How We Determined Pricing for Bathroom Remodels
To provide the most accurate and current pricing for bathroom remodeling projects, we collected cost estimates from Homewyse, a platform used by contractors to generate estimates nationwide, as well as supplemental pricing from Angi. Our research included analyzing material costs and labor rates nationwide to determine project estimates for different homeowner situations.
The prices shared in this guide represent the national average based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as your location, bathroom remodeling project, contractor, material quality, and more.
