Taking on a bathroom remodeling project can be thrilling, allowing you to transform the space into your dream oasis. But before diving in, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the size and bathroom remodeling costs to budget appropriately.
Partnering with experts who offer fair pricing prevents cost surprises down the road. Keep reading for a guide to bathroom remodeling cost considerations to set your bathroom floor and plan to your budget, then tips for finding reputable remodeling companies to see your vision through.
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Average Bathroom Remodel Costs
The average cost for a bathroom remodel ranges from $6,634 to $17,579, with a national average of $12,063 according to bathroom remodeling costs on sites like HomeAdvisor and Angi. However, it’s important to understand the factors that cause this average and cost range to swing higher or lower.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown
The bathroom is often the most expensive room in the house to remodel on a square-foot basis. Prices can vary drastically based on the size of the bathroom walls and space, materials used, plumbing and electrical work needed, preparation and demolition required, and projected labor costs.
When budgeting for your bathroom renovation, it’s essential to break down the typical costs for all aspects of a bath remodel. Here are the main elements to factor into your current bathroom and remodeling costs and budget:
Bathroom Size
The overall size of the new bathroom also is a major cost determinant. Small half baths around 25 square feet can be remodeled for a typical cost range of $1,750 – $6,250. A larger master bath over 100 square feet may cost $7,000 – $25,000.
Tile, lighting, and other finishes are priced per square foot. And more labor hours are required for larger bathrooms. Consider the total cost per square footage when budgeting for bathroom renovation costs.
Shower and Tub
The shower and tub options also vary greatly. Basic fiberglass shower inserts may cost only $2000+ for purchase and installation. But custom tiled showers with recessed lighting, glass doors, and luxury fixtures can run $10,000 – $15,000 each.
Your choice of soaking tub, jetted tub, or combination shower/tub enclosure impacts the budget as well primary bathroom used. Refinishing existing tubs and showers is the most cost-effective option.
Tile and Flooring
Tile flooring is another big investment, averaging $12.50 per square foot installed. A small bathroom may need only $500 worth of tile. But tiling a large bathroom costs over $2,000 for material and labor.
Consider alternative cost-effective flooring like vinyl or linoleum if your budget is tight. The sink, toilet, and vanity you select impact bathroom renovation costs more moderately.
Faucets and Plumbing
Faucets, plumbing, lighting, and ventilation are based on set costs for each item needed. For example, a sink faucet costs $200 – $500. Exhaust fans are $120 – $200. New piping and drains add a few hundred dollars in labor fees. Multiply these unit costs by the number of light fixtures and openings your bathroom remodel requires.
Cabinets and Shelving
The cabinetry and storage options you choose make a significant impact on the final budget. Stock cabinets cost $100 – $300 per linear foot, including installation. But for larger bathrooms, custom built-in cabinets, and storage can run $500 – $2000 per linear foot, with exotic woods, ornate details, and specialty finishes adding even more expense.
The amount of shelving, drawers, and cabinetry needed in a bathroom vanity wet room is also key. A bathroom remodel replacing just a single vanity may only spend $1000 on cabinetry.
Bathroom Countertops
Countertops also vary greatly in cost. Budget laminate or ceramic tile counters may cost only $500 – $1000 for a small bathroom. But premium materials like granite, marble, or quartz run $80 – $100 per square foot installed. That can mean an investment of $2000 – $4000 for the countertop alone in a spacious master bath.
Details like undermount sinks, polished edges, and decorative accents further increase countertop costs. An average remodel usually allocates 10-15% of the project cost total budget just for the counter surfaces.
Renovation Contractor
Labor from contractors is often charged per hour, ranging from $50 – $100/hour depending on the total project cost of the expertise needed. Demolition costs a flat fee based on the scope of the tear-out. Building permits also ring in around $250 – $1000 per project. Keep these fixed project costs in mind when planning your all-in budget.
Cost of Bathroom Remodel by Type
The type of bathroom remodel impacts your total budget. Here are typical primary bathroom remodel costs below:
- Bathroom remodels: $8,000 – $15,000 total.
- Bath additions: $25,000 – $60,000
- Basic remodels: $3,500 – $7,500
- Upscale remodels: $12,000 – $35,000
- Master bathrooms: $15,000 – $30,000
- Powder rooms: $4,000 – $8,000
High-end custom showers, saunas, heated floors, and expensive finishes can push costs over $50,000 – $100,000+.
Cost-Saving Bath Remodel Tips
Bathroom remodels can get expensive quickly. Here are some tips to help cut costs on your bathroom renovation project:
- Build in a 10-20% contingency fund over your initial budget to accommodate unexpected issues that may arise. Hidden plumbing problems or mold behind walls can lead to costly surprises.
- Invest time upfront in finalizing a detailed remodel design and project plan. Having a clear roadmap makes it easier to stick to your budget during the remodel.
- Limit bathroom layout changes by working within the existing footprint for plumbing, electrical, and framing whenever feasible. Moving these elements escalates costs quickly.
- Consider being your general contractor, hiring individual specialists for plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, etc. This can reduce markup compared to using one general contractor.
- For bathrooms with outdated aesthetics but functioning plumbing and fixtures, focus on surface-level upgrades like paint, hardware, lighting, and accessories to refresh the look while minimizing costs.
- Rather than full replacements, consider refinishing existing tubs, sinks, and tile to restore them affordably. Reglazing and re-grouting costs much less than new installations.
- Research to source fixtures and materials yourself, then ask your contractor for a labor-only quote for installation. Avoid contractor markups on materials by purchasing items independently.
- Ask your contractor which tasks like demolition, clean-up, and prep work you can handle yourself as the homeowner. Then save on labor costs by taking on those projects.
DIY Cost vs. Professional Contractor
A DIY bathroom remodel may also save money on material and labor costs but has tradeoffs:
- DIY costs for a basic remodel: $2,000 – $5,000
- Contractor costs for a basic remodel: $5,000 – $10,000
Hiring pros ensures proper installation, all building codes and code compliance, project management, and quality results. But costs more in labor fees. Compare DIY bathroom renovations, vs. hired remodel costs when budgeting your specific bathroom project.
Our Recommendation
The total investment of a bathroom remodel varies widely. Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing overhaul. You can start small and take it one feature at a time, updating the elements most important to you first. The key is to plan and budget wisely, focusing spending on best-value products and services that get you the look you want. Find a trusted local contractor who can help advise cost-effective options to fit your budget.
With smart planning and strategic decision-making, you can craft your ideal bathroom sanctuary over time, without breaking the bank. Focus on must-haves, look for savings, and let your dream bathroom remodeled oasis unfold.