Daydreaming of a bathroom that elevates your daily routine to a realm of luxury? While most homeowners invest an average of $12,119 in bathroom remodel costs, the spectrum can range widely, from $2,500 to $30,000, or roughly $70 to $250 per square foot. This encompasses fundamental upgrades such as replacing or refinishing a fixture, modernizing countertops, and applying a fresh coat of paint or new flooring. Costs tend to lean towards the higher end when mid-range materials are selected.
It’s worth noting that the price for a comprehensive remodel can indeed be substantially higher, and a full-fledged luxury renovation could potentially exceed $80,000. Let’s explore how to build your ideal bathroom from the ground up, whether your ambition is to craft an in-home spa sanctuary or execute minor enhancements with the expertise of a local bathroom remodeler.
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost by Project Scope
Clearly defining the scope of your bathroom remodeling project is crucial for setting a realistic budget, aligning with your specific goals. For instance, the extent of the work and the brand, model, and color of items like new toilets and faucets significantly influence the overall scope. Determine whether your project falls into the category of a minor, partial, or full remodel:
- Full Remodel: This involves completely stripping out an existing bathroom and replacing every fixture and surface, generally without altering the plumbing layout. The three primary fixtures in a bathroom are the toilet, sink, and tub or shower. While this level of work is a substantial investment, it can offer a good return, especially when updating an outdated bathroom.
- Partial Remodel: A partial remodel entails replacing at least one of the three main bathroom fixtures. Planning a partial remodel is an excellent strategy to begin upgrading your bathroom without incurring exorbitant costs. Examples include replacing the sink, updating countertops, or replacing worn-out flooring.
- Minor Remodel: A mini remodel focuses on retaining or refinishing existing fixtures, applying new paint or wallpaper, replacing the vanity, or adding accessories such such as towel bars and rings, robe hooks, grab bars, or upgrading the bath exhaust fan, along with other minor enhancements.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated bathroom remodel costs based on project scope:
Read more:
- Who to Hire for a Bathroom Remodel Project
- How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost? [2025 Data]
- How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? [2025 Data]
- How Much Does It Cost to Demo a Bathroom? [2025 Data]
Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown: Key Influencers
The final cost of your bathroom remodel will be significantly impacted by the bathroom’s size, the chosen finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and labor expenses.
Common Bathroom Remodeling Costs (Based on Angi Pro data):
- Cabinets and shelving: 25%
- Shower and tub: 22%
- Toilets: 1%
- Permits: 2%
- Sinks: 2%
- Vent fan and lighting: 2%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Faucets and plumbing: 4%
- Fixtures: 6%
- Countertops: 6%
- Tile and flooring: 7%
- General contractor: 13%
Materials: Your Investment Choices
Beyond defining your project’s scope, a critical decision involves the type of materials you’ll select for your remodel. There are three distinct tiers to choose from, each presenting its own set of advantages and considerations:
- Economy or DIY: These include items like faucets or shower stalls readily available at large retail stores. While the quality in this category is typically the lowest, installation is often manageable for a DIY enthusiast, which helps conserve funds in the long run.
- Mid-range: Mid-range fixtures and materials strike an excellent balance between durability and affordability, representing a noticeable step up in quality (e.g., a Kohler toilet or ceramic tile). They cost more but are designed for greater longevity with proper maintenance. Inquire with your bathroom remodeling contractor if they have access to wholesalers or distributors with showrooms where you can explore your options. According to the Journal of Light Construction, the average mid-range bathroom remodel costs $25,250.
- Upscale: If your vision includes a luxurious bathroom with features like a soaking tub, steam room, or touchless faucets, you’ll require upscale materials. High-end surfaces such as quartz countertops and glass tiles come with the most substantial price tags.
You’ll also need to decide between prefabricated (prefab) or custom fixtures and materials. Prefab shower kits, countertops, and vanities are typically more budget-friendly. However, your choices for materials and sizes will be limited. Opting for custom elements is advisable for anything more specialized or unique.
Labor: The Expertise Behind the Transformation
Bringing your bathroom remodel to life involves a skilled team of experts. Labor costs typically account for 40% to 65% of your total remodeling budget, a percentage that fluctuates depending on the project’s complexity and your geographical location.
Here are some common fee structures for your bathroom remodeling team:
- General contractor’s cost: 10%–20% of your overall project cost
- Hourly rate for plumbers: $45–$200 per hour
- Cost to hire an interior designer: $50–$200 per hour
- Cost to hire an electrician: $50–$200 per hour
- Hourly rate for HVAC repairs: $100–$250 per hour
Bathroom Size: A Primary Cost Driver
The size and layout of your bathroom are the initial points to consider when estimating renovation costs. Bathroom remodels generally range from $70 to $250 per square foot, depending on the bathroom type and whether you select basic or designer finishes.
Here’s how bathroom size (in square feet) can influence your remodel cost:
Pro Tip from Traci Snyder, Vice President of Marketing, People and Technology, Improveit Home Remodeling: “If you have a larger bathroom, need to completely remove a tub, or want a custom vanity or custom features, such as a unique shower door, you can expect to pay more during a bathroom remodel.”
Shower and Tub: The Core Wet Area Investment
Installing a shower averages $8,200, but the cost to remodel a shower spans a wide range from $300 to $15,000, depending on the extent of the upgrades. Prefab shower kits can cost as little as $600 (materials and labor included), whereas custom showers can push costs over $10,000 due to the increased time and labor required for precise measurements, construction, and installation.
The overall price of a bathtub replacement typically ranges between $2,000 and $9,400. Standard tub materials include acrylic or fiberglass, while you can opt for higher-end models crafted from cast iron, steel, or cultured marble. Expect to pay extra for specialty tubs like clawfoot models, jetted tubs, and freestanding units. Major alterations to your shower or tub might necessitate your plumber relocating or adding pipes.
Here’s a cost breakdown for installing various tub and shower styles (including labor and materials):
Tile and Flooring: Durability Meets Design
Investing in materials that ensure bathroom waterproofing is critical for long-term durability, and the right flooring choice will significantly enhance your bathroom’s overall design. For most homeowners, installing new flooring costs an average of $12.50 per square foot. However, tiling can be more expensive due to its more extensive installation process, especially when opting for smaller tiles.
Using mid-range materials, the cost of retiling a bathroom ranges between $10 and $50 per square foot, inclusive of labor. Ceramic is the most popular choice for bathroom tiling due to its durability and versatility, while vinyl remains the most economical option. Glass mosaic tiles, frequently used as decorative accents in showers, are considered upscale and will incur higher costs.
For those who prefer an alternative to traditional tile, luxury vinyl planking is a popular choice due to its superior water resistance compared to natural wood flooring or linoleum. Always prioritize water resistance when selecting bathroom flooring.
Here’s what different tile or flooring materials might cost per square foot (materials only):
Sinks: Functional Aesthetics
The cost to install a sink varies between $250 and $675 for standard mid-range options. Choosing and installing just the sink is straightforward, but additional costs arise when factoring in fixtures, plumbing, and its integration with surrounding counters.
The total cost will also depend on the materials and type:
- Wall-mount sink: $350–$650
- Drop-in sink: $60–$500
- Undermount sink: $170–$2,000
- Farmhouse sink: $360–$2,000
- Pedestal sink: $330–$730
- Vessel sink: $450–$5,000
Faucets and Plumbing: Flow and Functionality
Upgrading your sink faucets can cost between $170 to $360. Faucet installation prices are heavily influenced by how the sink mounts to the wall and the chosen finish. For instance, a traditional countertop-mounted faucet costs between $40 and $200, while a wall-mounted one can exceed $750.
Upscale finishes can add an extra $10 to $100, including:
- Brushed nickel: $10–$25
- Matte black: $20–$40
- Graphite black: $20–$50
- Matte gold: $25–$50
- Bronzed gold: $50–$100
- Champagne bronze: $50–$100
A plumber may need to make adjustments to your current pipes to connect a new sink, toilet, or shower. The average cost to rough-in plumbing for a bathroom is $7,000 for a new bath or major renovations. The cost of installing new pipes ranges between $0.50 and $8 per linear foot for materials only. You’ll also pay $45 to $200 per hour to hire a plumber. Plumbing updates during a bathroom remodel average $800.
Toilet: The Essential Upgrade
Expect to spend an average of $375 on the cost of installing a new toilet for a mid-range model. While the shower, tiles, and vanity often capture the spotlight, there are also various upscale commode options available.
- Two-piece: $725
- One-piece: $1,025
- Wall-mounted: $675
- Low-flow: $510
- Dual-flush: $350
- Upflush: $950
- Composting: $900
- Smart: $4,000
Cabinets and Shelving: Storage and Style
The cost of new bathroom cabinets ranges from $100 to $42,000, with an average of $200 to $600 per unit. Storage cabinets, medicine cabinets, and vanities occupy a significant footprint beyond your major plumbing installations, making them a prominent feature in your renovation.
Keep in mind that your vanity houses your sink and conceals plumbing, so the more customized the vanity, the more you’ll spend on hookups. A custom-built vanity can add $10,000 to your budget for materials and installation.
Building a simple shelf unit—perfect for hand towels, decorative items, or small bathroom plants—will cost between $50 and $100 if you install it yourself, or up to $1,300 if you engage a professional contractor.
Countertops: The Vanity’s Crown
If you’re only removing and replacing an existing countertop, the price of a vanity countertop will range from approximately $400 to $4,300 for labor and materials.
To break it down further, stock vanities that include pre-made countertops cost between $100 and $2,600, while custom countertops typically range from $500 to $2,800. The exact price hinges on the chosen material. Ceramic and laminate are popular budget-friendly options, while porcelain and Corian® offer a slight upgrade, providing enhanced durability suitable for primary bathrooms.
In addition to material costs, factor in about $300 to remove and dispose of the old countertop, and $200 to $1,000 for labor to install the new one. You might also need to hire a plumber to adjust the fit of the pipes and fixtures.
Here are some common countertop material costs per square foot:
Ventilation and Lighting: Essential Comforts
Controlling moisture is crucial for safeguarding your bathroom against mold and water damage.
- Install a bathroom vent fan with a light: $400
- Install vent with a heating lamp: $425
- Install wall-mounted vent: $130
- Installing a new light fixture costs: $200–$600
Doors and Windows: Structural Enhancements
Remember to consider updating the surrounding structure of your bathroom as well.
- Installing a new door costs: $375–$1,300
- Adding trim: $2 to $3 per linear foot
- Adding bathroom hardware: $200
- Cost of replacing an existing window: $100–$300 per window
- Adding glass block windows: $460–$980
Paint or Wallpaper: A Fresh New Look
The cost to paint a bathroom is typically $150 to $900, while the price for hanging wallpaper ranges from about $2 to $6 per square foot for materials and $1 to $7 per square foot for labor. You can often save on costs by painting your bathroom yourself if you flex your DIY muscles.
Extras and Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Once you’ve addressed the major bathroom installations, focus on the delightful details that infuse a touch of luxury into the design. Keep these elements in mind, especially if you aim to incorporate subtle designer accents:
- Towel racks (heated and non-heated): $100–$500
- Showerhead pricing: $75–$700
- Cost of installing cabinet hardware: $3–$200 per piece
- Cost of installing a bidet: $40–$2,000
While you might be able to DIY smaller upgrades such as installing a new showerhead and toilet, painting the walls, or swapping out the sink, more complex bathroom renovations will generally necessitate hiring a professional team.
Demolition and Preparation: Clearing the Way
The demolition of your old bathroom will add between $1,000 and $2,300 to your total bill. Ensure these costs are explicitly included in your contractor’s estimate. Your contractor will charge their hourly rate to clean up your space after the remodel, but you may also need to hire a junk removal service to dispose of old tiles, flooring, and fixtures, which typically costs $100 to $800.
Material Disposal Considerations:
- Not all materials can be taken to your local waste drop-off center; research where your county requires specific materials to be taken.
- Crucially, work performed in houses built before 1978 may release asbestos and lead dust, which must be removed and disposed of by a certified professional.
Permits: Navigating Regulations
The price of local construction permits is highly dependent on your geographical location. You might not need to pay a fee for minor projects. However, anticipate anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for permits required for more in-depth construction, such as changes to plumbing and electrical systems. Your contractor can provide approximate costs and assist with obtaining the necessary permits for your project.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Type
Here are some considerations regarding each type of bathroom and its corresponding price tag:
Half Bath or Powder Room Remodel
Measuring approximately 30 square feet, a small half bathroom costs between $1,500 and $15,000 to renovate, depending on the chosen finishes and fixtures. Most powder rooms typically feature only a toilet, sink, and vanity but might require new floors, tiling, and a fresh coat of paint.
For the most affordable half-bath remodel, opt for economy materials such as vinyl flooring, a laminate prefab vanity with a ceramic or porcelain drop-in sink, and a standard toilet. An upscale powder room remodel, conversely, could include features like a custom vanity with hardwood cabinetry, a high-end vessel sink, and a designer faucet.
Guest Bathroom Remodel
A guest bathroom is designed to provide everything your friends and family need for a comfortable stay. It typically features a shower or tub, sink, toilet, and vanity space for toiletries. A standard guest bathroom measures about 80 square feet and will cost between $5,600 and $20,000 to remodel.
At the lower end of the price range, your guest bathroom could include prefabricated fixtures like a shower stall or vanity, a standard toilet, and vinyl or ceramic flooring. At the higher end, you could splurge on a luxurious walk-in shower with custom tiling, granite or marble countertops, and a high-tech toilet.
Primary Bathroom Remodel
The primary bathroom is often the space where homeowners choose to invest significantly, showcasing impressive finishes, their preferred type of bathtub, and dual sinks. The average remodel for a primary bathroom measuring 120 square feet costs between $8,400 and $30,000, accounting for the additional coverage of tile, flooring, and counter space, plus extra plumbing hookups.
For a budget-friendly primary bathroom remodel, you might choose a single prefabricated vanity with ceramic flooring and a tub-shower combo. For an upscale remodel, you may prefer designer fixtures, a custom double vanity with natural stone countertops, a glass-enclosed shower with custom mosaic tiling, and a separate freestanding tub if space permits.