How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom in 2024?

Thinking about giving your bathroom a makeover? You’re not alone! Bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms to remodel in a home.

But before you start picking out new tiles and fixtures, you’re probably wondering: how much is this going to cost me?

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

Let’s dive into the world of bathroom remodeling costs and break it all down in simple terms.

Average Bathroom Remodel Costs [Source]

First things first, let’s look at some overall numbers:

• The average bathroom remodel in 2023 costs about $15,000
• Prices can range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $80,000
• Most people spend between $6,000 and $16,000 on their bathroom remodel

Why such a big range? Well, it depends on a lot of things:

• How big your bathroom is
• What kind of changes do you want to make
• The quality of materials you choose
• Where you live (prices can be very different in different parts of the country)
• Whether you do some of the work yourself or hire professionals for everything

How Much Should You Spend on Your Bathroom Remodel?

A good rule of thumb is to spend about 5% to 10% of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel. So, if your house is worth $250,000, you might want to spend between $12,500 and $25,000 on your bathroom.

But remember, this is just a guideline. You might spend more or less depending on your goals and budget.

Costs for Different Types of Bathrooms [Source]

Not all bathrooms are created equal! Let’s look at the costs for different types of bathrooms:

• 1. Primary Bathroom ($7,000 – $30,000)

This is usually the biggest and fanciest bathroom in your house. It’s the one connected to the main bedroom.

• Average cost: About $12,000
• Can go up to $50,000 or more for luxury remodels
• Usually has a sink, toilet, shower, and often a bathtub

• 2. Guest Bathroom ($3,500 – $20,000)

This is a full bathroom that’s not connected to the main bedroom. It might be near a guest room or in a hallway.

• Average cost: $4,500 to $9,000
• Usually has a sink, toilet, and shower or tub

• 3. Half Bath/Powder Room ($1,500 – $4,000)

This is a small bathroom that usually just has a toilet and sink. It’s often near the front of the house for guests to use.

• Average cost: $1,500 to $4,000
• Can be more expensive in some areas (up to $13,000 in places like New York)

Cost Per Square Foot

Another way to think about bathroom remodel costs is by the size of the room. Here’s a rough guide:

• Small bathroom (25 square feet): $1,800 to $6,300
• Medium bathroom (50 square feet): $3,500 to $12,500
• Large bathroom (100 square feet): $7,000 to $25,000

Bathroom Remodel Costs in Different Cities

Where you live can make a big difference in how much your bathroom remodel costs. According to HomeAdvisor Here’s a look at average costs in some major U.S. cities:

City	Cost Range
Atlanta	$7,000 – $18,000
Boston	$6,800 – $15,600
Chicago	$5,600 – $13,600
Las Vegas	$7,300 – $16,000
Los Angeles	$12,000 – $25,600
Miami	$5,500 – $13,600
New York City	$7,000 – $16,000
San Diego	$10,000 – $23,500
San Francisco	$11,000 – $25,500
Seattle	$6,400 – $15,300

What Are You Paying For? Breaking Down the Costs

When you remodel a bathroom, you’re not just paying for new stuff. You’re paying for materials, labor, and sometimes unexpected issues that pop up.

Here’s a rough breakdown of where your money might go:

• Labor: 20%
• Cabinets: 16%
• Fixtures: 15%
• Plumbing: 14%
• Flooring: 9%
• Countertops: 7%
• Lighting: 5%
• Walls and Ceiling: 5%
• Doors and Windows: 4%
• Other: 5%

Budgeting for Bathroom Items

Now, let’s look at some specific items you might want in your new bathroom and how much they might cost:

1. Bathroom Vanity

• Cost range: $300 – $3,800
• Example: A 71-inch white vanity might cost around $1,400

2. Vanity Countertop

• Cost range: $400 – $4,300
• Often included with the vanity

3. Glass Shower Door

• Cost range: $600 – $1,900
• Example: A Kohler frameless sliding door might cost about $586

4. Bathtub

• Cost range: $1,913 – $9,112
• Example: A 66-inch Kohler rectangular tub might cost about $1,266

5. Tile Work

• Cost range: $400 – $6,500
• Example: Ceramic subway tiles might cost about $4 per square foot

Remember, these are just examples. You can find cheaper or more expensive options for all of these items.

A Real-Life Example: Sample Bathroom Remodel Quote

To give you a better idea of what a full bathroom remodel might cost, here’s a sample quote from a real contractor:

Item	Cost
Demo existing bathroom	$3,000
Update plumbing	$3,000
Update electrical	$2,700
Waterproof and wet walls	$1,500
Install tile for custom shower with bench	$4,500
Tile bathroom floor	$1,200
Grout and sealer for tile	$1,500
Drywall and taping	$3,500
Paint	$2,000
Install new toilet, vanity, faucet, mirror	$2,500
Install a new bathroom fan	$700
Mid to high-level finishes	$4,850
Total Project Cost	$30,950

This quote is for a high-end primary bathroom remodel. Your costs might be lower or higher depending on your choices and needs.

What Makes Bathroom Remodels Expensive?

Some things can drive up the cost of a bathroom remodel. Here are the main culprits:

1. Labor and Subcontractors

• This can be up to 50% of your total cost
• Includes demo, plumbing, electrical work, drywall, and tile installation

2. Bathroom Style

• A simple shower is cheaper than a fancy jacuzzi tub
• Luxury finishes cost more than basic ones

3. Water Problems

• Hidden water damage can increase costs by up to 33%
• Contractors often can’t see this until they start working

4. Moving Things Around

• Changing the layout of your bathroom is expensive
• Moving the toilet, sink, or tub means moving pipes, which costs a lot

5. Fancy Fixtures

• High-end faucets, showerheads, and lighting can add up quickly

The Most Expensive Parts of a Bathroom Remodel

Some parts of a bathroom remodel tend to cost more than others. Here are the big-ticket items:

1. Moving Plumbing

• Can cost $45 to $200 per hour for a plumber
• Moving fixtures more than 3 feet can add $500 to $1,000 to your bill

2. Vanity

• A new vanity can cost $1,300 to $1,800 or more
• Custom-built vanities cost even more

3. Tile

• Natural stone tile can cost $10 to $214 per square foot
• Porcelain tile is cheaper at $10 to $44 per square foot

4. Countertops

• Natural stone like quartz costs $50 to $200 per square foot
• Man-made options like cultured marble are cheaper at $30 to $100 per square foot

5. Bathtub

• A basic alcove tub might cost around $900
• Fancy standalone tubs can cost $600 to $3,000 or more

6. Shower

• A basic shower set might add $150 to your bill
• Fancy systems with body sprays can cost $550 or more
• A nice glass shower door can be around $1,000

7. Toilet

• Basic toilets start around $275
• High-end models with fancy features can cost up to $3,000

Can You Save Money by Doing It Yourself?

Yes, you can save a lot of money by doing some or all of the work yourself. Here are some tips:

• DIY can cut your costs by half or more
• Use easy-to-install materials like SPC flooring instead of tile
• Don’t change the layout of your bathroom to avoid plumbing and electrical work
• Be careful: DIY work can lead to problems if not done right
• Remember that plumbing and electrical work often need to be done by professionals

Things to Remember When Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

1. Set a budget and stick to it
   • Decide how much you can afford before you start
   • Add 10-20% extra for unexpected costs
2. Think about what you need
   • Do you need a tub, or is a shower enough?
   • Would a single sink work, or do you need two?
3. Consider the future
   • Are you remodeling to sell your house, or to enjoy it yourself?
   • If you’re staying, think about features you might need as you get older
4. Get multiple quotes
   • Talk to at least three contractors before choosing one
   • Make sure they’re licensed and insured
5. Don’t forget about permits
   • Many bathroom remodels need permits from your city or county
   • Your contractor should handle this, but make sure to ask about it
6. Think about timing
   • A full bathroom remodel can take 3-6 weeks or more
   • Make sure you have another bathroom to use during this time
7. Save where you can
   • Mix high-end and budget-friendly choices
   • For example, splurge on a nice shower but choose a cheaper toilet
8. Don’t skimp on important things
   • Good ventilation is crucial in a bathroom
   • Proper waterproofing can prevent expensive problems down the road

FAQs About Bathroom Remodel Costs:

• Q: How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A: A full bathroom remodel usually takes 3-6 weeks, but it can take longer for very large or complex projects.

• Q: Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom?

A: In most cases, yes. Any project that involves changes to plumbing, electrical, or structural elements usually needs a permit. Check with your local building department.

• Q: Can I remodel my bathroom in stages to spread out the cost?

A: Yes, you can. Some people choose to do things like replace the vanity or retile the floor one year, then update the shower or tub the next. Just be aware that this approach might cost more in the long run and cause more disruption over time.

• Q: What’s the cheapest way to update a bathroom?

A: The cheapest updates are cosmetic. Painting, updating hardware (like towel bars and faucet handles), and adding new accessories can give your bathroom a fresh look for a few hundred dollars.

• Q: Is it worth it to add a second bathroom to my house?

A: Adding a second bathroom can significantly increase your home’s value, especially if you only have one bathroom now. However, it’s also one of the most expensive home improvements you can make, often costing $25,000 or more.

• Q: How much value does a remodeled bathroom add to a house?

A: On average, you can expect to recoup about 60-70% of the cost of a bathroom remodel when you sell your house. So a $10,000 remodel might add $6,000-$7,000 to your home’s value.

• Q: What’s the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

A: Usually, labor is the most expensive part, followed by cabinets and fixtures. If you’re moving plumbing or electrical elements, that can also be very costly.

• Q: Can I remodel my bathroom for $5,000?

A: It’s possible to update a small bathroom for $5,000, especially if you’re doing some of the work yourself. However, this would be more of a refresh than a full remodel. You might be able to paint, update the vanity, and maybe retile the floor for this budget.

• Q: How much should I spend on a bathroom remodel?

A: A good rule of thumb is to spend 5-10% of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel. So if your home is worth $200,000, you might budget $10,000-$20,000 for the remodel.

• Q: Is it cheaper to retile or replace a tub?

A: Generally, retiling is cheaper than replacing a tub, especially if the tub is in good condition. However, if the tub is very old or damaged, replacing it might be a better long-term solution.

Also Check:

• Bathroom Re-modelling Ideas Under Budget

Conclusion: Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It?

Remodeling a bathroom can be expensive, but it’s often worth it. Here’s why:

• It can make your daily life more enjoyable
• It can fix problems like leaks or outdated plumbing
• It can save you money on water and energy bills if you choose efficient fixtures
• It can increase the value of your home

According to real estate experts, you can expect to get back about 60-70% of what you spend on a bathroom remodel when you sell your house. So if you spend $10,000, it might increase your home’s value by $6,000 to $7,000.

Remember, the most important thing is to create a bathroom that works for you and your family. Whether that means a simple refresh or a total luxury makeover, the right bathroom remodel can make your home more comfortable and valuable for years to come.