How Much is a Bathroom Renovation?

A bathroom remodel can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $30,000 and beyond, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Bathroom Remodel

Average Installation Cost $3,000-$30,000

Cost Breakdown

• Materials 80%
• Labor 20%

Why the wide range? Each bathroom remodel budget depends on the tastes and desires of the homeowner completing it. Here are a few elements that can impact your bathroom renovation cost:

1. What are you replacing? Updating your shower and vanities will be less costly than a complete gut that includes new floors, light fixtures, and adding a tub.
2. What materials are you choosing? A basic shower pan, for example, will be significantly less expensive than a custom tile shower floor.
3. What size is your bathroom? A small bathroom with an alcove tub and shower combo will be less expensive to remodel than a large primary bathroom with a walk-in shower and freestanding tub.

On this page, we will look at several different ways to narrow in on what your own bathroom remodel cost might be. But first, let’s take a closer look at whether you are doing a renovation or a remodel.

Renovation vs. Remodel

“Bathroom renovation” and “bathroom remodel” tend to be used interchangeably. However, they actually have distinct meanings.

A bathroom renovation involves making updates and improvements to the existing bathroom layout and design. That can mean replacing outdated fixtures, repainting, updating the hardware, or getting a new glass shower door. The key aspect of a renovation is that it does not alter the fundamental layout or structure of the bathroom. A renovation improves your bathroom’s appearance and functionality without major structural changes.

A bathroom remodel, on the other hand, makes much larger changes. Remodeling often involves altering the bathroom’s layout, structure, or overall design. This could include expanding the bathroom’s footprint, changing the location of plumbing fixtures, or even converting a traditional bathtub space into a modern walk-in shower. A remodel is both more extensive and more expensive. A remodel completely transforms your bathroom instead of just updating its look and feel.

Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel

The national average in the U.S. for a bathroom remodel project is $11,550 as of 2023. Generally speaking, this would cover a moderate remodel or renovation. For instance, a shower remodel, new vanity, sinks, counters, and possibly flooring and lighting.

Let’s take a look at what bathroom remodelers consider an average cost range for a budget-friendly, mid-level, and high-end renovation.

Budget-friendly Bathroom Remodel

A budget-friendly or basic remodel typically involves cost-saving measures like keeping major plumbing fixtures in the same location and using more affordable materials. For a small to medium-sized bathroom, this type of remodel might range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000. This would cover things like a fresh coat of paint, new tiles, a new vanity, and possibly upgrading some fixtures.

Mid-level Bathroom Remodel

For an average remodel, where there’s a mix of better quality materials and possibly some layout changes or upgrades like a new bathtub or a modern vanity, homeowners might expect to spend between $10,000 and $25,000. This price range often includes more extensive changes than a budget remodel, like higher-quality materials and possibly some customization.

High-end Bathroom Remodel

A high-end bathroom remodel can involve top-of-the-line materials, custom cabinetry, layout changes, and luxury fixtures. For these types of remodels, costs can start at around $25,000 and can easily exceed $40,000 or more, especially if the remodel includes expanding the bathroom size, materials like natural stone, premium fixtures, and additional amenities like heated floors or a steam shower.

Use the Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator Above

At the top of this page, you can use our bathroom remodel estimator to get a sense of how various features impact your final price. This will help you narrow in on how many different elements you would like your remodel to cover based on what your budget is.

To use our bathroom cost estimator, click “Start Calculator” at the top of this page. Then, simply add any elements you’d like to include in your remodel or renovation by clicking the appropriate buttons.

We have provided a cost range for every element. You can figure out where in that range you might fall by considering your bathroom’s size and the material quality you may want. A larger bathroom or a higher quality material will fall on the higher end of the range.

Bathroom Remodel Cost by Size

Next, let’s look at costs by bathroom size. You can view the average costs organized by bathroom size below:

So how can you learn more about remodel costs for each particular bathroom?

• Half bathrooms and small bathrooms tend to be the most inexpensive projects, as long as you choose materials and fixtures that are affordable. You can check out our guide to small bathroom remodels for further cost breakdowns.
• Larger full bathrooms, such as guest bathrooms, will typically cost more to remodel compared to half baths.
• Master bathrooms tend to be the most expensive bathroom remodel projects. You can learn more about master bathroom remodel costs by reading our guide.
• Adding a bathroom will have a different set of costs than remodeling an existing bathroom. We have a guide that covers how much it costs to add a bathroom that will likely be more useful than a bathroom remodel guide.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown by Feature

Now let’s break costs down into each bathroom feature. Understanding the expected costs to remodel each item in your bathroom will give you a fuller picture of what your project will cost. Based on competitive national data, here is what you can expect each particular bathroom feature to cost.*

*Note: The cost ranges listed above include both the cost of labor and materials for each given project. Costs vary by your location and the materials chosen for each project.

Below, you will find more information on the costs behind each bathroom feature.

Showers

The average price range for a new shower is $511 to $3,036, depending on what kind of shower you are installing.

Read our guide to shower types for more information on what each of these shower styles entails.

If you are primarily interested in a new shower, you can check out our shower remodel cost calculator to get an estimate.

Bathtubs

A standard bathtub installation costs $600 to $1,104 on average. Your costs will vary based on if you replacing your tub or are installing a new one in a new spot. Here is how bathtub costs break down based on tub type:

Our guide to bathtub types can tell you more about each of these tub types, or you can read our guide to bathtub replacement costs for more information on how much you can expect to budget.

Countertops

The cost to install bathroom counters is generally between $65 and $256 per linear foot, but can vary based on the material.

Our bathroom countertops guide runs through all nine of these materials, their pros and cons, and what you can expect it to cost.

Sinks

Bathroom sinks cost between $460 and $1,475 per sink depending on the type.

To learn more about the different types of bathroom sinks and what each costs, visit our bathroom sinks guide.

Cabinets and Vanities

Bathroom cabinet and vanity installations cost a national average of $450 to $1,652 as of 2024. However, size and material can cause prices to vary greatly.

Learn more about your options by reading our guide to bathroom cabinets and vanities.

Toilets

Installing a new toilet in your bathroom can cost between $480 and $941 on average. If you are replacing a toilet, demolition will cost an extra $47 to $86 on average. Learn more about the types of toilets you can choose from and their costs by exploring our guide to toilets.

Flooring

If you are looking to replace the flooring in your bathroom, you can expect to pay $6 to $11 per square foot to install new tile, plus $0.83 to $1.52 to remove old tile. You can read more about bathroom flooring installation costs to decide which types are in your budget

Professional vs. DIY

If you are an extremely handy homeowner trying to decide if you want to hire a professional or tackle this remodel yourself, here are the pros and cons to consider for each:

What Can You DIY?

Unless you are a professional, this list will likely be short. You do not want to get in a situation where you have inadvertently damaged your plumbing lines or added a bathroom feature that isn’t water-tight.

However, you may be able to tackle the following projects DIY:

1. Installing faucets and other hardware.
2. Painting the walls.
3. Sanding and painting any existing cabinetry (refacing is another great way to save).

Ask the contractors you get quotes from if there are other small areas you could DIY to help you save.

Accessories and Additional Costs

Accessories and fixtures can help you mold your new bathroom to your lifestyle, as well as show off your personality and design style. Here are a few common bathroom accessories to choose from and what they cost:

• Lighting. Read all about your bathroom lighting options, including everything from canopy lighting that sits overhead cabinets and vanities to bathroom chandeliers. Lights can cost as little as $30 per fixture to more than $200.
• Paint. You have the option to paint more than just the walls in your new bathroom. Also consider painting doors, cabinets and casework. Painting during a bathroom renovation typically costs between $56 and $103, depending on how many areas you are painting.
• Mirrors. No bathroom is complete without a mirror. Mirrors typically cost between $75 and $137 for installation. You can read our blog post on bathroom mirror ideas for more inspiration.
• Towel bars. Adding a towel bar adjacent to your new shower is a very cheap and practical add-on. Expect a towel bar installation to cost between $50 and $91 on average.
• Grab bars. These handy and safe additions to any bathtub or shower area can help prevent slips and falls. They cost only $36 to $67 to install.

There are also a few additional costs to be aware of that may or may not apply to your own remodel based on how extensive your project is:

• Plumbing. If you are redoing your bathroom’s layout, you may need to move plumbing lines. This is an extremely expensive project, easily running into the thousands. However, if you just need standard plumbing work like minor repairs or switching out a toilet, expect to pay an average of $100 – $150 per hour.
• Accessibility. If one of the reasons you are remodeling is because you need your bathroom to be ADA compliant, then you may need a larger doorway, larger walk-in (or roll-in) shower, wall-mounted fixtures like vanities and toilets, and perhaps even a walk-in tub.
• Permits. Permit costs will vary by city. Ask your contractor what a permit will cost to cover the scope of your bathroom’s renovation or remodel.
• Electrical. Many homeowners choose to add or move outlets, fans, and other small electrical elements. The average hourly rate of electricians is $100 – $120.
• Customizations. You can make your remodel or renovation as unique to your wants as your budget allows. This can include heated floors, heated towel racks, integrating a sound system, or anything else you and your contractor can dream up.

Labor Cost to Remodel Bathroom

It is important that you keep labor costs in mind as you budget. The total cost of your bathroom remodel project will be the sum of the bathroom items you are remodeling and chosen materials, plus the cost of labor and installation. Remember that each bathroom item can take a different amount of time and labor to install.

Demolition Cost

Most homeowners will require demolition at the first step in their bathroom remodel project. Demolishing existing structures costs a national average of $50 per structure, while disposal of waste costs between $30 to $120 depending on how much trash the demolition produces. You can explore average bathroom demolition costs by structure below.

As long as you are renovating an existing bathroom, demolition is an unavoidable cost that you will need to include in your project budget. You can read our guide to bathroom demolition to learn more about what is involved in this process and how the costs break down.

How to Save Money on a Remodel

There are many ways to remodel a bathroom well within your budget, no matter what that budget may be. Here are some of the things that have the biggest influence on your project cost, including factors that are not in your control, plus some ideas for how to save money on your bathroom renovation or remodel.

• Your home’s geographical location and local labor costs. This one is not within your control, so ensure you have a good understanding of what local costs are before you get started.
• The size and square footage of the bathroom. This is another factor that can’t be changed. However, you can absolutely control what within your bathroom gets remodeled and at what cost.
• Your bathroom’s layout and if it needs to be changed. One of the best ways to save money on a bathroom remodel is to keep the existing layout.
• Materials chosen and their quality. You can get a beautiful bathroom without necessarily opting for marble floors or hand-crafted tile backsplashes.
• Any home accessibility modifications needed. If you are remodeling your bathroom because you need non-slip flooring, a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower, keep those items as “must haves” in your budget.
• Unforeseen emergencies and repairs after demolition. This is the last element that is not in your control. You simply don’t know what you’ll find under your floors or inside your walls until demolition is complete. You can read more about some of these hidden bathroom remodeling costs on our blog.

Consider What You Want vs What You Need

Before you start getting quotes, make a list of priorities for bathroom features you plan to remodel ahead of time. For instance, what do you need to remodel vs. wish to remodel? There may be some areas of the bathroom that are damaged or leaking and require immediate attention. But perhaps your flooring is intact and just needs some professional cleaning rather than a total flooring replacement.

Ask the contractors you interview if they can create line items that include your “nice-to-haves” so that you can see what you would save by removing those.

Where is Quality Less Important to You?

While this is a home improvement that you of course want to feel high-end, that doesn’t mean it all needs to cost top dollar. Consider saving on the following:

1. Accessories like towel racks and mirrors.
2. Hardware like sink faucets and showerheads.
3. Shower pan.

You can also plan to choose a more basic tile (think rectangular instead of hexagonal) and pattern (off-set is cheaper than herringbone, for example).

Timeless Savings

In addition to prioritizing and budgeting efficiently, there are a few additional tips that can help you cut costs. These recommendations may seem simple, but they are tried-and-true methods to find the best cost possible for your bathroom project.

• Compare multiple professionals. Speak to three to four professional bathroom remodelers before choosing one for the job. Vetting multiple contractors not only allows you to find the professional that is most qualified for the job. It also allows you to find the price that best suits your budget.
• Evaluate all quotes thoroughly. There will be many line items on the quotes that contractors provide to you. Make sure you understand the quote and what you potentially will be paying for before hiring a remodeler.
• Negotiate costs. Many homeowners are unaware that they are able to negotiate costs with contractors. At Modernize, we equip you with the tools and knowledge they need to negotiate costs effectively.
• Explore bathroom warranties. Both manufacturer and contractor warranties exist for bathroom features and fixtures. Look into the warranties offered for each item and what they entail. You might be surprised to learn there is money to be had down the road.

The Final Word on Bathroom Remodel Costs

Modernize is here to help you effectively plan and budget for your bathroom remodel, no matter the size or scope of the project. Here’s where to go from here:

1. You can visit our bathroom remodel guide to dive into every possible element your own remodel could include.
2. Use our cost calculator at the top of this page to estimate the cost of the project.
3. Tap into our network of highly professional and experienced bathroom remodelers to start gathering quotes.

You can explore our contractor directory to see pros in your area. We can also do that research for you; we can connect you with three to four remodelers that suit your project needs so you can find the best price and professional for the job.

Find Me Local Bathroom Remodelers

Frequently Asked Questions