How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Let’s be real: One of the most important rooms in your home is the bathroom. It’s where you start and finish the day. And whether you're looking to update the look of your bathroom or add in new features, a bathroom remodeling project is an exciting and worthwhile endeavor to upgrade the look and quality of your home. The overall bathroom remodel cost is a bit different from other home renovations, though, as it depends on the space's condition, the type of products used, and the level of finish. 

Bathroom Remodel Costs by Feature

To get a better picture of the major bathroom remodeling aspects, here’s a breakdown of the most common projects you can take on and remodel costs you should keep in mind.

Caption: The price to re-tile a bathroom depends on the tile’s type, pattern, and size.

Tile

Average cost: $12-$25 per square foot

Tile isn’t just a decorative accent for a bathroom. Its durability and resistance to water damage makes it an ideal material for any bathroom. The price to re-tile a bathroom, however, depends on the tile’s type, pattern, and size — and the options are virtually endless.

Ceramic and porcelain are among the most commonly used tiles in bathrooms due to their vibrant colors and varying hardnesses. They are remarkably versatile and come in plenty of affordable options.

On the pricier and more luxurious side is marble tiling. Unlike ceramic and porcelain, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance, and it can easily stain if the wrong products are used. Go this route only if you’re up for the challenge of maintaining it. 

Some aspects to consider include:

• How porous the material is (e.g., how easily it can stain)
• Where the tile will be used (e.g., you may not want a slick tile floor)
• How easy it is to clean (e.g., unglazed ceramic will require much more scrubbing than glazed)
• How easily the tile can get scratched or chipped (e.g., glass tiles are very prone to chipping)

Unsurprisingly, prefab vanities often cost less than custom ones.

Vanity

Average cost: $100-$4,000

A vanity can either be custom-built or prefabricated. Unsurprisingly, prefab vanities often cost less than custom ones. And the cost, durability, and appearance of vanity tops also vary depending on their materials and construction. For instance, marble tops are more expensive than those made from acrylic.

If you're a seasoned home improvement DIYer needing to replace a vanity that’s a common size, you should have no trouble installing a new prefab vanity. If you’re new to the game, though, or need one that’s custom-fit, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional. It’s important to note that the installation also involves some light plumbing work.

There are several different types of showers, including walk-in, semi-frameless, double, frameless and handicap-accessible.

Shower

Average cost: $200-$10,000

The shower style that you choose will depend on your tastes, your budget, how big your bathroom is, and who will be using it. There are several different types of showers, including walk-in, semi-frameless, double, frameless and handicap-accessible.

With so many options, take it step by step. After you determine the style you want, find a door that matches. For instance, if you want a combination shower and tub, look for one that has a sliding glass door. If you want a standalone shower, consider one that has a hinged or pivoting door.

The type of shower head that you choose will also depend on the purpose of the bathroom and how it is used. For instance, a combination shower and tub may require different fixtures and features than a couple's suite layout, such as a handheld option or heads on each end. 

And as for materials for your shower floor and walls, it's important that you consider the various factors that affect its function and appearance. Aside from its appearance, the materials also have to be strong, non-slip, and easy to clean. Tile is a good choice here to match your floors, but fiberglass and acrylic are also viable options.

The cost of a shower remodel can vary depending on the project that you decide on. For instance, if you only want to replace the glass door of the existing shower, it can cost several hundred dollars. If you decide to transform your bathtub into a shower, on the other hand, it can cost thousands of dollars.

Toilets these days have all kinds of bells and whistles, from seat heaters to motion sensors

Toilet

Average cost: $100-$700+

The unsung hero of the home — the humble toilet. You know you need one. And you know it needs to function properly. But did you know it can also get an upgrade during a bathroom remodel? 

Of course, if you’ve been staring at a bright pink toilet from the seventies, you could just go with a basic model — that’s a substantial upgrade in itself. But why be basic? Toilets these days have all kinds of bells and whistles, from seat heaters to motion sensors. Who would have thought?

In addition to the new tub, you'll also need to make sure that your plumbing is up to date and that it supports the new fixtures.

Bathtub

Average cost: $200-$14,200

Want to transform your bathroom into a relaxing retreat? Simply swap out the bathtub. The price of the bathtub remodeling project, however, depends on the type of bathtub and the remodeling work needed to accommodate it. For instance, if you are planning on replacing your old small bathtub with a new large, jetted one, the cost of this project will include the cost of removing and demoing the old tub, as well as the installation of the new tub, surround, fixtures and faucet.

In addition to the new tub, you'll also need to make sure that your plumbing is up to date and that it supports the new fixtures. And don’t forget about installation fees. 

Installing new plumbing is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake as part of a bathroom remodel.

Plumbing

Average cost: $3,000-$16,000 

Unfortunately, the cost of installing new plumbing in a home can be very high. This is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake as part of a bathroom remodel, but it’s often not done unless absolutely necessary. You will be paying for materials and labor here. And unless you’re a professional, we don’t recommend trying to DIY this. The good news? Updated plumbing now may mean fewer unexpected plumbing issues later (pinhole leaks, anyone?).  

These days, you have numerous options when it comes to lighting.

Q: Is it cheaper to remodel a bathroom yourself? A: While it may be more time consuming, it is typically cheaper to remodel a bathroom without paying for professional labor. However, when it comes to plumbing, electricity, and projects that involve permits and building codes, you’ll definitely want a professional to handle that.

You can make a dramatic difference in a half bathroom by painting the walls, or you could go all out and replace the toilet, flooring, and vanity. 

4x5 (Half) Bathroom Remodel Cost

DIY project: $200-$5,000
Professional remodeling: $2,500-$5,000

Deciding to redo your half bathroom is an effective option cost-wise because of the smaller space. You can make a dramatic difference just by painting the walls, or you could go all out and replace the toilet, flooring, and vanity. And the best part? The timeline. You could potentially only be dealing with 1-day bathroom remodel costs!

Q: What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel? A: Using top-of-the-line materials? That may cost you the most. Hiring a contractor? That may be the most expensive part. It all depends on your specific project and tastes.

Some things you could focus on when redesigning a small bathroom include the mirror, shower doors, sink, and vanity.

5x7 Bathroom Remodel Cost

DIY project: $1,500-$3,000
Professional remodeling: $2,500-$10,000

Small bathrooms are similar to half bathrooms, as they have everything a typical bathroom would need offered in a smaller size. When trying to make the most out of a small bathroom design, there are certain tactics you can use to make the space look even bigger. Some things you could focus on when redesigning a small bathroom include the mirror, shower doors, sink, and vanity. A small single sink vanity should only cost you between $100 to $500, and a small glass door can cost you anywhere between $1,650-$3,000 to be replaced. A bathroom mirror will cost you as low as $50. 

Q: What is a reasonable budget for a small bathroom remodel? A: A budget for a small bathroom remodel can fall anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on what updates you’re making and if you are hiring professional help.

Full bathrooms are slightly larger than small bathrooms, so you have more room to play around with when upgrading the bathroom’s features.

Remodeling a large bathroom can take a lot of work, and it can also be quite expensive.

10x10 Bathroom Remodel Cost

DIY project: $5,000-$10,000
Professional remodeling: $10,000-$30,000+

Remodeling a large bathroom can take a lot of work, and it can also be quite expensive, as you’ll likely enlist the help of a professional. A large bathroom will feature plenty of additional fixtures and accessories due to its size, so the expenses can certainly rack up quickly during the process. 

Want to really make a statement in your large bathroom? Consider adding a window over a freestanding tub with a nearby walk-in shower! 

Here’s some example professional pricing to give you and idea of the breakdown:

• Add stone countertop: $8,000-$11,000
• Add window: $3,000-$6,000
• Add new lighting fixture: $200-$1,000
• Add new sink: $350-$1,500
• Add new tub: $2,500-$15,000

Q: Why is remodeling a bathroom expensive? A: Remodeling a bathroom often requires high-end materials, plumbing, electrical work, and skilled labor, and all of that can really add up!

Use PODS for Your Bathroom Remodel

Did you know a portable storage container from PODS can be a quick and convenient renovation station for your bathroom remodel? It’s delivered straight to your driveway, so you can keep all the tools, equipment, and other materials close at hand — yet out of the way.