Bathroom Remodel Cost Overview
Bathroom remodels are the #1 renovation project by volume. They improve daily life and are a manageable first major renovation for many homeowners.
Quick Answer:- Small/half bath: $3,000-$8,000
- Budget full bath: $6,000-$15,000
- Mid-range full bath: $15,000-$35,000
- Luxury primary bath: $35,000-$80,000+
- Average spend: $12,125 (2026 data)
Cost Per Square Foot
- Budget refresh: $80-$120/sq ft
- Mid-range remodel: $180-$280/sq ft
- Luxury spa bathroom: $500-$800+/sq ft
Bathroom Remodel Budget Tiers
Budget Refresh ($3,000-$8,000)
Great for: Quick updates, rentals, or tight budgets What you get:- New toilet
- New vanity and faucet
- Updated lighting and mirror
- Fresh paint
- New accessories (towel bars, etc.)
- Possibly new flooring
Standard Remodel ($8,000-$20,000)
Great for: Full update keeping layout What you get:- New bathtub/shower or tub-to-shower conversion
- New tile (floor and tub surround)
- New vanity with countertop
- Updated plumbing fixtures
- New toilet
- Ventilation fan
- All new lighting
Upscale Remodel ($20,000-$50,000)
Great for: Primary bathroom transformation What you get:- Custom shower with tile
- Freestanding tub
- Double vanity
- Premium tile throughout
- Heated floors
- Custom lighting
- Upgraded ventilation
- Built-in storage
Luxury Spa Bathroom ($50,000+)
Great for: Ultimate personal retreat What you get:- Walk-in shower with multiple heads
- Soaking tub (freestanding or built-in)
- Custom double vanity
- High-end fixtures
- Radiant floor heating
- Steam shower option
- Smart features
- Professional design
Cost Breakdown by Component
Where Money Goes (Typical $15K remodel)
| Component | Cost Range | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | $4,500-$7,500 | 35-50% |
| Tile & Materials | $1,500-$3,500 | 15-20% |
| Vanity & Counter | $800-$2,500 | 10-15% |
| Shower/Tub | $1,500-$4,000 | 15-20% |
| Toilet | $200-$800 | 2-5% |
| Plumbing Fixtures | $500-$1,500 | 5-10% |
| Lighting | $300-$800 | 3-5% |
| Ventilation | $150-$500 | 2-3% |
Specific Component Costs
Shower/Tub:- Basic tub: $200-$600
- Alcove tub-shower: $400-$2,000
- Walk-in shower (tiled): $2,500-$8,000
- Freestanding tub: $800-$5,000
- Steam shower: $3,000-$10,000
- Ceramic: $1-$5/sq ft
- Porcelain: $3-$10/sq ft
- Natural stone: $7-$20/sq ft
- Installation: $5-$15/sq ft
- Stock (single): $300-$1,000
- Semi-custom: $800-$2,500
- Custom: $2,000-$10,000+
- Double vanity: 1.5-2x single pricing
Timeline & ROI
Project Timeline
Budget refresh: 3-5 days Standard remodel: 2-3 weeks Upscale remodel: 3-5 weeks Luxury/custom: 6-10 weeksTypical Schedule
Week 1: Demo, rough plumbing/electrical Week 2: Drywall, tile prep, tub install Week 3: Tile work, vanity install Week 4: Fixtures, finishing touchesReturn on Investment
| Remodel Type | Cost | Value Added | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8,000 | $6,400 | 80% |
| Mid-range | $25,000 | $17,500 | 70% |
| Upscale | $50,000 | $30,000 | 60% |
Popular 2026 Bathroom Upgrades
Trending Features
Walk-In Showers (Curbless)
- Cost: $3,000-$10,000
- Why popular: Accessibility, modern look, easy cleaning
- Consideration: Requires proper waterproofing
Heated Floors
- Cost: $500-$2,500 (electric radiant)
- Why popular: Comfort, adds luxury feel
- Best with: Tile flooring
Freestanding Tubs
- Cost: $800-$5,000 installed
- Why popular: Statement piece, spa feel
- Consideration: Need space (60"+ recommended)
Double Vanities
- Cost: $1,500-$5,000
- Why popular: Practical for couples
- Required: Minimum 5' wall space
Smart Features
- Cost: $500-$3,000+
- Options: Heated toilet seats, smart mirrors, voice-activated lighting
- Why popular: Convenience, tech integration
Large Format Tile
- Cost: Similar to standard tile
- Why popular: Fewer grout lines, modern look
- Consideration: Requires flat substrate
Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Set realistic budget (+15% contingency)
- [ ] Determine scope (refresh vs. full remodel)
- [ ] Consider keeping layout to save money
- [ ] Prioritize waterproofing quality
- [ ] Get 3+ contractor quotes
- [ ] Plan for 1-2 weeks without bathroom
Money-Saving Tips
- Keep plumbing in place - Moving is expensive
- Refinish vs. replace tub - Saves $2,000+
- Stock vanity with nice faucet - Looks custom
- Splurge on tile, save on fixtures - Visual impact
- Do demo yourself (if capable) - Saves $500-$1,000