Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide: Budget, Midrange, and Upscale

Key takeaways

• Total bathroom remodels typically run $6,000–$60,000+ depending on size, finishes, and layout changes. Most full projects land somewhere in the middle.
• Scope is everything: Keeping the same layout, using existing plumbing locations, and choosing midrange finishes can cut costs dramatically.
• Hidden issues are common—water damage, mold, bad wiring, or old plumbing can add $1,000–$5,000+ once walls and floors are opened.
• Splurge on what you touch and see daily (shower, tile, lighting, ventilation) and save on easily swapped items (mirrors, accessories, some fixtures).
• Permits and licensed pros matter when you move plumbing, alter structure, or touch electrical. Skipping them can create safety and resale problems.
• Small “refresh” projects can go a long way—new vanity, faucet, paint, and lighting can dramatically update a bathroom for a fraction of a full gut.
• Get 2–3 detailed quotes with clear line items so you can compare apples to apples before you commit.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges for labor and materials combined. Actual costs vary with bathroom size, finish level, and local labor rates.

Common bathroom remodel scenarios

• Basic cosmetic refresh (no layout changes): $1,500–$8,000

  • New faucet, showerhead, light fixture, paint, accessories.
  • Possibly a budget vanity and top, new toilet, and vinyl or laminate flooring.

• Budget small-bath remodel (5' x 8', mostly stock materials): $6,000–$15,000

  • Keep plumbing in same locations.
  • New tub/shower unit, basic tile or waterproof panels, stock vanity, simple lighting, vinyl or ceramic flooring.

• Midrange hall bath remodel: $12,000–$30,000

  • Tile tub/shower surround, midrange vanity and countertop, upgraded lighting and ventilation.
  • Some plumbing and electrical updates, new tile floor, modest layout tweaks.

• Upscale primary bath remodel: $30,000–$80,000+

  • Larger footprint, custom tile work, walk-in shower, possible separate tub.
  • Custom cabinetry, stone or solid-surface tops, heated floors, upgraded lighting plan, higher-end fixtures.

• Convert tub to walk-in shower (standalone project): $4,000–$15,000+

  • Lower end: acrylic or fiberglass shower system, minimal tile.
  • Higher end: custom tiled shower, glass enclosure, niche, upgraded fixtures.

• Accessibility-focused remodel (grab bars, wider doorway, curbless shower): $5,000–$40,000+

  • Depends heavily on structural changes, plumbing moves, and tile work.

Typical line-item ballparks

These are rough ranges for common components (materials + typical install):

• Toilet: $300–$1,200+ installed
• Vanity + top (single sink): $500–$3,000+
• Sink faucet: $150–$700+
• Tub/shower unit (one-piece or multi-piece): $1,200–$5,000+
• Custom tiled shower (no glass): $4,000–$12,000+
• Glass shower door/enclosure: $800–$4,000+
• Flooring (per bathroom):
  • Vinyl / laminate: $400–$1,500
  • Ceramic / porcelain tile: $800–$3,500+
• Lighting upgrade (fixtures + basic rewiring): $300–$2,000+
• Exhaust fan install/upgrade: $300–$1,200+
• Paint (walls/ceiling/trim): $400–$1,500+
• Demolition and disposal: $500–$3,000+
• Design / drawings (if used): $300–$3,000+ depending on complexity.

What tends to push costs lower

• Keeping the same layout (toilet, tub, and sink stay put).
• Minimal structural work—no moving walls, windows, or doors.
• Prefabricated units (tub/shower surrounds, stock vanities, ready-made tops).
• Smaller tile areas (e.g., tile only in the shower, not full-height walls).
• Simple lighting plan using existing wiring and switch locations.
• Doing some prep/finishing yourself (painting, simple demo, accessory install), if you’re comfortable and it’s agreed with the contractor.

What tends to push costs higher

• Moving plumbing or drains (especially toilets and showers).
• Extensive tile work (floor-to-ceiling tile, mosaics, complex patterns).
• Custom cabinetry and stone countertops.
• Frameless glass enclosures and high-end fixtures.
• Structural changes (moving walls, enlarging windows, raising ceilings).
• Older homes where electrical, plumbing, or framing must be brought up to current code.
• Hidden problems like rot, mold, termite damage, or undersized framing.

Repair vs. remodel: When to patch, when to start over

You don’t always need a full remodel. Sometimes targeted repairs or partial upgrades are smarter.

When repair or partial updates make sense

• No major water damage: Surfaces are tired, but there’s no soft flooring, peeling paint from moisture, or mold smell.
• Fixtures work fine: Toilet, tub, and sink function well; you mainly dislike the look.
• Budget is tight: You want improvements under, say, $5,000–$10,000.
• You’re planning to move soon: A basic refresh is often enough to appeal to buyers.

Examples of smart partial updates:

• Replace vanity, faucet, mirror, and lighting: $1,000–$5,000+.
• Replace a chipped tub with a new tub/shower unit: $1,500–$5,000+.
• Retile just the shower and floor, keep layout: $4,000–$12,000+.

When a full remodel is usually smarter

• Widespread water damage or mold: Soft subfloors, spongy walls, or visible mold likely mean issues behind surfaces.
• Chronic leaks or plumbing issues: Repeated repairs may cost more than updating plumbing during a remodel.
• Very outdated layout: Tiny shower, poor storage, or unsafe step-over tub that doesn’t suit your needs.
• Electrical concerns: No GFCI outlets, frequent breaker trips, or DIY-looking wiring.
• You’re staying long-term: Investing in a layout and materials you love can be worth it over 10–20 years.

Simple rule-of-thumb example

• Say a series of repairs and patchwork tile fixes is estimated at $4,000–$6,000, but a modest full remodel (new tub/shower, vanity, floor, paint) is $12,000–$16,000.
• If the bathroom is over 20 years old and you plan to stay 10+ years, putting that $4,000–$6,000 toward a full remodel often makes more sense than repeatedly patching.

On the other hand:

• If your bathroom is only 8–10 years old, in good shape overall, and you just have a single failing shower valve quoted at $400–$800, a targeted repair is usually the better call.

Efficiency and long-term costs

A bathroom remodel isn’t just about looks. It can reduce water and energy use and cut down on maintenance headaches.

Where efficiency pays off

• Toilets:

  • Older toilets can use 3.5–5 gallons per flush.
  • Modern toilets use about 1.28 gallons or less, which can significantly reduce water bills, especially in larger households.

• Showerheads and faucets:

  • WaterSense-labeled fixtures use less water while maintaining good pressure.
  • Over years, this can add up in both water and water-heating costs.

• Exhaust fan and ventilation:

  • A properly sized, quiet fan helps prevent moisture buildup, mold, and peeling paint.
  • Avoiding future mold remediation or repainting can save thousands.

• Lighting:

  • LED fixtures and bulbs use far less electricity and last much longer than older incandescent options.
  • Upgrading during a remodel is usually a low incremental cost.

Paying more now to save later

• Quality valves and plumbing fixtures:
  • Spending a bit more on reliable valves and rough-in plumbing can reduce leaks and failures down the road.
• Better waterproofing systems:
  • Proper shower pan, waterproof membranes, and correct tile installation are critical.
  • Cutting corners here can lead to leaks into ceilings or adjacent rooms, which are expensive to fix.
• Durable materials:
  • Porcelain tile, solid-surface tops, and moisture-resistant cabinets cost more upfront but often last longer and handle humidity better than the cheapest options.

What to expect from a visit or project

Before the pro arrives

• Clarify your goals:

  • Are you aiming for a full remodel, a partial update, or specific repairs?
  • Gather inspiration photos and a rough budget range.

• Make a quick list:

  • What you like and dislike about the current bathroom.
  • Any known issues: leaks, soft floors, poor ventilation, electrical quirks.

• Clear the space:

  • Remove personal items from counters, shower, and floor.
  • Make sure there’s a clear path from entry to the bathroom.

Typical estimate visit (60–120 minutes)

• Walkthrough and measurements (15–30 minutes):
  • The pro inspects the bathroom, checks plumbing and ventilation, and takes measurements.
• Discuss scope and options (20–45 minutes):
  • Layout changes, material preferences, must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
  • Talk about budget and timeline.
• Preliminary ballpark (on-site or later):
  • Some pros give a rough range on the spot and follow up with a detailed written estimate in a few days.

Typical remodel project timeline

Every project is different, but a standard hall bath remodel often takes 2–4 weeks of on-site work, not counting planning and ordering.

• Planning & design (1–4 weeks):

  • Finalize layout, fixtures, finishes, and get permits if needed.
  • Order materials (some custom items have longer lead times).

• Demolition (1–3 days):

  • Remove old fixtures, tile, flooring, and sometimes drywall.
  • Proper debris disposal and dust protection.

• Rough-in work (2–5 days):

  • Plumbing moved or updated.
  • Electrical updated for new lighting, outlets, and fan.
  • Framing adjustments, if any.

• Inspections (if required) (1–3 days, often intermittent):

  • Local inspectors may need to approve plumbing, electrical, and framing before walls are closed.

• Drywall, waterproofing, and flooring (3–7 days):

  • Install and finish drywall.
  • Apply waterproofing in shower/wet areas.
  • Install subfloor repairs and new flooring.

• Tile and shower install (3–7+ days):

  • Tile walls and/or floors, grout, and allow proper curing time.
  • Install shower base or pan if not already done.

• Cabinetry, fixtures, and trim (2–5 days):

  • Install vanity, countertop, sink, toilet, shower fixtures, mirrors, and accessories.
  • Install and wire lighting and fan.

• Final touches and walkthrough (1–2 days):

  • Caulking, paint touch-ups, cleanup.
  • Final inspection (if required) and homeowner walkthrough.

Typical smaller repair or refresh visit

For non-structural, non-gut work, many projects are 1 day or less:

• Replace a toilet: 1–3 hours.
• Swap a vanity and faucet: 3–8 hours depending on plumbing adjustments.
• Install new light fixture and fan (existing wiring): 2–4 hours.
• Recaulk tub/shower: 1–2 hours (plus curing time before use).

DIY vs. hire a pro

Bathrooms involve water, electricity, and sometimes structural work, so it’s important to be realistic about what’s safe to tackle.

Reasonable DIY tasks for a handy homeowner

If you’re comfortable with tools and follow instructions carefully, you might handle:

• Painting walls and ceilings.
• Replacing accessories: towel bars, toilet paper holder, shower rod, hooks.
• Simple fixture swaps:
  • Showerhead replacement.
  • Some faucet or vanity light replacements, if you understand basic plumbing/electrical safety and shutoffs.
• Basic caulking and re-caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.
• Minor cosmetic updates: new mirror, peel-and-stick backsplash (in appropriate areas), non-permanent storage solutions.

Always turn off water at the shutoff valves and power at the breaker before working on plumbing or electrical.

Tasks that should be left to licensed pros

For safety, code compliance, and to avoid expensive damage, hire qualified pros for:

• Moving or adding plumbing lines or drains.
• Rebuilding or waterproofing a shower or tub area.
• Running new electrical circuits, adding outlets, or moving wiring.
• Upgrading the electrical panel or correcting overloaded circuits.
• Structural changes: moving walls, altering joists, cutting new windows.
• Major tile work over wet areas: incorrect installation can lead to hidden leaks and rot.
• Permitted work: anything that requires a permit in your area should be done by someone familiar with local codes and inspection processes.

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to consult a licensed plumber, electrician, or general contractor. You can still save money by doing some prep and finishing tasks yourself where appropriate.

Questions to ask potential pros

• “Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?”
• “Have you remodeled many bathrooms similar to mine? Can I see photos or references?”
• “What’s included in your estimate, and what’s considered an extra?” (demo, disposal, permits, materials, fixtures, etc.)
• “Will you handle permits and inspections, or is that my responsibility?”
• “How do you handle unexpected issues like rot, mold, or bad wiring?” (Ask how they’ll price change orders.)
• “What brands or quality levels of fixtures and materials are assumed in this quote?”
• “Who will be on-site each day, and who is my main point of contact?”
• “What is the projected timeline from start to finish, and how often do your projects run long?”
• “How will you protect the rest of my home from dust and debris?”
• “What warranties do you provide on labor and materials?”
• “What payment schedule do you require?” (Avoid paying most of the cost upfront.)
• “Can you provide a detailed, itemized written contract before we start?”

Quick FAQ

Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?

In many areas, moving plumbing, altering electrical, or changing walls requires permits and inspections. Simple cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures swaps) often do not. A local pro should know what’s required where you live.

How long does a bathroom remodel usually take?

A typical full hall bath remodel often takes 2–4 weeks of active work, plus planning and material ordering. Larger or more complex primary baths can run 4–8 weeks or more, especially if there are structural changes or custom items.

Will a bathroom remodel increase my home’s value?

Bathrooms are high-impact spaces for buyers. While you may not recoup every dollar, a well-done, midrange remodel often returns a solid portion of its cost and can help your home sell faster and more easily.

Is it worth remodeling a bathroom in a rental?

If you’re a landlord, a durable, low-maintenance remodel can justify higher rent and reduce repair calls. Focus on sturdy materials and simple designs rather than luxury finishes.

Wrap-up and next steps

A bathroom remodel is a big but manageable project that can improve daily comfort, address hidden issues, and boost resale appeal. The right scope depends on your bathroom’s age and condition, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

• If your bathroom is basically sound, a targeted refresh may be all you need.
• If you’re dealing with leaks, damage, or a very outdated layout, a full remodel—even at a higher upfront cost—can be the smarter long-term investment.

Before you decide, get 2–3 detailed quotes from reputable pros so you can compare scope, materials, and timelines—not just the bottom line. A neutral directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly find and compare local bathroom remodelers without pressure.

With a clear plan, realistic budget, and the right team, you can turn your bathroom into a space that’s safer, more efficient, and a lot more enjoyable to use every day.