Bathroom Remodel Cost: Price Ranges and Budget Guide
This Old House puts a typical bathroom remodel between $6,456 and $24,715 installed, with the final price depending on size, materials and how much of the room gets renovated. Forbes Home gives a national average of about $10,000, which falls inside that range. Use these figures as a starting point for a standard remodel, then adjust for the scope of your own plans.
Bathroom remodel cost breakdown
The table keeps each source’s own project label and figure.
| Project type | Source | Cost (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic remodel without demolition, average | This Old House | $11,582 |
| Minor bathroom remodel | Fixr | $2,400 to $10,000 |
| Partial bathroom remodel | Fixr | $6,000 to $25,000 |
| Half-bath or powder room remodel, average range | Forbes Home | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Full bath remodel, average range | Forbes Home | $6,000 to $15,000 |
| Primary bathroom remodel | Bob Vila | $15,000 to $55,000 |
| High-end bathroom remodel | Bob Vila | $20,000 to $100,000 |
Bob Vila’s high-end range tops out at $100,000, so the spread across project types is wide.
Forbes Home, citing the NKBA, says homeowners put the most money into master bathrooms, at an average investment of $32,000. That is a single average, not a range, so read it separately from the table rows.
Labor vs. materials
Fixr says labor can make up 40% to 65% of the total bill, depending on the work in the bathroom. That is a share from one source, not a fixed split for every job.
Hourly rates give another view. This Old House lists electricians at $40 to $120 per hour, while HomeGuide lists plumbers at $75 to $150 per hour.
Repair vs. remodel
Fixr puts water damage repair in an average bathroom at $500 to $4,500, depending on how much damage there is. That job is a repair, not a remodel, so compare it with the remodel ranges above only after you know the scope.
Small add-ons and repairs
HomeGuide puts heated bathroom floors at $500 to $2,800, and that figure includes new flooring. A grab bar install averages $100 to $350 according to the same source.
Tile and grout work is priced per square foot. HomeGuide lists $10 to $50 per square foot for tile repair and $7 to $28 per square foot for regrouting. Heated floors involve electrical wiring, so a licensed electrician and a permit may be required before work starts.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Painting is the most approachable task on this list. Forbes Home puts bathroom painting at $350 to $750 and calls it a DIY project.
Work that touches pipes or wiring carries more risk. This Old House puts plumbing work at $5,545 on average for a bathroom renovation. Electrical and plumbing changes may require a licensed pro and a permit, so check local rules before you start. If you plan to handle part of the job yourself, tell each contractor which parts so the quotes match. For background, see the electrical cost guides and plumbing cost guides.
Ways to save
- Hold back a contingency. This Old House suggests holding back 20% of the budget for surprise costs.
- Get several written quotes and compare them line by line.
- Ask which work is cosmetic. This Old House’s cosmetic figure of $11,582 leaves out demolition, so ask whether demolition appears as its own line.
- Pick materials before you collect quotes. Fixr ties its partial remodel range to the quality of the materials you choose, so compare quotes using the same material list.
- Clear the path and move small items out of the room before work starts.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for a written quote with demolition, plumbing, electrical, materials and labor on separate lines. HomeGuide puts demolition at $600 to $2,000, so check whether it shows up on your quote.
Ask what the cabinet line covers. This Old House’s cabinet figure includes removing your current cabinets, so the quote should say whether removal is included. Also ask whether permits are part of the price and whether the plumber or electrician is licensed.
Ask for start and end dates in writing, and ask who files the permit application.
What changes the price
- Bathroom size
- Materials chosen
- Level of renovation
- Upgrades and degree of luxury
- Demolition and removal of old cabinets
- Plumbing and electrical work
Frequently asked questions
What does a shower-only remodel cost?
This Old House puts a complete shower remodel at $8,044, including materials and labor.
How much does a wet room cost?
Bob Vila lists wet rooms between $7,500 and $19,000.
How is renovation priced per square foot?
Forbes Home gives $70 to $250 per square foot, depending on the upgrades and luxury level you choose.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.