Bathroom remodelers near you

When looking for a professional near you for bathroom remodeling, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Make sure you check for proper licensure and insurance (both liability and workers' compensation), especially for plumbing and electrical work. Your contractor should be happy to provide this info, but keep in mind requirements may depend on your local area. Be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Ask for itemized estimates from several potential contractors. They should break down the cost of labor, materials and additional fees.

• Read their reviews: Read reviews if possible, looking for information about communication, timeliness and quality. Especially telling are complaints about hidden fees or unfinished jobs.

• Look at their portfolios: Some contractors have portfolios on their profiles and websites. If so, look at previous bathroom remodels similar to what you want.

• Find out if they have warranties: A reputable contractor should offer warranties on materials and labor. Ask about the length and what’s covered.

• Ask important questions: Clarify timelines, payment schedules and who handles permits. Also, ask how they manage unexpected issues or design changes.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The national average cost to remodel a bathroom ranges from around $5,800 to $59,430*. This cost range reflects the estimated cost to remodel half baths, full baths and master baths.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Scope of your remodel: If you’re doing a full remodel with new plumbing, fixtures and finishes, it’ll cost more than a basic update where you change out a faucet or two.

• Materials: The materials you use can make a huge difference. Custom cabinetry with real granite countertops and imported tiles are typically more expensive than pre-built cabinets with Formica tops.

• Size: The size and shape of your bathroom will affect the final price. A full-size bathroom with his-and-hers vanities and a claw foot tub often costs more than a simple half-bath.

You might be able to save money on your bathroom remodel with these tips: 

• Refinish instead of replacing: It’s not as expensive to update the look of your bathroom with a cosmetic overhaul.

• Plan ahead and stay the course: The best way to go over budget is to change your mind in the middle. Take your time in the planning stage and you’ll save money in the long run.

• Get several estimates: Asking for more than one quote can help you compare prices and choose a professional who provides a fair price for quality work.

• Avoid major plumbing and layout changes: This can help you avoid paying extra for new plumbing connections, demolition and other work.

*Data provided by Xactware. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional for bathroom remodels. When deciding between hiring a professional, consider the following:

• Tools and materials: You’ll need specialized tools like a wet saw for tile cutting, a pipe wrench for plumbing and possibly a stud finder and drywall saw for wall modifications. If you don’t already own these, renting or buying them — and learning how to use them — can be expensive and take time.

• Plumbing and electrical work: Moving plumbing lines or rewiring electrical fixtures isn’t just complicated — it may also require permits and inspections to stay up to code. Hiring a pro helps ensure you’re in compliance with your local regulations.

• Time and expertise: Even if you’re handy, a full remodel can take weeks or months to finish on your own. However, a reputable and experienced bathroom remodeling service can often get the job done much faster and with fewer headaches.

• Quality of work: If you can’t ensure a job well done, consider hiring a pro instead. A DIY bathroom remodel that’s poorly done may cause costly repairs or even hurt your home’s value. 

In most cases, a professional will take the following steps during a bathroom remodel: 

• Initial consultation: Pros typically visit your home, discuss your vision and take any necessary measurements.

• Design phase: After the initial consultation, you'll probably work with your pro to create a design for the project. You'll select materials and fixtures and plan a layout for the finished bathroom.

• Demolition: Once plans have been finalized and materials ordered, demolition can begin. For simple bathroom remodels, this may mean removing dated fixtures to prep the area for new fixtures. To complete a full bathroom remodel, the pro may need to remove everything in the room, including drywall or wallboards, so that they can start from scratch.

• Plumbing, wiring, wall, and flooring: If your project requires plumbing or wiring to be moved or updated to support the new fixtures — or if you desire new walls or flooring — your pro will likely need to install each of these components.

• New fixtures: Once new walls and flooring have been installed, your pro can usually install fixtures like the shower, toilet, a new vanity or a medicine cabinet.

• Finish work: The pro will likely wrap up by tending to various finishing details. This can include sealing grout, painting walls or caulking a new tub or shower.

Timelines for bathroom remodeling projects vary. Be sure to check with your pro for a more precise estimate, but here are some general guidelines:

• Simple bathroom remodels: in which you only replace one or two fixtures or replace the floors and repaint the walls can take between 1 and 3 days.

• Moderate bathroom remodels: in which you'll be replacing most fixtures but not necessarily tearing out existing walls to change the bathroom layout should take about a week.

• Full bathroom remodels: that include a full tear-down so that you can start fresh with new plumbing, wiring and a new layout can take around two to three weeks (or more) to complete.

Follow these tips to get the most value out of your bathroom remodel:

• Consult a professional: Sometimes, it’s worth working with a designer who understands which bathroom features and design trends tend to attract prospective homebuyers. You might also want to ask your real estate agent if they have any insights on what types of bathrooms buyers in your area prefer.

• Do your research: Look at studies and surveys to find out which bathroom features may increase your home’s value. Review reports created by the National Association of Realtors, Zillow and similar organizations.  

• Choose a timeless design: Consider skipping ultra-trendy styles that might soon feel dated. Instead, opt for neutral color schemes, classic tile patterns and understated fixtures to potentially appeal to a broader range of buyers.

• Invest in quality materials: It may be worth splurging a little on high-quality materials that are durable and attractive. Ceramic tile, quartz countertops and solid wood vanities are a few options you may want to consider.

• Enhance energy efficiency: Installing water-saving faucets, showerheads and toilets and energy-efficient lighting like LEDs may attract eco-conscious buyers.

• Address underlying issues: Fix any water damage, mold problems or ventilation issues before doing any cosmetic upgrades. Ignoring these issues could lead to costly repairs down the line. 

• Hire a professional: A skilled bathroom remodeling contractor can help ensure your bathroom is completed correctly and meets all applicable building codes. They may also suggest smart design ideas and materials to maximize your return on investment.

For a small bathroom remodel, you may not need a general contractor. For example, if you simply need some plumbing or electrical work done in your bathroom, hiring a plumber or electrician should be sufficient. 

However, if you’re tackling a large-scale remodel, a general contractor can coordinate a team of designers, painters and other specialty contractors to get the job done. Typically, the rule of thumb is that you should hire a general contractor if your project is large enough to require a building permit. 

Reach out the best bathroom remodelers near you to start planning your project, assemble a team and get cost estimates.

It’s important to ensure that you and the contractor are on the same page before any work begins, so don’t be afraid to ask potential bathroom remodelers plenty of questions.

Start by reading the contractor’s reviews online. Ask to see examples of their past work — specifically, work that is similar to yours. If you need the bathroom remodel done by a certain date, ask the contractor if they will be able to complete the work by your deadline. And you should always ask how they handle payments. 

Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• What materials do you recommend for my budget and overall vision?
• How much are the materials and labor? What will my final cost be?
• Do you have the proper license and insurance? 
• Can I see photos of past bathroom remodels you’ve worked on?
• How long will it take to complete the remodel?
• How do you handle payments?

Remodeling your bathroom can lead to high personal satisfaction, as perhaps even a return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home. When you replace old and worn out surfaces with high-quality materials, it is almost guaranteed to improve the look and functionality of that space. A bathroom renovation can also improve your home’s curb appeal to future buyers and boost its overall value. 

To determine if this project is worth the cost, start by getting free estimates from the best bathroom remodelers near you. And if you plan on selling your home, consult with your real estate expert to identify which remodeling projects you should prioritize.

Start by searching online to find a qualified bathroom remodeler near you. Take a few minutes to review the profiles of five or six contractors in your area. Pay attention to reviews from their past customers. How do they handle negative reviews? Are most of their customers satisfied with their work? 

Next, look at photos of their past work to see who offers services that look the most like your project. You might also get inspiration for your bathtub, shower, backsplash, flooring, walls and backsplash. And before you hire someone, ask them whether they are licensed and insured in your state.

Lastly, to help ensure you pay a fair price, get free cost estimates from several contractors you’re considering.