Homeowners undergo bathroom remodels for master, guest, family and half bathrooms. Some remodels involve simple repairs and replacements, and others require major replacements and upgrades, renovation of an entire bathroom or the addition of a whole new bathroom. Common motivations for remodeling are updating an old space, modernizing fixtures, fixing water damage, expanding an existing bathroom or making the bathroom wheelchair-friendly. Costs for bathroom remodels vary greatly, depending on the current state of the space, the specific plans for the remodel and the materials used. Prices could easily range from $3,000 to $15,000 and up.

Project size

The unique requirements of each job and variety of materials used for each job mean costs vary widely. Here are several cost examples for remodels of different size bathrooms, provided by Viewpoint NW in Vancouver, Washington. Keep in mind each job was specific to that house. Each sample outlines the tasks performed, the number of work hours and the total cost of the remodel (including all materials and labor):

6x6 bathroom remodel: $3,500

• 64 work hours: Two men for four days

• Repaired water damage from a toilet leak

• Installed new tile floor after removing old vinyl floor and subfloor and prepping the area

• Installed a new laminate countertop after removing old countertop

• Installed new sink, faucet, fixtures and backsplash

• Installed new mirror

8x5 bathroom remodel: $6,730

• 92 work hours: Two men for eight days

• Completely built out what was an empty bathroom consisting only of exposed studs

• Installed sheetrock

• Built shower and shower pan

• Installed tile floors and shower walls

• Built and installed new bathroom cabinets

• Built new drain into basement area to accommodate new bathroom

10x6 bathroom remodel: $7,200

• 120 work hours: Two men for a week and a half

• Demo-ed old tub and removed flooring and subflooring

• Built new shower pan and new shower with a bench and tiled shower interior

• Replaced plumbing fixtures, valves and drainage to accommodate shower

• Installed new tile floor

• Replaced countertop and installed a new sink, faucet and backsplash.

12x10 bathroom remodel: $14,000–$15,000

• Built spa bathroom out of a plain, carpeted 12x10 room

• 250 work hours: Two or three men working two and a half weeks

• Leveled floor, which was uneven by 1.5 inches

• Built jacuzzi tub frame with marble surround (The tub itself cost $600.)

• Built new shower with marble finish

• Built closet and vanity from sheetrock

• Installed tile floor

• Ran new plumbing for the jacuzzi soaking tub

Expansion or extensions

Expanding the square footage of an existing bathroom increases the cost of a remodel and lengthens the job’s timeline. Some expansions may require permits, too, which can have a fee and take time to secure.

Plumbing

Moving the location of a toilet or sink or switching from a tub to a shower will incur plumbing costs. Plumbers or trained contractors must install new pipes, valves and the appropriate drainage systems.

Materials

The more luxurious the materials for a bathroom remodel, the higher the costs. Using marble for your bathroom counters and handpainted ceramic tiles for your shower walls will look terrific and will also cost considerably more than a laminate countertop and standard tiles.

Repairs and damage

Unforeseen damage and necessary repairs are a potential cost factor in every bathroom remodel. According to the remodeling experts at Viewpoint NW, every remodel is different. If it’s an older house, contractors can’t know what’s underneath the floor until they take off the top layer. What seemed like a simple job could reveal a rotten subfloor that has to be replaced.

Pro tip:

• Consider a solid surface rather than tile for countertops because it will require less maintenance over time (no grout cleaning or refinishing required). Solid counters are also less expensive, more durable and look great.