The national average cost to remodel a bathroom ranges from $12,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and extent of the project.
The cost to remodel a bathroom varies greatly, depending on the current state of the space, the specific bathroom design plans for the remodel and the material costs. Some bathroom remodel projects involve simple repairs and replacements in a small bathroom, whereas others require major replacements and upgrades, renovation of an entire bathroom or the addition of a whole new bathroom. So what will a bathroom remodeling contractor charge you? Let's look at the numbers.
What's in this cost guide?
- Cost of bathroom remodel by square foot
- Small bathroom remodeling cost
- New bathroom renovation cost
- How to save on bathroom remodeling
- Bathroom remodel ideas
- What to ask your bathroom remodel pro
Cost of bathroom remodel by square foot
Like a home renovation, the unique requirements of each bathroom remodel and the variety of materials used for each project mean the average cost for these projects range widely – there is no true average bathroom remodel! Contractors or plumbers will probably have to take a look in person before they can provide a free estimate for the renovation. Here are several cost examples for remodels of different size bathrooms, provided by Thumbtack Pro 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 budget for the renovation (including all material costs and labor costs):
| Bathroom Size | Bathroom Remodel Cost |
| 6x6 | $3,500 |
| 8x5 | $6,730 |
| 10x6 | $7,200 |
| 12x10 | $14,000–$15,000 |
Small bathroom remodeling cost
On average, it costs between $1,250 and $3,500 to remodel a small bathroom. Smaller spaces mean less material costs and less labor or installation costs. Projects like tile replacement, sink replacement, and updating light fixtures can improve the look and feel of your bathroom without extravagant cost or time investment.
However, if you're considering adding more square footage to your bathroom, expanding the size of an existing small bathroom increases the total cost of a bathroom renovation project and lengthens the job's timeline. Some expansions may require permits, too, which can have a fee and take time to secure.
Example of a Small Bathroom Remodel Project
- 64 work hours
- 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
New bathroom renovation cost
Adding a bathroom to an existing space costs upwards of $8,000 on average, depending on size of the new bathroom or powder room. Material and appliance costs can easily add up when building a new bathroom, so be sure to map out the cost of every appliance you are planning on including in the space. The more luxurious the materials for a bathroom remodeling project, the higher the budget. Using marble for your high-end counters and handpainted ceramic tiles for your new shower walls in the master bathroom will look terrific. But it will also raise your bathroom remodeling costs considerably more than installing a laminate countertop and low-end or mid-range tiles.
Installing a new toilet, adding a sink, or adding a cast-iron bathtub or a walk-in shower will incur plumbing costs. Plumbers with the necessary know-how or trained general contractors must install new pipes, valves and the appropriate drainage systems.
| Plumbing Project | Average National Cost |
|
$130–$400 |
|
| New Appliance Installation (Including Pipes) | $2,000 to $4,000 |
|
$150–$200 |
Example of a new bathroom remodel project
- 250 work hours
- Built spa bathroom out of a plain, carpeted 12x10 room
- Leveled floor, which was uneven by 1.5 inches
- Built jacuzzi tub frame with marble surround
- Built new shower with marble finish
- Built closet and vanity from sheetrock
- Installed tile flooring
- Ran new plumbing for the jacuzzi soaking tub
How to save on bathroom remodeling
It's possible to get a high-end look for less than $10,000, says James Tapia of Global Housing Contractors.
- Toilets: You don't need a fancy toilet to have a nice bathroom. Tapia recommends American Standard. “They make a very good toilet, out of the box.”
- Flooring: Floor tiles have a big impact on the bathroom, so they're often a place pros recommend spending a bit more. But you can save money by doing your homework. “Competition between tile distributors has increased, and there are a lot of players in the market,” says Michael Big of Big Brothers Development. “This means with a bit of shopping, you can find gorgeous tiles at competitive pricing.” Another pro tip: Look for ceramic tiles that mimic granite. Subway tiles and other more affordable options will also make a huge difference.
- Bathroom accessories: Big box stores and online retailers have surprisingly good deals on towel bars and storage. Don't spend extra money on this stuff at high-end stores.
Bathroom remodel ideas
We asked Thumbtack pros about the biggest interior design trends they've seen in recent remodel projects. Here are a few ideas to take into consideration when planning your remodel project.
Small Changes, Big Impact
- Update or add tiles to spruce up flooring
- Replace or refinish bathtub, toilet or sink
- Replace or update shower
- Add or replace fixtures and faucets
- Update countertop
Popular Design Trends
- Colorful or specialty wall tiles
- Shower bench
- Marble countertops
How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Big
- Update paint or wallpaper
- Add or update a mirror
- Add or replace light fixtures
- Update or add tiles
- Update vanity
What to ask your bathroom remodel pro
- Can I see examples of your past bathroom remodeling work? Read your contractor's reviews. Comb for details on their punctuality, communication skills, work environment cleanliness, and work quality. But if you see negative reviews, don't dismiss the pro right away. Look at how they respond: if they show strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, they may still be a good fit. Make sure you look at a portfolio of past work, especially if you have a specialty project in mind. On Thumbtack, you can look at photos of previous work for bathroom remodeling contractors before you hire them.
- Do you take on bathroom remodeling projects of my scope? Some contractors specialize in certain kinds of projects. For example, one contractor may do bathroom additions and master bath renovations, while another focuses specifically on small bathroom remodels. Asking this question upfront will save everyone the time and effort of a site visit. Also, if you need bathroom design services, make sure to ask if your contractor has design training. If not, consider hiring an architect or designer.
- How many projects do you run at the same time? You want a company that has time for you and has long-term relationships with its subcontractors. Make sure you and your contractor have the same expectations about how often they will be onsite once the project kicks off. The contractor should be open with you about how long each stage of the project will take, and they should show a good understanding of what factors could potentially push that timeline out.
- Who will be working in my home? Many general contractors serve as the business head and hire foremen to run projects. Ask to meet the project manager and make sure it's someone you want at your house every day. Depending on the elements of your bathroom remodeling project, your contractor will probably bring in more specialists. This is a good thing in most cases — you want a specialist for things like drywall, painting, and tiling. But make sure you ask exactly what will be subcontracted out and get background information on those subcontractors.
- Are you bonded, licensed, and insured? Any contractor or subcontractor who works on your house should be bonded, licensed, and insured properly according to state and local standards. Insurance can help protect you if your home gets damaged during construction or workers are hurt on site, while hiring a bonded contractor can help protect you if the contractor fails to pay workers, doesn't pay for permits, or doesn't finish the work. Here's more on how to do your research.
- What permits does my project need and will you get them? If a contractor isn't willing to get the permits, it may be a sign they're not licensed. You may need permits to make sure the work is up to code and that your homeowners insurance will cover it once it's done. Make sure to ask whether permits are required and, if yes, ask to see the permits before the project starts.
- How do you work? What time does the work day start and end? Do workers clean up at the end of every day? Will they haul off garbage and debris? If pros are working inside, ask how they'll protect your hardwood floors from damage. It's best to talk about all of this upfront and get it in writing. And don't just take their word for it — make sure to read their previous reviews carefully to see what other homeowners have said about their working style.
