A bathroom remodel project runs for $10,000 to $30,500 on average. This depends on several different factors, including the size of the bathroom and the quality of materials used. Extensive bathroom makeovers that utilize high-end fixtures and premium materials will cost at least $35,000.
An improved bathroom can be a significant lifestyle upgrade, and it will also boost the value of your property. Let’s cover all bases to understand how much a bathroom remodel costs fully.
Bathroom Remodel Average Cost Per Square Foot
A bathroom remodeling project starts at $80 per sq. ft. on the low end, which may get up to $270 per square foot for high-end projects. Costs will be more expensive if you want to add elements such as a double vanity or a separate jetted tub. (Related: Bathroom Remodel Cost and Consumer Guide)
According to a National Kitchen + Bath Association survey, about half of the homeowners paid anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 for their recent bathroom remodel. Thirty-one percent of the surveyed claimed to have spent more than $30,000. Here’s a rundown of the estimated costs per bathroom component:
The Different Levels of Bathroom Remodeling
One great way to look at the average bathroom remodeling costs is through categorizing the different levels of work involved in the project.
Let’s say you only want a simple facelift. In that case, you may want to use basic materials with cost-efficient prices to save money. If you want to update all the necessary fixtures and surfaces in a small or medium-sized bathroom, this will cost you from $6,000 to $10,000. More extensive bathroom sizes will cost you more than $16,000.
Homeowners saying they’ve spent over $100,000 on a new bathroom may sound like they’re exaggerating things. But, the truth is– some bathroom remodel projects can be truly pricey. Total costs can add up in no time if you need to gut and expand a bathroom or include high-end, premium materials and fixtures.
Nonetheless, skilled homeowners working on a tight budget may save on labor costs with the DIY route and a bit of elbow grease. We don’t recommend this if you need structural expansion for your bathroom.
Let’s discuss the most common levels of bathroom remodeling projects today:
1. DIY Bathroom Makeover
DIY Bathroom Makeover Average Cost |
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$8,000 to $17,000 |
A DIY bathroom makeover means you’ll do most of the work yourself, including replacing fixtures and surfaces. In some cases, you may also need to do minor updates to your plumbing line, but a project with this scope doesn’t require significant rerouting or installing new circuits. Here are some things included in a DIY bathroom remodel:
2. Professional Complete Bathroom Remodel
Professional Bathroom Remodel Average Cost |
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$18,000 to $35,000 |
Like the DIY bathroom makeover, this project scope will include replacing all the fixtures and surfaces in your bathroom. The main difference is hiring professional contractors to handle the task at hand.
Ideally, hire an experienced carpenter who has been doing hands-on work on bathrooms for long years. However, you may also opt to subcontract other professionals for tasks that a carpenter cannot do.
This includes a licensed plumber for any required plumbing work. If you’re working with an extensive bathroom, you may need additional carpenters to provide adequate assistance. Since you have more budget for a bathroom remodel on this scale, you may also opt to use high-end, premium fixtures and materials.
3. Professional Bathroom Remodel (with Expansion)
Professional Bathroom Remodel (with Expansion) |
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$35,000 to $100,000 |
A bathroom remodeling project at this level involves actual room expansion, which means you can expect a brand-new bathroom. Your old bathroom will be gutted down to the studs, with walls torn out and new walls reframed to provide you with a larger space. This may also entail a complete rerouting of all the plumbing lines and installing new electrical circuits.
Only some of the old bathroom fixtures are usually retained. Extensive projects include a structural bump-out or small room addition, which changes your home's overall footprint and foundation work.
It would be best to hire a GC (general contractor) to handle the work with other subcontractors such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. In some cases, luxury bathrooms may cost more than $100,000. Always prepare your budget beforehand to cover large-scale remodeling projects of this level.
Bathroom Remodel Project: Cost Factors
The total price of a bathroom remodel project can be determined by lots of things, including but not limited to:
Here are some crucial questions if you want to set your bathroom remodeling ideas and goals in the right direction.
Overall Verdict: Is Remodeling your Bathroom Worth It?
Yes, most definitely. Most bathroom remodeling projects yield an excellent return on investment, especially if you’re planning to put your property on the market after several years. But, if you’re improving a forever home, your family’s improved quality of living for many years to come will also be incomparable.
You are looking at spending about $10,000 for your bathroom remodel, but the total costs may only increase if you choose premium materials or if the scope of the makeover is extensive.
A sleek, updated bathroom will easily impress guests who visit, similar to a kitchen remodel or a bedroom makeover. There's also that strong sense of satisfaction in knowing there's a personal oasis waiting for you once nature calls. With all things considered, we’d say it’s a great home improvement project to consider! (Related: Remodeling A Bathroom: Capital Improvement Or Not?)