How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

A bathroom is a relatively inexpensive remodel, particularly compared to other rooms of the house. But it can go a long way in modernizing your home: Outdated bathroom fixtures are a telltale sign that a house has been neglected. Remodeling a bathroom will also improve the resale value of your home.

The price of a bathroom remodel varies based on a number of factors, including the size of the bathroom, the type of fixtures you choose and whether you hire a contractor or tackle the project yourself. If you hire a contractor, the price will also be affected by local labor rates and the contractor’s experience.

Bathroom Remodeling Prices

A bathroom remodel could cost just $500 or upwards of $25,000. The low end of that range involves tackling a few cosmetic issues yourself, such as repainting and replacing the sink. The high end covers a full, upscale remodel with replacement of all fixtures, flooring and plumbing, and potentially structural changes such as moving walls to enlarge the bathroom or relocating a shower.

However, the vast majority of bathroom remodels fall in the $5,000 to $20,000 range. That includes replacing all flooring, fixtures and wall coverings.

Below are cost estimates for some specific upgrades. However, keep in mind that these are just averages. You can always spend more for upscale items.

• Replacing a standard tub/shower combo should cost about $1,500 to $3,000 if the work is professionally done and $600 to $1,500 as a DIY project.
• Custom tub and shower combos with features like wall tile often cost $4,000 to $5,000, installed.
• Standalone bathtubs usually cost about $1,000 to $2,500.
• New toilets cost about $200 to $900, depending on quality and features, not including installation. Installation takes about two hours on average.
• An upscale vanity with a cherry cabinet, a granite counter and an undermount sink or sinks will run you about $2,000 to $3,000. If a contractor is doing the installation, add to that about six to eight hours of labor.
• A ceramic tile floor can be installed for about $10 to $20 per square foot.
• High-end faucets cost $300 to $500.
• A recessed medicine cabinet might cost $75 to $200, not including installation, which takes two or three hours.
• A replacement light/fan combination might cost $150 to $200 and take one hour to install.

Despite all the costs, keep in mind that a bathroom remodel provides a good return on investment. Homeowners usually recoup at least 80 percent of the cost when they sell, which is higher than what people get for most other rooms.

Bathroom Remodel Hourly Rates

Hourly rates vary from one contractor to the next and one region of the country to the next. Generally, expect to pay about:

• $30 to $80 per hour for a contractor
• $60 to $120 an hour for a plumber
• $40 to $80 per hour for an electrician

In very rural areas, prices might be slightly lower. In major cities or areas with a very high cost of living, prices could be much higher.

The average job takes anywhere from one to four weeks, but don’t expect to have to pay your contractor for eight hours worth of labor, each day, for the duration of the job. There will likely be delays and/or days off as the contractor waits for supplies to arrive and deals with unexpected changes and problems.

Ways to Save

• Do the demo yourself. Even if you’re not the least bit handy, you’re probably capable of ripping out old cabinets and flooring. Handling your own demolition can shave off days worth of labor fees.
• Buy your own materials. Contractors often charge a 20 to 30 percent markup for buying and delivering materials.
• Skip the custom work. It can be beautiful, but it is pricey. A custom-tiled shower, for example, can cost $5,000 or more. Some people manage to do their entire bathroom remodel for less than that.
• Consider hiring a smaller company - they tend to charge less because their overhead costs are lower. Just make sure you ask for references and check the company’s track record with the Better Business Bureau.
• Get multiple quotes before hiring a contractor to compare prices. Eliminate the quotes that come in suspiciously high - or low.

Find the Best Remodeling Pros Who Will Compete for Your Business