How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

A bathroom remodel typically ranges from about $6,600 to $18,000 ($70-$250 per square foot), and an extensive high-end remodel can cost over $100,000. Your cost will depend on the extent of the work, your square footage and whether you choose high-end, mid-range or basic materials.

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Seven things largely determine the final cost of a bathroom remodel.

1. Square footage of your bathroom. The larger your bathroom, the more it will probably cost to remodel it.

2. Amount and type of labor required. Labor costs can make up 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel price tag. If your remodel requires specific professionals such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists or designers, expect to pay more than if your job just involves basic carpentry and installation.

3. Permits. Depending on the type and extent of work, expect to pay $100 to $1,500 in total for plumbing, construction and electrical permits.

4. Demolition. If your old bathroom needs to be demolished and prepped before beginning the remodel, this could add $1,000 to $2,300 to your cost.

5. New floor plan. If you’re changing your bathroom's floor plan, reworking the plumbing and electric to fit the new plan will likely add an extra $5,000.

6. Water damage repairs. If leaking pipes, condensation or bad drainage appear during your remodel, expect to pay an additional $3.75 to $7 per square foot to fix it.

7. Materials. Whether you opt for low-end, mid-range or high-end shower/tubs, sinks, toilets, flooring, tiles, countertops is a significant cost factor. Adding accessibility or smart features will also increase costs.

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Although you can make noticeable improvements to a bathroom with a $5,000 budget, that kind of project will likely be a renovation rather than a true remodel. Here's the difference:

• Renovations in general are projects that update and improve the existing space or floor plan.

• Remodeling projects change the layout or function of the space.

A bathroom renovation project that costs at $5,000 or less may include one or a combination of some of these popular upgrades.

• Painting.

• Replacing a vanity, mirror or medicine cabinet.

• Replacing faucets and shower heads.

• Adding storage cabinets or shelving.

• Replacing rugs and shower mats.

• Replacing a toilet.

• Reglazing or replacing a bathtub or shower.

• Retiling.

• Putting new artwork on walls.

• Adding a minor luxury feature, such as a heated towel rack.

• Adding a minor accessibility feature, such as grab bars.

Major bathroom remodels are often worth the money because they tend to add to the home’s value.

• Bathroom remodels often recoup at least 45% of their costs, and mid-range bathroom remodels may recoup up to 75% of their costs via increased home value^[0]

  Journal of Light Construction. Bath Remodel | Upscale. Accessed Jan 2, 2025.

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• Be aware, however, that when you make home improvements that increase your home value, your property taxes may increase, so factor that into your calculations. Your local property tax assessor’s office should be able to give a rough estimate of how much your property taxes may increase based on your specific project^[0]

  For example, Wyckoff, New Jersey. https://www.wyckoffnj.gov/building-zoning-property-maintenance/faq/will-my-tax-assessment-increase-if-i-construct-improvement. Accessed Jan 2, 2025.

  View all sources

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Remodeling your bathroom has a number of benefits.

• Increased home value. You can expect to recoup up to about 75% of the money you put into a bathroom remodel via an increase home value.

• Improved functionality. Remodeling is an opportunity to reconfigure the space in a way that has better flow, has more storage space and is more convenient.

• Better hygiene. Replacing old, difficult-to-clean fixtures and features with new, modern ones creates a cleaner, more hygienic space.

• A more beautiful, luxurious space. You can update style and color, as well as add luxury features, such as rain shower heads, in-shower steam saunas, heated floors and towel racks or a bidet.

• Improved eco-friendliness. Opting for low-flow toilets, LED lighting, sustainable materials, and water-saving faucets and shower heads can make your bathroom kinder to the planet.

• A safer space. Remodeling is the perfect time to install accessibility features such as grab bars, brighter lighting, slip-resistant flooring, walk-in showers or tubs, and bathing seats or benches to help keep you safe if you’re facing physical challenges.

There are also some drawbacks to remodeling a bathroom. These include:

• Increased property taxes. When you make an improvement to your home that adds to its value, this can mean a new property tax assessment ^[0]

  For example, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Capital Improvements. Accessed Jan 2, 2025.

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• Expense. Remodeling a bathroom could easily run five or six figures if you’re doing extensive work and/or choosing high-end materials. You may need to find financing to complete your project.

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• Disruption of your routine. You may not be able to use your bathroom during demolition and construction, which can be stressful and inconvenient, as well as noisy, dusty and messy. Having contractors in your home all day can make you feel like you and your family have no personal space.

• Surprise issues. Remodeling a bathroom can reveal all sorts of unpleasant and unexpected plumbing, structural, mold and electrical issues that add to the overall time and expense of the project.