Ready for a revamp, but wondering what it costs to remodel a bathroom? Upgrading the room can transform it from merely functional to spa-like, or bring a space that’s looking old fashioned bang up to date.
What you can expect to pay of course depends on the size of the room, how luxurious you want the level of finish to be, and whether the room is already a bathroom or you’re converting another space. However, it is possible to draw up a budget in order to bring your bathroom ideas to life and our expert guide has all the details you need.
(Image credit: C.P. Hart / Anna Stathaki)
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?
Remodeling a bathroom might involve anything from changing every element of the existing room, or even starting from scratch within an addition or by converting a room that wasn’t a bathroom before to swapping smaller fixtures. But whatever you choose to do, these guidelines will help you assess what you can expect to pay.
‘Bathroom remodels usually cost between $70 and $275 per square foot, depending on the size of the bathroom and the type of changes you make, according to our cost data,’ explains Mallory Micetich, home care expert at Angi (opens in new tab).
‘On average, it costs $70 per square foot to refresh a small bathroom. If you’re making major changes to a half-bath or small bathroom, you’re looking at an average price of $250 per square foot. If you need to make major changes to a larger bathroom, you should expect to pay $275 per square foot.’
What’s the cost of labor for a bathroom remodel?
Labor is always a major part of the final bill when you’re remodeling, and bathrooms are no exception. ‘Labor tends to make up 40 to 65 per cent of the total project cost,’ explains Mallory. ‘If you’re paying your pros hourly, you can expect to pay between $50 and $110 per hour for labor.’
What do bathroom fixtures cost?
A bathroom remodel could involve swapping out an old toilet, tub, and shower, or perhaps only replacing some of these elements.
‘The bathroom upgrades you choose also affect the cost of your project,’ says Mallory. ‘If you need to replace your toilet, expect to pay between $90 and $1,500 for a new one. A new shower can cost anywhere between $300 and $3,000, while a new bathtub costs between $600 and $10,000.’
What do bathroom fittings cost?
It’s possible to achieve a stylish bathroom remodel without changing the most costly features of the room, allowing you reduce costs if necessary.
But how much to budget for other elements of the design? ‘If you want to replace small fixtures like faucets, showerheads, knobs, vanity mirrors, fans and lighting, you should expect to pay between $500 and $2,800,’ says Mallory. ‘However, the exact cost of your fixtures will depend on the type and materials you choose.’
What do other elements of the bathroom cost?
A bathroom remodel will often involve fitting new tile, and you may wish to go for durable and stylish porcelain or beautiful natural stone. ‘You can add porcelain tiles for $860 to $2,600 or stone tiles for $900 to $2,800,’ says Mallory.
Factor in both countertops and storage, too. ‘Upgrading your countertops costs between $200 and $1,000 or more, while bathroom cabinets tend to cost $250 to $3,000 or more,’ says Mallory.
Don’t forget that creating a bathroom where there wasn’t one before will bring additional costs. ‘If you’re converting another room into a bathroom, make sure the room has plumbing and electrical hookups. If not, you’ll need to bring in a pro to give you a quote to add plumbing and electricity to your bathroom,’ says Mallory.
What factors influence the cost of a bathroom remodel?
There are a variety of elements that will determine the final cost to remodel a bathroom.
‘The overall cost of your project will depend on labor costs, the size of your bathroom, the upgrades you choose and the materials you use,’ explains Mallory.
‘Labor usually makes up between 40 and 65 per cent of the total project cost, but the exact cost of labor will depend on your location. Generally, areas with a high cost of living result in higher labor costs. Gather quotes from a few pros to figure out exactly what your labor costs will be.
‘The size of your bathroom plays a huge role in determining the cost of your bathroom remodel. Large bathrooms require more materials and labor time to renovate, which makes them more expensive than smaller bathrooms.
‘The materials you choose can make a big impact on your overall project cost. If you’re on a budget, consider choosing less expensive materials for your flooring, tiling and countertops. You can also choose less expensive toilets, showers and bathtubs to save money.’
How do you make your bathroom remodel budget go further?
If what you have available to spend doesn’t fulfill your goals for a bathroom remodel, you could take on some of the work yourself. ‘If you do want to DIY your bathroom remodel, consider taking on minor projects, like painting and swapping out knobs and light fixtures,’ suggests Mallory.
You might want to consider laying bathroom floor tiles or tiling in a shower as well, depending on your skill level and the time you have available for the project.
