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What's the Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Sep 21, 2023 9 min read
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What's the Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?
Chapters
01
What does a Remodel Consist of? 
02
Why You Should Remodel Your Bathroom 
03
Overall Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom 
04
Features That Can Affect Cost 
05
Tips to Save Money on Bathroom Remodels

Cost to Remodel a Bathroom 

Are you looking for an upgrade and want to remodel your bathroom? Here is what you need to know about the costs, benefits, and types of bathroom remodels. 

The bathroom is the most used room in your home. You want your space to feel relaxing and serene during a hot bath but also functional if more than one person uses it. When buying a home, bathrooms can often be a deal breaker. People want a clean and updated bathroom yet also comfortable for guests staying in a guest bedroom

Bathroom renovations are usually at the top of the list when moving into a home, especially if you want to make your home handicap accessible. You can remodel your powder room, guest bathroom, primary bathroom, or all of the above. Remodeling any room or space can be costly, but bathrooms usually cost around $5,000 and increase based on space size, style preference, and fixtures. 

When remodeling or renovating your bathroom, you can use this guide to learn more about the costs and benefits of saving money on a bathroom remodel. 

Beautiful updated bathroom with a tin bathtub and floor to ceiling windows

What does a Remodel Consist of? 

The words remodel and renovation are often used interchangeably, but critical differences exist. When it comes to a remodel, it includes a renovation plus construction. You are remodeling if you plan to refresh the space and remove walls or other features to expand or reframe. If you plan to improve your bathroom's fixtures, such as repair, repaint, replace the flooring, etc., it is considered a renovation, essentially, if you're changing something. 

Remodels include reframing, expanding, plumbing, making structural changes, etc. Remodels also typically require electrical, plumbing, and building permits, whereas a renovation could be a DIY project. 

Why You Should Remodel Your Bathroom 

As previously said, bathrooms are the most used space in your home and should be clean, comfortable, and functional. It is noted that bathroom remodels have some of the highest returns on investment of any work you can do in your home, so when and why should you remodel your bathroom? 

New and updated bathroom with pretty tub and shower

Home Value 

An updated, luxurious, functional, or modern bathroom immediately increases your home's value. Experts say that bathroom remodeling yields about a 60% return on investment. Most luxury homes feature a beautiful and updated bathroom. 

Storage

Storage is important. You want somewhere to store towels, other shower necessities, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toiletries, cosmetics, and more in a bathroom. If your current bathroom model lacks storage, it may be beneficial for you to remodel and upgrade cabinetry space, drawers, and counter space.  Adding more storage can also add to your benefit when selling your home, as storage is a significant plus for homebuyers. 

Outdated

Some homeowners may remodel their bathroom if it features outdated designs/features. The bathroom is where you get ready for the day and prepare yourself for a good night's rest, so it's essential that you feel comfortable and uplifted in your bathroom as it sets the tone for your day. Outdated features can decrease the value of your home, while an updated and remodeled bathroom can entice buyers and often add value to your home.

Safety Hazards 

A home with a bathroom with safety hazards or health concerns, such as mold and mildew, will immediately drive buyers away. If you notice these concerns in your bathroom, you may want to consider a remodel. Having these issues addressed and taken care of will prevent future problems, improve the quality of life in your home, and bring in more potential buyers. 

Overall Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom 

The typical cost of a bathroom remodel is between $6,624 - $16,892, with most homebuyers spending an average of $11,508. These numbers are standard for a complete renovation and replacement of all walls, fixtures, and appliances; however, on a larger or master bathroom, the price can creep up to $29,000. If you're doing a DIY bathroom remodel, you could spend as little as $2,000. Keep in mind additional costs as well, such as where the bathroom is located.

Here is the average cost for different areas of the bathroom: 

Remodel Type Cost
Shower  $500-$5,000
Countertops $200-$1,000
Cabinets $270-$400
Toilet $80-$5,000
Vanity $100-$2,800
Flooring $45-$200
Paint $30-$60
Plumbing $250-$1,500

*Data Sourced from Forbes

Features That Can Affect Cost 

The cost of a bathroom remodel will vary depending on your style preferences, budget, the remodel's magnitude, the space's size, and more. It can also vary based on the term remodel.

It can be cheaper if you're repainting or revamping. If you plan to replace major fixtures such as toilets, tubs, and showers, your remodel cost will be higher. The main aspects of a remodel include the cost of labor, the cost of materials, and the cost of obtaining the necessary permits. 

Updated bathroom fixtures and mirror

Labor and Installation

If you're doing a significant remodel that involves hiring out, you should plan on spending roughly $50 to $75 per hour on labor. If you plan to DIY it, you can skip the cost of labor, including contractors, plumbers, etc.

The labor cost will typically comprise 40 to 60 percent of your budget, so planning and factoring in the price beforehand is essential. If you need to hire a general contractor for your remodel, you will most likely spend around $50 - $150 per hour

Permits 

A building permit costs $50 to $300 for small jobs and $500 to $2,000 for construction. These costs are 0.50% to 2.00% of your total construction cost. Building permits can be based on a flat rate, per square foot, or construction value. Regarding a bathroom remodel, the average price for a permit is between $200 to $800. 

Materials 

The cost of different materials will be based on what you're replacing and where you purchase them. If you gather materials from a local home improvement store, they will be on the lower end in terms of cost.

Buying materials from higher-end stores with more customizable options will increase the cost of your remodel. Material prices can range anywhere from $1,000-$9,000. 

Flooring 

There are many different ways to upgrade or remodel your bathroom flooring. You can add peal-and-stick tiles, mosaic tile, rip up and replace the current flooring, etc. Replacing the flooring can significantly upgrade your bathroom visually, especially if it's outdated, so if you're planning a remodel, make sure to factor flooring into your budget. 

Some popular bathroom flooring options are concrete, ceramic, vinyl, linoleum, and engineered wood. A 120-square-foot bathroom costs between $1,363 and $2,104, and the national average is quoted at $1,733. 

Plumbing and Faucets 

The average cost to replace a bathroom faucet is usually between $150 and $400, with DIY projects being as low as $50. If you're using higher-end materials and require plumbing, the cost can reach up to $4,000. The sink faucet will cost you roughly $25 to $250, the bathtub faucet will cost you between $35 and $3,5000, and a shower head averages between $25 and $3,000.

When remodeling your bathroom, you should expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 on each planning plumbing element and budget extra costs for unexpected repairs. 

Countertops 

Countertops significantly affect the look of your bathroom, making it look more casual, modern, sophisticated, etc. Some may not know this, but countertops are only sometimes attached to the vanity. This allows homebuyers more opportunities for customization and to choose the countertop of their choice initially.

Depending on the type and material, replacing a bathroom countertop can range between $400 to $4,300. 

Material Type  Cost per square foot
Granite tile $5 - $15
Quartz $75
Cultured Marble $65
Concrete $65 - $135
Composite $75 - $120
Laminate  $55
Porcelain or ceramic  $7 - $19 
Cabinetry 

The price of cabinets depends on the manufacturer. Replacing cabinets will cost you roughly $300 to $600 per cabinet, and a complete bathroom custom cabinet design could cost you as much as $10,000. The three categories of bathroom cabinets are stick, semi-custom, and custom.

The typical price of stock cabinets is $50 to $500, Semi-custom cabinets are $80 to $550, and custom cabinets are $300 to $600. The cabinetry installation costs anywhere from $30 to $50, and a complex installation can range from $240 to $450. 

Fixtures

Fixtures like the toilet, sink, and tub/shower can be costly. Fixtures can be purchased online, at home improvement and specialty stores. The cost of a new toilet depends on the brand, features, etc., and typically ranges between $200 to $500, increasing with the installation cost. 

It can cost anywhere from $280 to $1,200 to replace your bathroom sink and will increase to $580 - $2,000 if you upgrade your sink and faucet. Regarding replacing/upgrading your shower, the average remodeling cost is $6,576. "Easy" remodels can cost you around $3,000, and more difficult remodels can cost you up to $10,000.

Large bathroom with an updated toilet and sink

Lighting 

Upgrading lighting fixtures can vary greatly depending on the brand, style, and material. The typical upgrade will cost you between $100 and $400.  

Room Size 

On average, homeowners pay an average of $125 per square foot to remodel their bathrooms—however, the overall cost ranges based on the size of the bathroom itself. You must measure your bathroom and be able to provide contractors with the project size before fully committing.

Your overall price estimate won't be as accurate without the square footage

Square Feet  The average price range for remodeling 
15 $1,500 - $2,250
24 $2,400 - $3,600
32 $3,200 - $4,800
36 $3,600 - $5,400
40 $4,000 - $6,000
45 $4,500 - $6,750
63 $6,300 - $9,450
80 $8,000 - $12,000
90 $9,000 - $13,500
Floor Plan Changes 

Most bathroom remodels will include construction, such as tearing down walls and changing the structure and layout of the bathroom. These are the most significant types of remodeling and can get pricy. If you're purchasing a home or already have a house with a smaller bathroom, it can be an exciting project to gut and remodel completely, but it's also hard work and can take a lot of time.

It can be thousands of dollars, and you'll have to factor in the cost of rerouting electrical wiring, insulation, transferring, and redrilling joists due to rerouted plumbing, framing costs, and drywall costs. The average complete remodel of a primary bathroom is $32,000.

Beautiful bathroom remodel with new fixtures and bathtub

Tips to Save Money on Bathroom Remodels

Have a plan 

Going into a project with a clear and concise plan will give you a reasonable estimate of costs beforehand and allow you to stay on course and budget. Planning for all foreseeable costs, including unexpected or unexpected expenses, is essential. 

Use the existing layout 

Restructuring your entire bathroom and layout is the most costly aspect of a bathroom remodel. Using your existing layout will save you thousands since you don't have to worry about changing the plumbing or electrical wires. 

Thrift and DIY 

Materials can get expensive. If you have an eye for design, try thrifting or DIY some remodeling aspects, such as lighting fixtures, cabinets, and more. 

Cost to Remodel a Bathroom - Final Thoughts 

Remodeling your bathroom can be exciting, fun, necessary, and costly. You may upgrade your bathroom to match your current style because it's outdated, to address safety hazards, and to create more storage. No matter the reasoning, it's essential to understand the cost of remodeling your bathroom before jumping into a project and putting yourself into debt.

There are many ways to increase your home's value, but the bathroom yields one of the highest returns on investments and visually improves the overall look of your home. After reading this article, we hope you better understand how much you need to budget and save for your future bathroom remodel.

If you have questions or are searching for new homes for sale, contact us

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
What does a Remodel Consist of? 
02
Why You Should Remodel Your Bathroom 
03
Overall Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom 
04
Features That Can Affect Cost 
05
Tips to Save Money on Bathroom Remodels

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