HOW MUCH DOES A BATHROOM REMODEL COST?
When I first started in the home remodeling industry, the number I heard thrown around by clients and other contractors most often was that a bathroom renovation costs around $10,000. Twenty years later, I’m still regularly running into clients who believe a bathroom remodel should run the same price. Nothing is the exact cost it was back in the early 2000s. You also get less than what you pay for, thanks to shrink-inflation. So, what does a bathroom remodel cost? Like anything in the home remodeling business, the answer is…it depends.
Gone are the days of only 4x4 subway tile with your choice of 6 colors. Things have exploded over the past decade with tile, fixture, vanity and tub options, steam showers, curbless showers…the list goes on and on. With the myriad options available, the final price of your bathroom remodel could be pretty modest or quite extravagant. There is no longer a rule of thumb, but we see some general numbers regularly.
COMMON BATHROOM REMODEL COST ESTIMATES
Budget BATHROOM Remodel: $10k+
Includes: new tub, fiberglass shower surround, budget fixtures, tile floor, new vanity and toilet, painting
A budget remodel is an excellent option for investment properties or those wanting a clean start with just the basics. Unfortunately, this can't be done on every bathroom as many of the older homes in our area don't lend themselves to this approach due to how they were initially constructed. If you have a house built before the 70s, this is probably not an option for you, or the costs will be higher.
Tub to shower conversioN: $15k-20k+
Includes: tub removal, new shower fixtures, tile backboard installation, mud pan and curb, waterproof shower, tiling the shower surround and shower floor
This is a good option for those who are generally happy with their bathroom, but their shower area could be better. They may face mobility issues and can't confidently step over the tub wall. This is an excellent way to age in place without spending for the complete remodel, but with anything, there's a catch. For a tub-to-shower conversion, the 1 and 1/2" drain line must be replaced with a 2" drain line by code. Depending on your bathroom and where the waste stack is located, if it's cast iron or PVC, and where available access can be found, you may be looking at the higher end or need a complete renovation when all is said and done.
Basic full renovation: $25k-30k+
Includes: new ceiling, walls, bath fan and lighting, shower or tub/shower combo, vanity, toilet and plumbing fixtures, custom tile for the floor and shower area, new trim, casing, towel bars, painting
With this renovation, we strip the room back to the studs and start from scratch. The key to keeping the basic remodel budget under control is selecting mid-grade tile, fixtures, vanity, etc. The square footage of the bathroom is also a consideration. Larger bathrooms are going to cost more. 50/sf-75/sf is the range for these prices.
Full custom renovation: $30k & UP
Includes: no limits
This level is the Wild West price-wise. All options are available, and the final costs will reflect your choices. Is the footprint of the bathroom expanding? Are fixtures being relocated? Steam shower? Curbless shower? Niches, shower benches, floor-to-ceiling tile on all the walls…the options are almost endless.
The best way to keep costs under control is to know ahead of time what your budget is and exactly what you want. Making decisions on the fly can end up being costly, with decisions made early on affecting what needs to happen later to complete the job. We utilize our bathroom remodel checklist to ensure that all the details are determined well ahead of time and that everyone is on the same page.
You can download the bathroom remodel checklist here.
As the client, you tell me how much does a bathroom remodel cost with the decisions you make.