Half bath ~25 sf, full bath ~40-60 sf, primary bath ~80-120 sf
New tile, vanity, toilet, lighting
Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide
Accurate pricing data for every component of a bathroom renovation in 2026.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026?
A full bathroom remodel averages $12,000–$35,000 depending on size, fixture quality, and whether plumbing is relocated.
- Half bath (powder room): $5,000–$15,000
- Full bathroom (standard): $12,000–$25,000
- Master bath (upscale): $25,000–$60,000+
- Per sq ft range: $200–$450 per sq ft (high cost per SF because of plumbing density)
Moving plumbing adds $1,500–$5,000+ depending on how far fixtures are relocated from existing drain lines.
Key Takeaways
- Standard full bath remodel: $12,000–$25,000
- Master bath upscale: $25,000–$60,000+
- Moving plumbing adds $1,500–$5,000+
Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown by Category
Labor accounts for 40–65% of total bathroom remodel costs, making it the largest expense category.
- Tile (floor + shower): $2,000–$8,000 (material + labor at $4–$5/sq ft labor)
- Vanity + countertop: $800–$5,000
- Shower/tub: $1,200–$8,000 (prefab insert vs. custom tile)
- Plumbing labor: $1,500–$4,000
- Electrical: $500–$2,000 (GFCI outlets, exhaust fan, lighting)
- Fixtures (toilet, faucet, showerhead): $500–$3,000
Key Takeaways
- Labor = 40–65% of total cost
- Tile is typically the largest material expense
- Plumbing labor alone: $1,500–$4,000
Bathroom Waterproofing: The Most Critical Step
Improper waterproofing is the #1 cause of bathroom remodel failures. Water damage behind tile can cost $5,000–$15,000 to repair.
- Shower pan liner: PVC or CPE membrane under mortar bed ($300–$800 installed)
- Liquid membrane (RedGard, Hydroban): $100–$300 in materials, applied to cement board before tiling
- Sheet membrane (Kerdi, GoBoard): $200–$500 in materials, fastest method
- Cement board required: Never tile directly over drywall in wet areas
Key Takeaways
- Water damage repair: $5,000–$15,000 if waterproofing fails
- Liquid membrane (RedGard): $100–$300 materials
- Never tile over regular drywall in wet areas
Bathroom Remodel ROI & Timeline
Bathroom remodels return 60–70% of investment at resale, making them one of the top home improvement projects for ROI.
- Mid-range remodel ROI: 60–70%
- Typical timeline: 3–6 weeks for a full gut renovation
- Fastest upgrades for resale: New vanity, modern tile, updated fixtures
- Permit required: Yes, if moving plumbing or electrical (most jurisdictions)
Key Takeaways
- ROI: 60–70% at resale
- Timeline: 3–6 weeks for full renovation
- Permits needed for plumbing/electrical changes
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Bathroom Size
Input your bathroom square footage. A half bath is about 25 sf, a full bath 40-60 sf, and a primary bath 80-120 sf.
Select Remodel Scope
Choose basic refresh (cosmetic updates), mid-range (new tile, vanity, fixtures), or full gut (structural changes, all new materials).
Review Cost Breakdown
See how costs divide across tile, vanity, fixtures, plumbing, electrical, and labor for your selected scope.
Plan Your Budget
Use the low and high estimates to set realistic expectations. Keep plumbing in place to save significantly on costs.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Formula
Total Cost = Bathroom Sq Ft x Cost per Sq Ft (by remodel scope)Where:
- Bathroom Sq Ft
- = Total bathroom floor area in square feet
- Basic Refresh
- = $50-100/sf (paint, hardware, fixtures, accessories)
- Mid-Range
- = $100-250/sf (new tile, vanity, toilet, lighting)
- Full Gut
- = $250-500/sf (move plumbing, structural changes, all new materials)
- Labor
- = 20-35% of total cost (tile installation is the most labor-intensive)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
A bathroom remodel in 2026 costs $3,000-$7,000 for a basic refresh (paint, fixtures, hardware), $10,000-$25,000 for a mid-range remodel (new tile, vanity, toilet), and $25,000-$75,000+ for a full gut renovation with layout changes. Half baths cost less due to smaller size and no shower/tub work.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
The most expensive items are typically labor (20-35% of total cost) and tile installation. Moving plumbing is the single biggest cost escalator — relocating a toilet, shower, or sink can add $1,500-$5,000 per fixture. Keeping plumbing in its current location is the best way to control costs.
Can I remodel a bathroom for under $10,000?
Yes. A cosmetic refresh for $3,000-$7,000 can transform a bathroom without gutting it. Focus on: painting ($200-400), new vanity with top ($300-$1,500), new toilet ($150-$500), updated fixtures and hardware ($200-$600), new mirror and lighting ($200-$800), and re-grouting or reglazing the tub ($300-$600). Skip tile replacement to stay under budget.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh takes 1-2 weeks. A mid-range remodel (new tile, vanity, fixtures) takes 3-5 weeks. A full gut renovation takes 6-10 weeks. Expect 1-2 days for demolition, 2-3 days for rough plumbing and electrical, 3-5 days for tile, and 2-3 days for fixture installation and finishing.
Should I use a shower pan or tile the shower floor?
A prefab shower pan costs $200-$800 and installs in a few hours. A custom-tiled shower floor with mortar bed and waterproof membrane costs $1,000-$3,000+ for labor and materials. Prefab pans are more reliable for waterproofing but limit design options. If tiling, use a proven waterproof system like Schluter DITRA or Laticrete Hydro Ban.
What bathroom upgrades add the most home value?
The highest-ROI bathroom upgrades are: updated vanity and countertop (60-70% ROI), new tile flooring (55-65%), modern lighting and mirrors (50-60%), and a walk-in shower conversion (50-60%). A mid-range bathroom remodel returns about 60-67% of its cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report.
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