2026 Bathroom Remodel Cost Overview
| Scope | Half Bath | Full Bath | Master Bath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh | $1,500 - $3,500 | $3,000 - $7,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $5,000 - $10,000 | $10,000 - $25,000 | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| High-End Remodel | $10,000 - $20,000 | $25,000 - $50,000 | $30,000 - $65,000 |
| Luxury Renovation | $15,000 - $30,000 | $35,000 - $70,000 | $50,000 - $100,000+ |
What Drives Bathroom Remodel Costs?
The biggest cost factors in a bathroom remodel are labor (typically 40-65% of total cost), tile work, and plumbing changes. Keeping plumbing in its current location can save $2,000 - $5,000 compared to moving drain lines and supply pipes. Tile labor is often the single most expensive line item, especially with intricate patterns or small mosaic tiles.
Permits and inspections are required in most jurisdictions for any work that involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Budget $200 - $800 for permits depending on your location. Skipping permits can create problems when selling your home.
A basic refresh (paint, fixtures, accessories) can transform a bathroom in a weekend for under $5,000. A mid-range remodel with new tile, vanity, and fixtures runs $10,000 - $25,000 for a standard full bath. High-end renovations with custom tile, frameless glass, and stone countertops start at $30,000 and up.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
Mid-Range Remodel — Full Bath (Standard)
Bathroom Size
~50 sq ft
Estimated Total Cost
$5,700.00 – $17,450.00
| Line Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Demo & Disposal | $500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Plumbing (fixture swap) | $500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Electrical & Lighting | $400.00 | $1,200.00 |
| Floor Tile | $400.00 | $750.00 |
| Shower/Tub Tile or Surround | $800.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Vanity & Countertop | $500.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Toilet | $200.00 | $500.00 |
| Fixtures & Hardware | $300.00 | $800.00 |
| Paint | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| Labor & Installation | $2,000.00 | $6,000.00 |
| Total | $5,700.00 | $17,450.00 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Keep plumbing in its current location to avoid expensive rough-in work
- Choose large-format tiles (12x24+) to reduce grout lines and installation labor
- Refinish an existing bathtub ($300-$600) instead of replacing it ($1,500-$5,000)
- Stock vanities from home centers ($200-$800) vs. custom ($2,000-$8,000+)
- Do your own demo to save $500-$1,500 in labor costs
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Bathroom Remodel Planning Guide
Expert insights on budgeting, materials, and cost drivers for bathroom renovations.
What Are the Biggest Cost Drivers in a Bathroom Remodel?
Tile, plumbing changes, and labor are the three largest cost drivers, collectively accounting for 60–80% of the total budget.
- Custom tile shower: $3,000–$10,000 vs. prefab insert at $800–$2,500
- Moving a toilet or shower: $1,500–$5,000 in plumbing alone
- Heated floors: $6–$12/sq ft installed (electric radiant mat)
- Frameless glass shower door: $1,000–$3,000 installed
The fastest way to cut costs: keep plumbing in the same locations. A "cosmetic refresh" (new tile, vanity, fixtures in the same layout) saves 30–50% over a full gut remodel.
Key Takeaways
- Custom tile shower: $3,000–$10,000 installed
- Keeping plumbing in place saves 30–50%
- Heated floors add $6–$12/sq ft
Bathroom Tile Costs by Type
Ceramic tile is the most affordable at $1–$5/sq ft for material, while natural stone ranges from $5–$25/sq ft.
- Ceramic: $1–$5/sq ft material, durable, easy to clean
- Porcelain: $3–$10/sq ft, denser and more water-resistant than ceramic
- Natural stone (marble, travertine): $5–$25/sq ft, requires sealing annually
- Large-format tile (24x24+): Fewer grout lines, modern look, needs very flat substrate
- Installation labor: $4–$8/sq ft for floor tile, $6–$12/sq ft for shower walls
Key Takeaways
- Ceramic tile: $1–$5/sq ft (most affordable)
- Porcelain: $3–$10/sq ft (best water resistance)
- Tile labor: $4–$12/sq ft depending on location
How to Budget for a Bathroom Remodel
Set aside 10–15% of your budget as a contingency fund — hidden water damage, rotten subfloors, and outdated plumbing are common discoveries once demo begins.
- Order fixtures early: Vanities and specialty tile can have 4–8 week lead times
- Get 3 quotes minimum: Compare line-item bids, not just totals
- Demo budget: Allow $500–$1,500 for demolition and haul-away
- Hidden costs: Permit fees ($200–$800), dumpster rental ($300–$600), temporary shower setup
Key Takeaways
- Contingency: 10–15% of total budget
- Fixture lead times: 4–8 weeks for specialty items
- Demo + haul-away: $500–$1,500
How to Use This Calculator
Review the cost overview table
Start by scanning the 2026 cost overview table to understand typical ranges for your bathroom size and desired scope. This gives you a quick ballpark before diving into details.
Select your bathroom size and scope
Use the interactive calculator to choose your bathroom size (half bath to master bath) and remodel scope (basic refresh to luxury renovation) for a personalized line-item estimate.
Review the detailed line-item breakdown
See exactly where your money goes with individual cost estimates for demo, plumbing, electrical, tile, vanity, fixtures, and labor at your selected scope level.
Use the money-saving tips
Apply the cost-saving strategies to identify where you can reduce costs without sacrificing quality, such as keeping plumbing in place or refinishing instead of replacing.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Formulas
Total Cost = Sum of All Line Items (Demo + Plumbing + Electrical + Tile + Vanity + Fixtures + Labor)
Cost per SF ranges: Basic $50-$100/sf, Mid-Range $100-$250/sf, High-End $250-$500/sf Where:
- Labor
- = Typically 40-65% of total project cost
- Tile
- = $8-$25 per sq ft installed (material + labor)
- Plumbing
- = $500-$4,000+ depending on scope of changes
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Frequently Asked Questions
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