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Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide

How much does a bathroom remodel cost? Get 2026 cost breakdowns by scope - basic refresh ($3K-$7K), mid-range ($10K-$25K), high-end ($30K+).

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2026 Bathroom Remodel Cost Overview

ScopeHalf BathFull BathMaster 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.

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Mid-Range Remodel — Full Bath (Standard)

Bathroom Size

~50 sq ft

Estimated Total Cost

$5,700.00 – $17,450.00

Line ItemLow EstimateHigh 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

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
A bathroom remodel in 2026 costs $3,000 to $7,000 for a basic refresh, $10,000 to $25,000 for a mid-range remodel, and $30,000 to $65,000+ for a high-end renovation of a standard full bath. Master bathrooms cost more due to larger size, often reaching $50,000-$100,000 for luxury renovations.
What is the biggest cost in a bathroom remodel?
The two biggest costs are labor (40-65% of total) and tile work. Tile installation alone can cost $10-$25 per square foot for labor, and intricate patterns or small mosaic tiles increase this significantly. The third biggest cost is plumbing, especially if you move drain lines or supply pipes ($2,000-$5,000 to relocate).
Can I remodel a bathroom for $5,000?
Yes, a basic refresh of a full bathroom can be done for $3,000-$7,000. Focus on cosmetic updates: new paint ($200-$400), updated fixtures and hardware ($200-$600), a new vanity mirror ($100-$400), better lighting ($150-$400), and fresh accessories. Skip tile replacement and keep all plumbing in place.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A basic 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. Luxury renovations with structural changes can take 8-12 weeks. These timelines assume materials are pre-ordered - tile backordering can add 2-6 weeks.
Does a bathroom remodel increase home value?
Yes. A mid-range bathroom remodel returns approximately 60-70% of the investment at resale. A minor bathroom refresh ($5,000-$10,000) often returns 80-100% because the ROI is highest on affordable cosmetic updates. The key is matching the remodel quality to the neighborhood - over-improving rarely pays back.
Should I hire a contractor or DIY my bathroom remodel?
It depends on scope. DIY-friendly tasks include painting, installing fixtures, replacing a vanity, and demolition. Hire a professional for plumbing changes, electrical work, tile installation, and waterproofing (a failed shower waterproofing job can cost $5,000-$15,000 to fix). A general contractor typically charges 15-25% of the total project cost.

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