A bathroom remodel might be just what you need to breathe new life into your home. Whether you need to remodel your master bathroom or guest bath, there are thousands of ways you could remodel it and a number of different ways to layout the new bathroom. But how much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

With all those options the cost to remodel a bathroom can vary dramatically. We’ll be breaking down everything you need to know and how to plan for the costs associated with remodeling.

How Much Will it Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom?

There are several factors that will directly affect and determine the cost of your next bathroom remodel. Here are a few different things that will shift the cost dramatically:

• Size of the bathroom
• The function of the bathroom
• Materials and installation time

On average homeowners spend $10,000 for a bathroom remodel. On the high end, you could spend as much as $30,000-$40,000 and smaller budget-friendly projects might be closer to $2,500 or less.

To help you better understand these variables and make sure that you get what you’re expecting out of every dollar you spend, we’ll break down the investment further below.

What Affects Bathroom Remodel Cost?

To say there’s a limited number of things that will affect your bathroom remodel cost this year would be a lie. There is simply an innumerable amount of factors, including:

1) Location of Your Home

The location of your home is a huge factor that many homeowners don’t think about. The fact is that many contractors live in more rural areas. Because of this remodels, renovations, and new builds in rural areas tend to be much cheaper because there are #1 – fewer projects happening in the area. And #2 more contractors per capita in that area.

In more urban settings projects tend to cost more because there’s more wealth throughout that area than there is in rural areas. Thus you can expect to be paying more for your remodels simply because of the location.

2) Cost of Materials

Inflation has been on the rise since early 2020 and because of that, the cost of materials has been skyrocketing. Inflation can and has quickly affected the total cost of bathroom remodels just like every other building and construction project.

Finding materials that you can purchase for less of an investment or find ways to save money on materials by purchasing in bulk and when products are on sale.

3) Quality of Materials

Quality of materials is hard to quantify and put a number on. Some materials are expensive and not high quality. While cheaper materials might still be of good quality. Ultimately, when we’re looking at the quality of materials and trying to save money, it’s good to consider where you care and where you don’t.

Some homeowners want to have specific hardware that’s more expensive and others are okay with something less expensive. Look into lots of different options so you can determine what’s best for you.

4) Cost of Labor

The cost of labor will change from state to state and city to city throughout the United States. Remodeling your bathroom in southern California is much more expensive than in rural Kansas.

There’s nothing you can do about this, just keep it in mind when you see a bid. If the cost of living is high in your area, then the contractors that work in that area will need to make a higher wage.

5) Time of Year

And finally, the time of year you choose to undergo a project can change the price slightly. Some contractors won’t change their prices at all during different seasons of the year. But, if you’re from the midwest like us, then you understand how ebbs and flows throughout the seasons can and will dramatically change how much certain things cost.

Let’s Breakdown Cost: Bathroom Remodel Line Items

When it comes to specific line items and their average cost. Our list below is far from extensive but it should provide you with a good understanding of the cost associated with different line items.

New or Refinished Cabinets: $800-$4,000

Getting cabinets installed in your home is a great way to freshen things up and make them new. The cost for this will depend on a few factors. The size of your bathroom, the quality of the cabinets you choose, and the finish you select. You can expect to spend an average of $800-$4000 on new cabinets.

Some smaller bathrooms cost less thanks to the lack of need for so many cabinets.

Countertops and Vanity $500-$4,000

Countertops and vanities are another big expense in bathroom remodels. The cost of this line item can vary greatly depending on the materials you choose, thickness, color, and style. You can expect to spend an average of $500-$4000 on countertops and vanity installations. However, larger vanities and granite countertops can cost upwards of $10,000.

Faucets and Plumbing $500

Installing new plumbing fixtures is a cost that can quickly add up. Especially if you choose to upgrade your faucets at the same time as the rest of your bathroom. Your shower, bathtub, sinks, and toilet can all add up pretty quickly.

But it’s good to get these items replaced as long as you’re in the mess of it.

Lighting Fixtures $100-$300

Replacing bathroom lighting fixtures is a great way to add some new life to the room. And it’s not a very expensive upgrade. You can expect to spend an average of $100-$300 on bathroom lighting fixtures. There’s always the potential for spending way more money, but that all comes with personal preference.

Tile or Engineered Flooring

The installation of tile or engineered flooring is a bathroom remodel project that can quickly get expensive. Tile can especially take up a big chunk of your budget because of the cost of the material and installation.

Engineered flooring is more cost-effective but much less resistant to water.

Walls and Ceilings (Sheetrock and Paint)

Painting your bathroom walls and ceilings is a quick and easy way to give it a fresh new look. But, if you’re doing a full remodel and you need to sheetrock the ceiling or any walls you’ll want to account for the labor and time that’s invested in sheetrocking.

Doors and Trim Work

For larger remodel projects trim and door updates are a must. Getting those new doors and trim can really pull the room together. And it’s a relatively cheap way to add some class to your already glamorous bathroom.

Bathtub and Shower $300-$2,500

Replacing your bathtub or shower is a big decision that can come with a big price tag. Bathtubs can range from $300-$2,500 and showers can cost anywhere from $600-$4000 depending on whether you choose an insert or tile.

Labor and Contracting Work

This is a big expense in bathroom remodels. The cost of labor and contracting can vary greatly depending on the contractor you choose, the size of the bathroom, and the amount of work that needs to be done.

If you are considering between hiring a contractor vs DIY, it’s crucial to be realistic about your capabilities. Contractors are critical to getting the job done well and covering all your bases. Sure, some things can be great DIY projects, but it’s not always as easy as it looks. At the end of the day, having a contractor will make all the difference between truly completing a project or just opening up a mess. 

Bathroom Renovation vs. Bathroom Remodel: Is There a Difference?

There is a big difference between bathroom renovation and bathroom remodel. While everyone refers to a renovation and remodel as one and the same thing, there is in fact a difference.

Renovation is the process of revamping or breathing new life into an existing space. Remodel on the other hand, changes the flow and function of a space.

If you have any questions about bathroom remodeling, make sure to check out these frequently asked questions!

Get It Done With a Contractor That Works With Your Budget

At Homeworx we want to provide you with the very best budget and the best opportunity for your bathroom remodel. Whether you’re remodeling a master bathroom, guest bath, or adding a bathroom to your home that wasn’t there in the first place there’s a lot that goes into the project.

Our team provides fast, professional service that can fit within your budget, big or small. Our processes are refined and we won’t try to nickel and dime you for every little thing.

Contact us today to get started with a free estimate.