Bathroom renovations are one of the most common types of home renovations today. An updated bathroom is not as expensive as a kitchen renovation and adds significant value to your home. So how much will it cost to renovate your bathroom? We have done extensive research in order to answer this question for you.
The average bathroom renovation will cost between $5,000 and $15,000. This average presupposes the use of professional contractors. On the low end, with some DIY, a small bathroom could be renovated for under $3,000. Looking at the opposite side of the spectrum, a luxury master bath renovation can cost $30,000 or even up to $50,000. On average, you can expect to pay around $125/square foot. Some of the factors that will affect the cost of your renovation include:
- By Bathroom Size - $70-$275/sq. ft.
- Labor - 20% of the total cost
- Tub/shower - $400 - $10,000
- Sink - $100 -$300
- Countertop - $200 - $1,000
- Vanity - $300 -$3,000
- Toilet - $200 -$600
- Fixtures - $500 -$2,500
- Flooring - $300 - $1,800
- Plumbing - $400 - $2,500
- Paint - $50 - $200
- Light fixtures - $50 - $500
- Extras
As you can see, renovating a bathroom can be a complex issue. A lot of the price will depend on how in-depth you want your remodel to be. Keep reading as we look a little deeper into the cost of renovating your bathroom as well as the steps involved in the process.
What Steps Are Involved In Remodeling A Bathroom?
A bathroom renovation is no simple task. There are many steps involved in the process, as you can see laid out below:
- Plan and budget for your renovation
- Demo any areas that you are replacing
- Complete any framing that is necessary
- Rough-in the plumbing
- Run the electrical
- Add blocking where necessary
- Finish the walls with cement board, drywall, and/or tile
- Install the shower/tub
- Paint the bathroom
- Lay the flooring
- Install your vanity and sink
- Install the toilet
- Add extras
The Costs Of Renovating A Bathroom
Let's look in more detail at all the costs involved in a bathroom renovation.
Size
The size of your bathroom is obviously going to play a large role in the overall cost of your renovation. A powder room will cost significantly less than a master bathroom, or even a guest bathroom.
In addition to the extra square footage, size often affects what fixtures you have. A small bathroom may have a pedestal sink and not have a tub or shower. A large master bath may have two sinks, a closet, extra accessories, and an extra-large shower. It may even have a double shower! You should expect to pay between $70 and $275/sq. ft.
Labor
Labor typically makes up around 20% of the total project cost. Professional installation can be very valuable. There are many different tools involved as well as skill sets that many homeowners do not have. However, if you are willing and able to do much of the work yourself, that's great! In that case, it is possible to cut that down to as little as $70/sq. ft.
Tub/Shower
The choice of what bathtub or shower you will install will affect the price of your renovation. To start with, a bathtub will usually be cheaper than a shower. However, there are many variables.
Bathtubs
The cost of installing a bathtub is dependent on the type of bathtub and its surround.
Tub Types
- Free-standing bathtubs, like claw-foot tubs, are an amazing feature to have. However, this option can be quite expensive in both installation and plumbing. For just the bathtub, you are looking at $800 - $2,500.
- Alcove bathtubs have become the standard for bathrooms across America. These are easy to install and are arguably the cheapest option. These typically cost $150 - $800.
- Drop-in tubs are dependent on a supportive form, into which they are dropped. Drop-in tubs often come with a whirlpool or massage feature. The supportive platform works to hide the extra plumbing that is involved. Expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for these, plus extra plumbing and installation.
- Walk-in tubs are a relatively new option that can be very valuable for those with disabilities. Walk-in tubs can be purchased for around $4,000 on average.
Tub Surround
Tub surrounds are typically either tiled or are made of pre-fabricated fiberglass.
- A tiled tub surround is going to take more effort than a fiberglass surround. However, it is not necessarily more expensive. You can tile your tub surround yourself for around $250, or hire a professional for about $850.
- A fiberglass tub surround will usually be easier to install than a tiled one. These are walls that are ready to install. Often, they have shelves formed into them, to hold soap and other items. Fiberglass tub surrounds can be found for $80 - $300. Higher-end surrounds that come with grip-bars, or look like stone, marble, or granite can cost over $1,000.
Showers
As with bathtubs, there are many different options when it comes to choosing your shower. Ultimately, the price will be affected by that choice.
Tiled
Tile is super easy to keep clean, and always looks good, so it is a very popular choice. Showers are built in many different sizes. When you're renovating your shower, as with the rest of the bathroom, DIY saves money. You can expect to pay around $12/ sq. ft. for a professional and $3.50/ sq. ft. for a DIY project.
Something that may interest you for your bathroom renovation: Is Matte Or Glossy Tile Better For A Shower?
Fiberglass
You may be surprised at how nice some fiberglass shower surrounds are. They come with grip-bars, seats, shelves, and all kinds of other features. Depending on how elaborate your fiberglass shower is, it will cost between $200 and $1,300.
Sink
If you are upgrading your sink, you have so many choices to peruse. Sinks come in five main categories, and we will look into the price of each.
Drop-in
Drop-in sinks are one of the most popular and economical sinks out there. They are set in a pre-cut hole in your vanity countertop and are very easy to install. Drop-in sinks can be square, rectangular, round, or oblong and typically range in price from $30 to $500.
Undermount
As the name implies, undermount sinks are mounted underneath the countertop. If you intend to use this type of sink, plan on spending between $30 and $200.
Vessel
Vessel sinks are unique and decorative fixtures. They are mounted atop the vanity and appear to have been merely set there. Vessel sinks cost between $70 and $800.
Wall-mount
Wall-mount sinks are especially useful in small bathrooms and powder rooms. They are mounted to the wall with or without the support of a set of legs. You can find wall-mount sinks without legs for $200 - $400 and with legs for $700 - $1,000.
Pedestal
Pedestal sinks, like wall-mounts sinks, are ideal for small bathrooms. They are supported by a stand and take up very little room. Pedestal sinks cost around $60 - $400.
If you would link to learn more about replacing your bathroom sink, check out these articles:
How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Bathroom Sink?
How Long Does it Take To Install A New Bathroom Sink?
Countertop
Vanity countertops can be prefabricated or custom cut to fit your vanity. Some of the most popular bathroom countertops include:
Tile
Ceramic tiles can be installed as a vanity countertop. Tile comes in many different sizes and quality. One of the most popular types is glazed ceramic tile. With installation, they can cost anywhere from $1 to $30 per square foot.
Prefabricated Composite
Composite countertops are sold to fit standard vanity sizes. They come made for one sink or two and cost between $50 and $500.
Prefabricated Natural Stone
These vanity tops are made of different types of natural stone and come ready to be installed. They are cut to standard sizes, have precut holes, and have finished edges. These natural stone countertops range in price from $200 - $1,000.
Custom Countertops
Sometimes homeowners have an existing vanity or want a vanity top that will cater to their specific needs. This is where custom countertops come in. Professionals will come and measure for your countertop, and custom cut it. Anything that is custom-made costs extra and vanity tops are no exception. You will typically pay $65 - $100 per square foot.
Vanity
Bathroom vanities are usually split into two main categories: standard and master.
Standard
Standard bathroom vanities can range in size and price. You can find a small, one door vanity for around $100. For $300 - $400, you can get a vanity that has a set of drawers along with double doors. However, if you're looking for a more elaborate cabinet with several sets of drawers, these typically cost $700 and up.
Master
Master bathroom vanities typically have double sinks and are significantly larger than the standard. They also have more storage. Master bathroom vanities can cost from $800 all the way up to $2,000.
Toilet
Choosing your toilet may be the easiest decision that you make in your bathroom renovation. As long as you know whether you want a round seat or an oblong seat, you're good to go. As with anything, there are certainly expensive options available. However, toilets can usually be purchased for under $200.
Fixtures
Bathroom fixtures refer to the sink faucet as well as the bathroom faucet and showerhead.
Sink Faucet
Bathroom sink faucets are found in two main categories. These are widespread and center set faucets. A widespread or mini widespread faucet can cost anywhere from $50 to $400. However, a center set faucet can typically be found for under $150.
If you're not sure which one you want or need, you may find this article helpful: What Is The Difference Between Widespread And Centerset Faucets?
Tub Faucet And Showerhead
Basic wall mount faucets and showerheads for your bathtub can be found for $100 or less. However, there is a huge selection of bathtub fixtures that cost more than that, and are worth every penny.
Click here to see this unique fixture on Amazon.
Flooring
When it comes to choosing the flooring for your bathroom renovation, you have several options to choose from. These include:
Tile
Tile is the ultimate flooring for your bathroom. It is durable and waterproof. You can use either porcelain tile or ceramic tile, as they are equally suitable. The cost of tiling your bathroom will fall somewhere in the range of $1 - $30 per square foot.
Vinyl
Within the category of vinyl flooring, there are several variables. You can choose vinyl sheeting, vinyl tile, or vinyl plank. Sheet vinyl can be found for under $1.50 per square foot while vinyl tile runs from $2 - $7 per square foot. Alternatively, vinyl plank costs between $1.50 and $7. Installation costs are separate.
Natural Stone
Stone flooring can add so much detail and character to your bathroom. The price tag is a little high for most natural stones. However, there are some natural stone options as low as $3.50 per square foot. Marble, slate, granite, and other natural stones can help to achieve the look you're wanting. A realistic price expectation is $10 - $25 per square foot for quality natural stone tile.
Engineered Wood
If you're looking for the classic look of wood in your bathroom, this could be it. Engineered wood holds up much better than real wood in the moist conditions of a bathroom. You can purchase this option for $2 or $3 per square foot.
Plumbing
Running the plumbing for your bathroom renovation can use up a large portion of your budget. The plumbing itself is not all that expensive. However, hiring a professional plumber should be budgeted in, bringing the average bathroom up to $400 - $2,500.
Paint
An essential part of any renovation is paint. A small bathroom should not need any more than one $50 can of paint. Brushes and primers can add another $30 - $70. A large bathroom will take a second can of paint, which can bring the cost up to $150 - $200.
Light Fixtures
You will probably need an updated bathroom light as well. Expect to pay $30 - $40 for a light fixture with a single sconce. A light fixture with multiple lights can cost $50 - 300, or even more.
Extras
There may be extra features that you want in your bathroom. Grip bars in the shower can be found for under $50. Towel racks can cost $15 to $40 apiece. An exhaust fan will cost you around $150. The extras can certainly add up quickly if you're not careful.
How Long Does It Take To Renovate A Bathroom?
The process of remodeling a bathroom is not always cut and dry. Sometimes, there is water damage that was not accounted for, there could be last-minute changes, and many other factors that affect the timeline. However, on average, you can complete a full bathroom renovation in about a month.
What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Bathroom Remodel?
When you're remodeling your bathroom, tile and plumbing work will be the most expensive parts. The tile itself is not always expensive, although the smaller tiles you choose, the more it will cost.
It is usually the labor involved that racks up. Therefore, doing the work yourself can certainly reduce the costs. That being said, plumbing work is usually best handled by a professional. Plumbing that is not run correctly can result in drainage problems, and therefore, more costs.
How Often Should You Redo A Bathroom?
Some bathrooms last a really long time, in terms of function. However, many reasons can prompt your bathroom remodel. Your bathroom may be outdated and should be updated or you may have damaged fixtures that should be replaced.
The layout may be impractical and not suited to your needs. Alternatively, you may simply be ready for a fresh look. On average, bathrooms need to be evaluated every 5 years to determine if they are due for a remodel.
In What Order Should You Remodel A Bathroom?
While there's no order that's completely set in stone, this is an excellent outline to follow for a successful remodel:
1. Plan and budget for your remodel
This may be the most time-consuming part of your project. Careful planning will ensure that everything runs smoothly. Plan what you will spend, and purchase what you will need to start. Some purchases can be made later, as space allows.
2. Demo any areas that you are replacing
Any part of the old bathroom that needs to be replaced should be pulled out at this point. If you are moving any walls, this is the time to knock them out. It is easier to do all of the demolition at once and start with a clean slate.
3. Complete any framing that is necessary
If you had damage to the bathroom structure, or if you are moving walls, frame it back in before continuing.
4. Rough-in the plumbing
If any aspects of the plumbing are changing, they should be taken care of now. You should inspect and fix the shower, sink, and toilet plumbing as well.
5. Install the shower/tub
Plumbing and tub/shower installation go hand in hand and should be completed together.
6. Run the electrical
The easiest time to run electrical components is while the walls are still open. You can now move outlets, lights, and switches to more convenient locations.
7. Add blocking where necessary
If you plan on installing towel racks or grip bars, you should install blocking between the studs.
8. Finish the walls
Now that you have completed the plumbing and electrical work, you can close in the walls. Install cement board and drywall then apply your finish to the walls, such as tile or drywall texture.
9. Paint the bathroom
This is the point at which the new bathroom begins to take shape.
10. Lay the flooring
Flooring is one of the final steps involved in remodeling your bathroom. Begin at the end furthest from the door and work your way out of the bathroom.
11. Install your vanity and sink
Secure your vanity to the wall and install the sink. Install your faucet and connect the plumbing.
12. Install the toilet
The toilet should be installed and hooked up at this point.
13. Add the extras
Lights, fans, towel racks, and other finishing touches can now be installed to finish up the remodel. Lastly, enjoy your new bathroom!
In Closing
Renovating your bathroom can be a huge task, but it will bring great satisfaction when it is complete. Whether you're simply switching out a vanity, or doing a complete makeover, renovations add value to your home. With the tools found in this article, you can now effectively plan and budget for your next project!