Bathroom Remodel Services Blog and Resources

A bathroom remodel typically costs between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the scope, materials, and size of the project. For a mid-range remodel, homeowners generally spend around $10,000 to $15,000, which can include upgrades like new flooring, countertops, and fixtures. Larger projects that involve significant plumbing work or high-end finishes, such as marble countertops or custom cabinetry, may push the cost beyond $25,000.  Costs can also be influenced by factors like labor rates, especially if you require skilled professionals for plumbing or electrical work. Additionally, premium features such as heated floors, luxury soaking tubs, or smart showers can add thousands to the final price. Homeowners should also consider the potential return on investment, as bathroom remodels typically increase home value and improve resale potential. Careful planning, gathering multiple quotes from contractors, and exploring financing options can help manage costs and maximize the benefits of the renovation.  Average Bathroom Remodel Cost Ranges Partial Remodels: Smaller projects, such as updating fixtures or retiling, generally range from $3,000 to $7,000. Full Bathroom Remodel: Renovating the entire bathroom, including new flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing fixtures, often costs between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on material choices and labor rates.  Primary Bathrooms In 2024, the average cost to remodel a primary bathroom ranges from $14,000 to $25,000, with an expected return on investment (ROI) of about 59%. A typical primary bathroom remodel includes updating the shower and/or bathtub, installing a new vanity and sink, improving lighting, and adding fresh paint. Due to the larger size, remodeling a primary bathroom tends to be more expensive compared to smaller bathrooms like guest or half bathrooms. Full Bathroom Remodel (Non-Primary) The cost to remodel a full bathroom that is not a primary bathroom typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the project’s scope and materials. Full bathrooms usually include a shower or bathtub, toilet, sink, and vanity, and the cost to renovate these spaces is lower than that of a primary bathroom due to their smaller size. However, similar updates like tile replacement, plumbing, and new fixtures still apply, and a remodel of this type can yield a strong ROI, especially for guest bathrooms.  Half Bathrooms The cost to remodel a small half bathroom in 2024 is generally between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on the project’s scope. Without a shower or bathtub, half bath remodels tend to cost less, averaging $115 to $300 per square foot. Adding a shower to a half bath will increase costs but also boost your home’s resale value. Adding a Bathroom to Your Home Adding a new bathroom to your home costs between $5,000 and $30,000, with prices reaching up to $90,000 if expanding the home’s square footage. However, this addition can add as much as 10% to your home’s resale value.  Additional Costs to Consider Plumbing Adjustments: Major plumbing changes, like relocating a shower or toilet, can add an extra $1,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity. Luxury Features: High-end features like heated flooring, freestanding tubs, or smart showers can add $5,000 or more to the project cost. Permits and Fees: Many renovations require permits, which can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your local regulations.  Factors Affecting Bathroom Remodel Costs Size of the Bathroom: Larger bathrooms require more materials and labor, driving up the overall cost. Material Choices: High-end materials like marble or custom cabinetry increase costs, while budget-friendly alternatives like porcelain tile or laminate countertops can help keep prices down. Labor Costs: Labor prices vary based on location and the complexity of the remodel. Expect to spend between $50 and $150 per hour for professional contractors. Plumbing and Electrical Work: Extensive changes to plumbing or electrical systems can significantly impact the final cost.  Popular Remodeling Companies and Cost Comparisons When comparing bathroom remodel costs, the company you choose can significantly impact the total expenses. Here's a look at what you can expect based on popular bathroom remodel companies:  Kohler Bathroom Remodels  Known for premium, high-quality products, Kohler remodels typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. These remodels often include high-end features and custom designs that elevate the overall cost.  Explore reviews from real homeowners on Kohler's services. American Standard Bathroom Remodels  For a more affordable option, American Standard offers reliable products with remodels ranging from $7,000 to $15,000, making it ideal for homeowners seeking durability without breaking the bank.  Jacuzzi Bathroom Remodels  If you're seeking a spa-like experience, Jacuzzi remodels can cost between $12,000 and $30,000, especially when including luxury tubs or hydrotherapy features, making it a high-end investment for ultimate relaxation.  Explore reviews from real homeowners on Jacuzzi's services. Savings Over Time Investing in a bathroom remodel can boost your home's value, with most mid-range remodels recouping about 60-70% of the project cost at resale. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient fixtures can reduce water and energy bills over time, offering long-term savings.  The Bottom Line: Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It? Bathroom remodel costs vary depending on the project scope, materials, and labor. On average, a full remodel will range from $10,000 to $25,000, while smaller updates might be completed for $3,000 to $7,000. While the initial investment may seem high, bathroom renovations not only enhance your home's comfort but also offer a solid return on investment, especially if you plan to sell in the future. Be sure to compare quotes, explore financing options, and carefully plan your renovation to maximize value.

A bathroom remodel adds luxury and value to a home. However, depending on how a homeowner goes about their bathroom remodel, the price could fluctuate by thousands of dollars. You don’t want to be flushing your money down the toilet. Here are some simple, money-saving tips to keep in mind when you remodel your bathroom: 1. Renovate your tub instead of buying a new one If your bathtub is structurally fine but just needs a facelift, look into resurfacing the tub or ordering a bath liner. Resurfacing can change the color of your tub and make it look brand new. This requires the use of chemicals and should be done by a professional. It will usually cost a couple hundred dollars. If your tub is a little dinged up and you want a new surface to it, you can order a custom bath liner that will fit snugly over your existing tub. 2. Keep plumbing where it is Moving plumbing around will quickly raise the price of your bathroom remodel by thousands of dollars. To move pipes you usually will have to get in the flooring and walls. Keep remodeling costs low by leaving your toilet, vanity, and shower where they already are. If you’re redoing your shower, try to keep the drain and spigot in about the same place to take advantage of the existing plumbing. If you’re planning a full scale renovation (moving walls and appliances), consult a plumber or knowledgeable contractor about how to keep the plumbing costs low. 3. Skip the fancy toilet A basic toilet can cost you as little as $100. Though you might not want one that cheap, a $1,000 toilet is excessive. A water-saving toilet might save money over time, but you can get an efficient toilet without all the other bells and whistles. If you’re replacing your toilet, consider if you really need to replace the whole thing. Most toilets come in two or more parts. Do you need a whole new one, or just a new bowl? Does it look okay, but doesn’t work so well? Look into just replacing some interior parts. 4. Search for damaged (and discounted!) appliances When a hardware store has a chipped, scratched, dented, or otherwise compromised appliance, it can’t sell it for full price anymore. These type of appliances make their way to scratch and dent sellers. These stores are also called appliance outlets, open-box appliances, or appliance clearance. You can find things like bathtubs, shower surrounds, sinks, toilets, hardware, cabinets, and countertops. Most of these types of appliances are sold at a large discount, usually more than 50 percent off. Sometimes the scratch or dent is on a place that won’t be seen in your bathroom, like the side or back. If the appliance is broken, it may cost less to repair than it would to buy one brand new. 5. Think about what the bathroom will be used for most If you’re remodeling your master bath, you might want to spend some extra money on luxury fixtures like heated floors, a rain shower, or soaker tub. However, if you’re remodeling a different space like a powder room or guest bath, it’s unlikely you’ll miss these elegant touches. If you’re remodeling a bathroom that you aren’t planning on spending much time in, keep it simple. 6. Only add luxury where it matters If you’re only going to take a bath once a year, skip the jetted tub. If you live somewhere warm, you probably don’t need in-floor heating. However, if you’ve always dreamed of a walk-in shower, that’s where you should splurge. If a generic white sink is just fine for you, don’t get a marble one. Prioritize your “must haves” first. 7. Limit the fancy tile Tile is usually priced by the square foot or by each piece. If you’ve been dreaming of a custom tile mosaic, do it, but don’t do it in your whole bathroom. Use nice or custom tile as an accent, maybe in the shower, in a certain part of the floor, or as vanity backsplash. In the rest of the bathroom, use a generic (and inexpensive!) tile that matches your custom accent. Less expensive tile could be subway tile, vinyl tile, or ceramic tile instead of porcelain. In recent years, vinyl flooring has grown in popularity due to its durability, price, and wide range in colors and design. You can even get vinyl planks that look just like hardwood floors. You could consider taking wood-style vinyl up your bathroom walls for a sauna look. 8. Don’t buy a generic accessory at a high-end retailer If you’re shopping for your accent tile at an artisan or custom boutique, don’t also buy your generic tile there. Chances are you can find something similar at a more affordable store. Another example, if you don’t care what style your towel bar is in, look for a generic one at a warehouse store. 9. Focus on small, impactful fixes Sometimes all your bathroom needs is some new lighting and accents. Add some extra lighting by the vanity. Change out fixtures like door handles, faucets, drawer pulls, or light fixtures to give your bath an updated feel. Add mirrors to make your bathroom feel larger. You can easily add crown moulding to your bathroom for under $100. Crown moulding makes the room feel taller and more elegant. Consider framing your mirror or adding a piece of statement art. 10. Do your own painting Though painting takes time and patience, it’s a relatively easy job. If your bathroom doesn’t have extremely tall walls, this is easily a job that you can tackle yourself instead of hiring it out. If you aren’t sure what color to paint your walls, buy a small amount of paint of a few color options and paint them in swatches on the walls or on poster boards that you can hold up in different parts of the room. 11. Haul your own materials and garbage If you have a truck (or can borrow one), you can save on disposal and delivery fees by hauling away garbage or picking up materials yourself. If you’re doing demolition as part of your remodel, you’ll definitely have some scraps to get rid of. 12. Go to the store to buy the materials yourself If you’re paying your contractor by the hour, you don’t want to pay them to roam Home Depot. Most contractors charge at least $50 per hour. Talk with your contractor about what he’ll need, make a detailed list, and take care of the errand yourself. Though it might take you a couple of hours, it will save you money and will help your project get done faster because the contractor can keep working while you’re picking up what they need. Also, while you’re at the store you’ll be keeping your eyes out for specials and sales, something your contractor doesn’t have as much interest in when they’re spending your money. 13. Always get more than one bid Make sure to ask several contractors or companies how much they will charge for your bathroom remodel. You’ll be able to compare the quotes and see which is best. Before you ask, do your research and make an estimate about how much you think would be fair. This knowledge will give you some bargaining power and help you be able to tell if you’re being overcharged. 14. Get a full cost breakdown from the contractor This will help you know which prices are negotiable. Labor cost is extremely variable, but the materials cost might be fixed. If you can, only pay the contractor for the labor cost and buy all materials yourself to ensure you’re getting the best price. 15. Make and stick to a budget Before you begin your bathroom remodel, define how much money you have available to spend. Do your research about how much each part of the remodel is going to cost. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000 but costs can easily get out of hand and reach double or triple that. Find out how much your big ticket items and labor will cost, then decide how much you have left for the smaller touches. Leave wiggle room in your budget for surprises like mold and mildew or the project taking longer than anticipated. 16. Schedule your remodel in the off-season Contractors typically don’t charge a flat fee for their services. Their labor cost fluctuates depending on several factors, including how busy they are. If your contractor is busy, they won’t be itching for new work and will give you a higher bid for their services. However, if they don’t have many jobs lined up, you’re more likely to get a good deal. Construction off-season is usually in the winter. 17. Create a comprehensive design plan before you begin If you don’t have the remodel completely mapped out from start to finish, you’ll end up spending more money as you change your mind on design plans. Begin with mood boards (like Pinterest), a free design consultation from the company you’re working with, or drawing it all out on paper. 18. Do some remodel work yourself Some remodel work, like plumbing, electrical work, or intricate tiling, is better left to the professionals. Some remodeling requires permits, and if you do it wrong it could even be dangerous. However, some remodeling can be done as a DIY project. Consider painting, installing fixtures, doing clean up, and helping in demolition and the removal of old appliances. 19. Pick a well-reviewed company or contractor Most bathroom remodel horror stories begin with a bad contractor. Check out their previous work and ask for references. Check the contractor’s licenses. If you hire a lousy remodeling company or contractor you could end up thousands of dollars poorer with a bad bathroom. See our list of the best bathroom remodeling companies here. 

Mold. Miscommunication. Money pit. When you’re starting a bathroom remodel, these aren’t things you want to hear. You finalize your design plans and cross your fingers that everything will go smoothly. You dream of shiny new floors and a spotless tiled shower that will make your bathroom feel like a palace. Some bathroom remodels go well, but some don’t. Here are seven stories of bathroom remodels that didn’t go as planned: "The biggest $25,000 lesson I learned" Karina Rabin’s story starts when she hired a man on the Home Depot contractor list to paint her garage. After that went well, he offered to redo her bathroom tile too. Rabin says, “I was very hesitant because he showed me previous work on his phone, and I didn’t like it.” However, she went forward with the remodel. “I bought the tile and once they started to install it, I was in love with the design.” Once it was finished she had one of her friends, who works as a general contractor, come and see how it turned out. The friend pointed out that there were cracks in the wall, none of it was straight, the tile was in the wrong order, and there were leaks and mold behind it. Rabin says she fought with the contractor she had hired about his terrible work. She found out he had lied and didn’t have any sort of license. Rabin laments, “Our mistake that we didn’t check.” Rabin hired another contractor, a friend of a friend, to redo the tile work. He charged her only a fourth of the price that the first guy did. Better, right? Not completely. This second contractor didn’t tile all the way up the shower which caused problems when the plumber came. I asked Rabin what she would have done differently. “What I would have done different is RESEARCH these people. Ask for references and look at reviews. The biggest $25,000 lesson learned for a little bathroom which we still cannot use.” "I noticed leaks coming through the ceiling" Matthew Ross from California encountered some serious problems as he tried to tackle the bathroom remodel in his first home. Ross recounts, “In order to save costs, I attempted to do a lot of the work myself or contract out each individual job to local handymen. However, the remodel process was much more involved than I thought and I ended up making some serious mistakes, especially when it came to my master bathroom. “Instead of putting in a shower pan or building a new custom basin, I had a local handyman try to resurface the existing hot mop for me. Long story short, I noticed leaks coming through the ceiling on the floor below the master bathroom about three months later. I then had to completely tear out the shower once again and start from scratch. The whole debacle cost me well over $20,000.” "We had to do a lot more than anticipated" Sarah Elsley from the United Kingdom didn’t plan on renovating her bathroom just yet. She was going to start with renovating the kitchen and then move on to the bathroom after she had saved up. While in the middle of gutting the kitchen, they found bad pipe. Elsey says, “The leak had slowly rotted the kitchen.” They needed to remove and reroute the whole pipe. It ran under the bathroom, so they “had to remove the bath, sink, and toilet and all of the floorboards from the upstairs bathroom. The tiles came off the wall, the floorboards came up so we could get to all the plumbing underneath. We also found that the leak had rotted some of the joists so these had to be replaced as well. We had to do a lot more than anticipated. We found plastic sheets stuffed into the brickwork to make it level (and some of the bricks weren't secured with cement; they were just laid on top of the plastic tarpaulin). There were so many unexpected problems.” "We discovered a wall full of ants" Shilamida Kypershteyn remodeled her bathroom while living in New Jersey. Kypershteyn tells about when she first met the contractor she hired, “He was actually a recommendation from a patient of mine, so I didn't think to do that much research. We met at the tub and tile store, and he seemed to know what he was doing. We were in a rush, which was probably our first mistake!” On the first day of remodeling, Kypershteyn got a call that while the contractors were ripping down the walls, they found mold and needed to stop. Kypershteyn went to look at it the next day and discovered that it wasn’t mold, but actually a wall full of ants! The second day of construction got worse. “The guys were working and all of a sudden we heard a loud thump. One of the guys literally fell through the bathroom floor into the living room.”Shilamida says that she paid a large portion of the balance at the beginning of the project, but decided not to pay all of it up front. This didn’t go over so well, “Because we wouldn't put up any more money the contractor disappeared with all of our money and left us with a disaster to clean up. What was supposed to take a few weeks turned into months.” When I asked Kypershteyn what she would’ve done differently during her remodel, she said she should’ve had done her due diligence. She wished she had looked into the contractor’s past work, called references, and checked his licenses. "It took us almost a year to do by ourselves" No one fell through the floor during Carmen Smith’s bathroom remodel, but the project took much longer than expected. Smith says, “We gave ourselves a 6-week timeline and instead it took us almost a year.” Why did it take so long? Carmen and her husband did it all themselves. Smith works from home as a blogger and her husband works full time. “We grossly underestimated the time it would take to complete this. Neither of us had done anything like this before, things like sheetrock, backerboard, tile — all huge projects that required knowledge and skill.” In addition to tackling aspects of bathroom remodel that the couple had little experience in, the remodel was put on hold when Smith and her husband welcomed an adopted baby boy to their home. What would Smith have done differently? “ We should have had more help lined up. We also needed to have more of a plan.” Smith continues, “Because tile is such an intricate piece and a very focal point of our bathroom, we absolutely would have hired that out. We also will never do sheetrock ourselves again. We got it done and it’s fine, but it was brutal and a professional could have had it done in a day or two.” "Don't assume that you and the contractor are on the same page" When Shawn Breyer from Atlanta talks about the bathroom in one of his rental properties he says, “We had a lot of struggles with the contractor.” There wasn’t a clear definition of what the contractor would take care of and what was Breyer’s responsibility. He recounts, “When the contractor needed materials for the job, they would call us and make us go pick up materials for them after we got off of work. We would spend roughly five hours per week at Home Depot picking up stuff for them.” Breyer gives some advice to those starting a bathroom remodel, “When it comes to the quality of the work for your bathroom, don't assume that you and the contractor are on the same page about the end results. You may be expecting a move in ready, professionally cleaned bathroom while the contractor usually leaves the bathroom in broom swept condition with dirt and dust everywhere. Sometimes you can even encounter a contractor that gets 90 percent finished and proceeds to pull his crew off to work on the next home while sending back people as they free up. Make sure that your contract with the contractor has a section stating that they will complete the work in accordance with the local laws and settle on the condition of the bathroom when it is completed.” In addition to having to run errands for his contractor, Breyer didn’t like that the remodel took longer than he had been promised. “They had projected four weeks to complete the work, but it ended up taking them two months to complete it. We found out later on that the contractor was doing side jobs for the neighboring houses instead of working on our house. This delayed us being able to get a tenant into the property for an extra month.” “I flushed the toilet and it steamed my bum!" “I just flushed the toilet and it started steaming my bum!” This is not what Brian Davis wanted to hear from his tenant. The contractor had installed the toilet with the hot and cold water lines reversed! Davis says, “We both had a laugh over it, and the contractor sheepishly went out to switch the lines.” Davis talks about how misplaced hot and cold water lines are annoying for tenants or AirBnb guests who are constantly having to figure out how the plumbing works. In addition to being confusing and inconvenient, Davis says that reversed water lines “in some cases, like the toilet, if left uncorrected it’s a huge waste of energy, heating water that doesn’t need to be heated.” Bonus Tip! Before you start busting through walls and tearing out sinks, look at this guide to see what home decor trends and styles are out.