If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, the first question that might come to mind is “how much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?” The answer is…
It depends! The cost of a bathroom remodel depends on what type of bathroom you’re remodeling, the square foot, and what you want done.
To find out an exact cost for what your bathroom remodel might be based on these factors, fill out the form below:
Otherwise, keep reading! We will break down some of the factors that contribute to a bathroom’s renovation cost.
The Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel by Size
The average cost of a bathroom remodel project depends on the size and layout of your bathroom. Here’s a brief rundown of the average full bathroom remodel cost based on size:
Half Bath Remodel
A great half bathroom remodel can take the most basic bathroom in your home and turn it into something beautiful and functional, especially if you’re wanting to wow guests for the first time!
Generally, the cost of these bathroom remodels runs somewhere between $2,000 and $4,000.
Job costs for this remodel vary depending on if you want to include:
- Upgrades to the faucet, toilet, and vanity
- Different flooring and lighting
- Fresh paint on the walls or new wallpaper
Guest Bathroom Remodel
A properly remodeled guest bathroom can play a big part in making your guests feel comfortable and welcome in your new home.
The average bathroom remodel cost can range from $10,000 and $15,000 for these renovations.
Job costs can vary depending on if you want:
- Upgrades such as new cabinets or paint colors
- Different flooring options like laminate or tile
- Different lighting options like pendant lights or track lighting
Master Bathroom Remodel
In general, master bathrooms tend to be more expensive than other bathrooms in a home because they often feature larger bathtubs and showers, multiple sinks, and vanities. Though master bathrooms tend to increase the value of a home, so the higher initial cost may be offset by an increased resale value.
Remodeling a master bathroom could cost between $15,000 and $30,000+.
Job costs will vary depending on if you want:
- Upgrades to lighting fixtures or plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, toilets, and sinks
- Double vanities, steam shower units, lighting options, etc.
- Different flooring options like tile or Vinyl
The Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel by Feature
If you’re wanting to remodel on a budget and save money, a good place to begin is with the wet area of your bathroom. The wet area is all the surfaces that are exposed when you take a shower or bath, including the flooring and walls surrounding these fixtures.
Here are some average bathroom remodel costs based on the features and materials you might choose for a bathroom’s wet area:
Fiberglass Tub or Shower Surround
A professional-installed fiberglass shower surround will cost between $6,000 and $7,000. Fiberglass surrounds are the simplest and most cost-effective way to update your bathroom.
On the other hand, fiberglass has a number of drawbacks, including restricted designs and colors, rapid deterioration due to cracking, and the ability to leak and stain easily.
Tile Surrounds with a NEW Shower Floor or Tub
A tiled shower with a new tile floor will cost between $12,000 and $14,000 to install. Tile, unlike fiberglass, provides for a wider range of designs, hues, and patterns that may be altered to match your specific preferences – like ceramic tile, porcelain, or stone.
Despite all of this, there are some disadvantages to consider. Tile will grow mold and mildew if not maintained and sealed every year.
Marble or Granite Surrounds and Floor
A marble or granite surround and floor will cost $30,000+. Despite the higher price tag, it is incredibly durable and gives your bathroom a rich and luxurious look.
However, marble or granite is just as susceptible to staining and must be sealed yearly. The slabs are also incredibly heavy and may take longer to install.
Acrylic Shower Surrounds
An Acrylic surround will cost around $8,000 and $10,000. The Acrylic surround we use is a beautiful multi-layered, composite material developed to provide the look of natural stone in wet wall applications. You will find it easy to clean and maintain, with less maintenance required over time than for real stone. While much more economical than its real counterpart, looking like natural stone comes at no sacrifice when it comes to strength or your wallet.
Sentrel Bath Systems is your perfect Acrylic wet-wall solution. All the beauty and none of the manual labor, rehabilitation costs, or maintenance hassle associated with natural stone. It looks just like real granite but there’s no installation downtime waiting for it to dry out before you can flip on the water!
Other Factors That Influence the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel
The factors that influence a bathroom remodel cost are not just limited to size and feature. Here are a few more factors that influence the total cost of this home improvement project:
Complexity of the Remodel
If you need to conduct any plumbing or electrical work, the cost to remodel your bathroom could be more of an investment than a project that doesn’t require these services. Also, this applies to any demolition or structural work that needs to be completed.
But when you start researching different bathroom remodelers, ask them if they handle most of these services in-house – instead of hiring out different contractors. If they can handle plumbing, demolition, and electrical work in-house (like we can), it will make the process of remodeling smoother and cheaper.
Budget and Timeline for Completing the Work
You’ll want to determine your budget first, then pick your fixtures and amenities around that cost. That way you won’t spend more on your bathroom remodel than planned.
Your expected timeframe for completing the bathroom remodel is also something worth considering. When do you need the bathroom remodel done by? Depending on if you want to install new fixtures, replace the flooring, etc., it might take more time to complete the bathroom remodel vs a remodel with limited changes or new fixtures.
Also, in some spaces, remodeling just the wet-area or dry-area may be more cost-effective than taking on a total bathroom remodel all at once.
Geography/Region
Even within Southern California, different regions can affect the cost of a bathroom remodel. For instance, in San Diego, you’re likely to pay more for labor than if you were working with contractors in Orange County or Riverside.
Cost of Labor
The last factor that can have an impact on bathroom remodel costs is the labor rate. The rates vary by region and may change depending on how busy a contractor might be at a given time.
How to Determine How Much Your Bathroom Remodel Will Cost
Now that you know of all the factors that influence the cost of a bathroom remodel, you can start to estimate how much money it will take for your bathroom.
To do this, follow the steps below and note or write out the answers to each of the questions:
Step One: Determine the Size of Your Bathroom
Are you remodeling a master, guest, or half-bath? Are you remodeling your whole bathroom? Or just the shower or bathtub area?
Step Two: Assess Which Fixtures or Appliances You Want Updated or Replaced
What do you envision for your bathroom design? Do you want to update your light fixtures? Or do you just need new tiles for the floor and walls of the bathroom? Also, what kind of surround feature appeals to you (marble, Sentrel, fiberglass)?
Step Three: Consider Your Budget and Plan for Additional Money If You Need It
Do you have a specific budget in mind or do you want an estimate overall with room to adjust it if necessary? Have you thought about what other costs there might be (permits, appliances)?
Step Four: Determine the Time Frame You Have to Complete Your Project
If you have a deadline for when you want your remodel to be done, this will help you determine if your contractor can work within that time frame or not.
Get a free, personalized cost estimate for your bathroom remodel.
To get a cost estimate for your bathroom remodel, take your answers from above and input them into our FREE Bathroom Remodeling Cost Estimate Tool below!
Jace Darling, Owner, American Home Remodeling
