How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost 2023: How much would it cost to remodel your bathroom? According to industry experts, a bathroom remodel for small or smaller-sized bathrooms can typically range from $3,000 to $25,000, with an average cost of $10,000. Yet, bear in mind that these numbers may vary widely because they include everything from remodels by DIY homeowners, who saved money by doing their own labor, to professional remodels of luxury bathrooms.
Typical 2023 Bathroom Remodel Cost Range: $6,152 to $16,615
National 2023 Bathroom Remodel Cost Average: $10,978
Reasons to Remodel or Renovate Your Bathroom
Increase Your Home Value with a Solid ROI: A bathroom renovation or bathroom remodel is known to provide some of the highest ROI of any home renovation project for home improvement, and can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of your bathroom, the materials you choose, and the scope of the project.
Improve Safety & Quality of Life: Additionally, a fresh, new bathroom can provide a convenient and practical benefit for the whole family. As one of the most used and important spaces in the house, upgrading your bathroom will not only improve your day-to-day quality of life but also increase your home’s resale value.
Factors in Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel Costs: Labor vs. Materials
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel or Renovation Labor Cost?
Bathroom Installation and Labor Costs in 2023: The national labor cost average to remodel a bathroom can range from $50 to $75 per hour. This is what you can expect as an average budget or cost of labor from contractors, handymen, or other professionals involved in the bathroom renovation and remodeling industry.
Overall, labor costs can run an average of 50% of your total bathroom remodeling project costs but this can vary depending on where you live, with some more rural areas offering lowering labor pricing as low as 20% of your total bathroom remodel cost.
Generally, you will find higher labor prices the closer you are to a major city. Another rule of thumb is that costs will be higher the closer you are to the coast.
Average High-End Bathroom Remodel Cost in Los Angeles, 2023: $25,600
Average High-End Bathroom Remodel Cost in Minnesota, 2023: $12,600
Typically the labor costs for your bathroom remodel or renovation project will take up about 40% to 60% of your total budget.
Depending on your level of familiarity and skill with the project, you may or may not need to hire a contractor. For example, bathroom remodeling or bathroom renovation work that typically does not require contractor or professional help can include:
- Simple paint job
- New sink and toilet installation
- Freestanding or floating vanity installation
Average Labor Cost to Remodel or Renovate Bathroom in 2023
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Contractor For a Day: On average, general contractors for more complex bathroom jobs can cost between $300 to $400 per day.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Plumber For a Day: Hiring a plumber can take up to $2,000 per day depending on the difficulty of the plumbing job required.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Bathroom Electrician: Bathroom electricians can cost up to $50 to $100 per hour.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost per Square Foot?
On average, the cost of a bathroom remodel is $120 to $275 per square foot for a more mid-range remodel using moderate to high-quality materials.
For lower-end averages using more economic and lower-priced materials, a bathroom remodel for smaller bathrooms can run about $70 per square foot - this takes in mind using lower-cost fixtures, as well as doing some of the labor yourself.
Keep in mind that although on paper, a smaller bathroom remodels should cost less, but this is not always the case. While a small bathroom remodel shouldn’t cost you as much as a mid-size bathroom remodel, unexpected things can add up as the cost of cut-off material waste and labor if you find yourself needing help on tight corners or installation that you may not be comfortable doing on your own.
How Much Does a 3x5 Powder Room Bathroom Remodel Cost?
To give scope, a 3x5 foot powder room can cost about an average of $1,500 to $2,250 to renovate or lightly remodel.
How Much Does a 9x10 Bathroom Remodel Cost?
A 9x10 bathroom can cost approximately $13,500 give or take to renovate or lightly remodel.
How Much Does a Basic Bathroom Remodel Cost?
For a basic home bathroom remodel, you can expect to pay around $3,000 to $8,000 for updates to:
- Flooring
- Vanity
- Fixtures
How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom?
As stated by HomeAdvisor, the current national average to remodel a small bathroom is $6,500 but this value can range anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more for higher-end bathroom fixtures. A small bathroom is typically a bathroom around 8x5 or slightly more or less.
Generally, a complete small bathroom remodel can cost about $70 per square foot for low-end fixtures paired with DIY labor, while higher-end fixtures done by a licensed contractor will average about $250 per square foot.
On average, it can cost up to $10,000 or more to remodel a small bathroom.
How Much Does a 5x10 Bathroom Remodel Cost?
On average, a 5x10 bathroom remodel can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, although more extensive bathroom remodeling projects can cost upwards of $20,000 or more.
How Much Does a 10x10 Bathroom Remodel Cost?
A 10x10 bathroom, which is slightly bigger than a “small” bathroom can range between $12,000 to $27,500.
How much does a 1 Day Bathroom Remodel Cost?
According to data provided by HomeAdvisor, a 1-day bathroom remodel can cost between $5,000 to $15,000 for the total combined cost of labor and materials. This typically includes installation for new items such as:
- New Shower Kit
- New Toilet
- New Sink
- New Vanity
How Much Does a Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel Cost?
A mid-range bathroom remodel can generally include more extensive updates including but not limited to:
- New tiles
- New shower
- New bathtub
- Additional bathroom storage
Due to these additional upgrades that come into play, a mid-range bathroom remodel can cost somewhere between $8,000 to $15,000.
How Much Does a High-End Bathroom Remodel Cost?
A high-end or luxury bathroom remodel can cost upwards of $25,000 or more. Often times these high-end bathroom remodels will include luxury updates such as:
- Steam shower
- Heated floors
- Soaking tub
Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors to Consider: Why are Bathroom Remodels so Expensive?
The cost of a bathroom remodel or remodeling project can vary greatly due to factors such as:
- Location
- Materials used
- Labor costs
- Additional features or upgrades
How Do I Lower My Bathroom Remodeling Costs?
When looking to do a bathroom remodel, it is important to note to know that your costs will be divided into two categories: material and labor.
To help save costs for your bathroom remodeling project, it is recommended to explore your possibilities:
- Get quotes from several contractors
- Consider the possibility of implementing the remodeling yourself
- Use the best materials within your budget to balance quality, value, budget, and aesthetic
Saving Money on Materials: Is it Worth the Cost?
It is recommended to be mindful of the materials used for your bathroom remodeling project.
On one hand, using very expensive tiles or finishes can exponentially drive up the cost of your bathroom project.
On the other hand, going for the lowest cost materials may not necessarily save you more money, especially for the long-term where lower quality bathroom materials can lead to faster wear, as well as the chance of costly future repairs.
All in all, it is recommended to go for materials that fit the style and look of your remodeling project, that you can easily love and cherish for years to come - without breaking the bank.
Depending on your familiarity with bathroom materials, fixtures, tiling, and other factors, it is suggested to do a bit of research before fully committing to your bathroom remodeling project so that you can find the best materials for your bathroom that will last the longest, providing you with the best value at the lowest price.
What are The Steps in Order for a Bathroom Remodel?
There are many steps you can take for a bathroom remodel! Generally, it is recommended to go in these order of steps to help you turn your bathroom remodeling project ideas into successful fruition:
1. Plan out your bathroom remodel completely
2. Demolish your old bathroom
3. Finish plumbing adjustments
4. Inspect and finalize electrical work
5. Install blocking between wall studs, grab bars
6. Close and complete the walls
7. Finalize painting
8. Install tiles
9. Install shower doors
10. Install wall lighting and ceiling lights
11. Install sink, vanity, toilet, and other fixtures
Bathroom Remodeling 101: Should I Hire Help?
Although you can save some money by choosing alternative materials, different vendors, or options, these prices are generally fixed within a certain range. Yet, one way to greatly reduce the cost of your bathroom remodeling project is by choosing to do some or all of the work yourself to save big on labor costs.
Doing some of the work yourself can easily lead to 20% - 50% in total savings for your bathroom remodeling project: as mentioned previously labor costs can vary significantly depending on your location: labor costs within a large city will most likely be higher than labor costs found in a more rural or suburban area.
Additionally, tight spaces and high-end finishes can drive up the project price.
How to Begin Your Next Bathroom Remodel Project
So you’re ready to plan your next big bathroom remodeling project. Congratulations! Once you have made this decision, a good place to start is:
- Figuring out your budget
- Researching bathroom remodeling options for your bathroom: style, materials, layout
- Contacting contractors, handymen, or other home-remodeling professionals for quotes on labor & installation
When planning your bathroom remodel, it's critical to set a budget and stick to it. If this is your first time and you’re planning on breaking things down, creating new spaces, or other bathroom remodeling projects that require construction, it is recommended to work with a trusted and reputable contractor so you can easily find an accurate estimate for your project.
In addition, an experienced contractor or agency can help you make informed decisions regarding the best materials and designs for your bathroom remodeling or bathroom renovation project.
In conclusion, the cost of a bathroom remodel can vary greatly depending on the size of your bathroom, the materials you choose, and the scale of the project. In summary, the average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000. It's important to set a budget, work with a reputable contractor and make informed decisions to ensure the remodel aligns with your financial and aesthetic goals!
Additional Bathroom Remodel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Average Costs for Bathroom Fixtures, Elements, & More
Differences Between Bathroom Renovation vs. Bathroom Remodel
Although there are many people who use the term bathroom remodel and bathroom renovation interchangeably, these are not necessarily the same. In fact, even some contractors use “renovation” and “remodel” interchangeably, but there is a key difference:
What is a Bathroom Renovation?
A bathroom renovation is a lesser version of remodeling: it takes less work and there is less work to do!
In short, a bathroom renovation updates the existing space - to freshen, modernize, or improve the already-existing elements of the bathroom without doing too much construction or breaking down of elements. Examples of things you would find or categorize as bathroom renovation projects include:
- Wallpaper or paint repair
- Tiling improvements
- New flooring
- New lighting
- New vanity
Another way to see it is that if it is already there, and you don’t have to break or tear anything down, you are renovating.
What is a Bathroom Remodel?
A bathroom remodel is a bathroom renovation plus construction.
A bathroom remodel generally takes up more work than a renovation and will generally take more skill or professional help to execute as additional construction or more in-depth work may be required. Examples of things you can find or categorize as a bathroom remodel projects include:
- New paint and tiles
- New lighting or mirrors
- New construction: tearing a wall to reframe space, closet integration, remodeling or replacing plumbing, replacing structural elements, etc.
Simply put, there is more work, greater difficulty, and more time, effort, and resources needed for a bathroom remodel that can require the help of professionals. While the costs may stack higher, the transformation can often be more dramatic, in terms of appearance, as well as the resale value that it can add to your home.
Tiles: Top 10 Requirements for a Quality Tile Installation:
https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/blog/the-top-ten-requirements-for-a-quality-tile-installation
What percentage is labor in a bathroom remodel total cost?
On average, labor can cost between 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel cost.
What Can You Upgrade with a Bathroom Remodel or Renovation?
Bathroom Cabinets: Vanities, Medicine Cabinets & More
Upgrading your bathroom’s storage is one way to improve both the appearance and function of the space. Adding a new vanity or medicine cabinet, for example, can make space for extra toiletries, shampoo, towels, cleaning products, and more. This can help reduce clutter and provide a safe and easily-navigatable bathroom space for you and your loved ones.
For example, if you do not have any cabinets in your bathroom, adding a new vanity or storage cabinet can dramatically improve the appearance and utility of your bathroom space.
Side storage cabinets, bathroom vanities, or other bathroom cabinetry can range anywhere between $300 to $3,800 depending on the size, quality, and style of the vanity or cabinetry.
Bathroom Countertops
When purchasing a vanity, a countertop may not always come attached to the vanity, but this can differ greatly depending on where you purchase your vanity. For example, Moreno Bath’s extensive supply of modern and traditional bathroom vanities comes with several matching countertop double or single sink sets in order to ensure ease of installation.
Of course, if you have your eyes on a specific or custom bathroom countertop you would like to pair with your vanity, this can also be done. Vanities that come in a set can also be purchased as “vanity base only” so that the vanity or bathroom countertop can be customized as you choose.
Depending on the size and material used for the bathroom countertop, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for a bathroom countertop or a vanity countertop.
Bathroom Faucets and Plumbing
On average, the cost for faucets and plumbing can vary between $250 to $1,450.
Faucets and plumbing costs can vary significantly depending on the age and status of your current plumbing system. For example, if your in-wall plumbing is relatively new and its shut-off valves are still in good working condition, your plumbing repair costs would be minimal.
Unfortunately, if you have older plumbing, fully calculating your plumbing costs for your bathroom remodeling project may be tricky. For example, plumbing problems such as leaky or rotting pipes can easily increase the price of your remodeling project.
If you choose to use a professional, fixing leaky or rotting pipes can add up to as much as $1,000, or even higher.
Bathroom Fixtures
What are Bathroom Fixtures: Bathroom fixtures can include:
- Toilet
- Sink
- Taps
- Mirrors
- Wall cabinets
- Bathtub / Tub Shower
- Bathroom Accessories
Adding, replacing, or updating any of these can easily make a huge difference in the appearance of your bathroom. Fixtures such as these can be purchased in online or in-home stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, and so forth. Sometimes, it can be more cost-effective to do a bit of research and purchase fixtures directly from the supplier or manufacturer.
Things to watch out for when selecting fixtures for your bathroom remodel
- Choose a fixture of roughly the same size as your previous fixture
- Pay close attention to the height and placement of plumbing or electric connections, and outlets - changing plumbing hookups or locations can significantly increase the price of your total bathroom remodel costs
In general, bathroom fixtures can range from $200 to $1,800 for premium options.
Bathroom Flooring
Generally, materials for flooring can take up to 10% to 15% of your total bathroom remodel or renovation budget.
Average Cost for Porcelain Tile Flooring: $860 - $2,600
Average Cost for Stone Tile Flooring: $900 - $2,800
Bathroom Flooring: Is it Possible to DIY?
Remodeling your bathroom floor can be as easy as installing peel-and-stick tiles on top of your existing floor. On the other hand, more in-depth options can include laying down complex mosaic tiles patterns or adding grout.
Depending on the complexity of your flooring project, you can do some of it as a DIY job, but for odd spaces with angles and cuts, some professional help may be required depending on your level of skill and comfort.
Bathroom Walls, Doors, and Ceilings
Bathroom Door Replacements: These are generally simple projects to handle and costs can vary greatly depending on the type of door you choose.
Bathroom Walls & Ceiling Replacements: On the other hand, replacing bathroom walls or ceilings can be a more tricky project to manage. For example, uncovering bathroom walls or ceilings can reveal grave bathroom problems such as mold. If you do encounter mold in uncovering your bathroom walls and ceilings, its removal can easily increase the cost of your bathroom remodeling project.
In some cases, some homeowners insurance may help with the costs of mold remediation.
Finishing Walls with Paint, Wallpaper, or Tile: Painting your bathroom walls or ceiling can range between $200 to $5,000 depending on the paint used and the size of the bathroom. Tile and wallpaper options for your bathroom wall will cost more, depending on your selections.
Bathroom-specific paint is often recommended as it helps stop mold and mildew growth and prevent drips.
Bathroom Lighting
Looking to brighten up your bathroom? Try adding, replacing, or updating your bathroom lighting fixtures! Bathroom light fixtures, such as LED bathroom vanity mirrors, can be purchased from big-box stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, but you can sometimes get better pricing by checking for prices on the internet or getting it online straight from the company or supplier.
Additionally, by choosing to order from a company or retailer that focuses on bathroom lighting fixtures, you can often get more in-depth, detailed recommendations on the best products, styles, or other tips in line with your bathroom remodeling project idea.
Before planning your new bathroom lighting fixture ideas, be sure to gain a good idea of the position and placement of your existing electrical wiring and outlets.
Choosing a fixture that will require moving the wiring will add to your total costs.
- Check the position and placement of existing wiring and electric outlets
Bathroom Ventilation
Good news: replacing your bathroom ventilation fan is a fairly straightforward job you can do yourself - unless you plan on replacing it with a significantly larger or smaller fan.
In either case, replacing your bathroom fan can save you tons of money down the line as a good bathroom ventilation fan helps stop the growth of mold and mildew.
As with all elements of the bathroom remodel or renovation, a ventilation fan’s cost can vary depending on the size and quality of the product, ranging from $50 to $300.
Other Bathroom Remodeling or Renovation Factors to Consider
Do I Need a Permit to Remodel or Renovate My Bathroom?
Permit laws vary state by state depending on your location. Generally, a simple bathroom remodel would not require a permit - unless you make electrical or plumbing changes.
Permits for Bathroom Remodels can cost between $175 to $2,000.
Generally, if you’re going deep enough into the bathroom remodel where you encounter the need for a permit, it is recommended to work with a reputable and experienced general contractor who should be able to help you through the permit process.
Bathroom Material Quality
Generally, you will be able to find sufficient quality bathroom remodel or renovation materials in your big box home store or general home improvement store.
Some common materials used for bathrooms include:
- Porcelain
- Cast Iron
- Fiberglass
Some of the more luxurious or expensive, premium materials used for bathrooms include:
- Natural Stone
- Rare Woods
- Polished Granite
- Detailed Tiles
Of course, there is no upper-end limit to how expensive bathroom materials can be as there are indeed some ultra-luxury bathroom fixtures out there.
Electrical and Plumbing
Electric and plumbing costs can generally be divided into two categories: planned work and emergency AKA repair work.
Planned Electric & Plumbing Work: For example, each planned electric or plumbing work can take up anywhere between $100 to $1,000 for each element.
New Toilet Purchased & Installed Average Cost: $224 - $531
New Outlet Installation Average Cost: $150 - $250
Unplanned Electric & Plumbing Work: Unfortunately, tearing up walls or other elements in the bathroom for remodeling can expose complex plumbing and electrical components tucked behind damp areas, so you may begin to see unexpected corrosion or failures previously hidden.
This can lead to unexpected remodel costs. For example, here are some average unexpected electrical and plumbing work for commonly seen issues:
Average Cost to Replace Faulty Water Heater: $811 - $1,566
Average Cost to Replace Outdated Outlet: $100 - $500
Average Cost to Replace Failed Drain Pipe: $250 - $1,250
There are many possible issues that may reveal itself to you when you start to see what’s going on behind those walls - but if you do find these issues, count it as a blessing in disguise as fixing the problem now can certainly lead to huge savings in the future. As with all things, it is always a good idea to take preventive measures before the problem becomes too big to handle.
With this in mind, it is recommended to budget for emergencies when planning your next remodel
How Much Does a Bathroom Floor Plan Change or Expansion Cost?
Completely remodeling the floor plan of your bathroom can drastically improve the appearance and space of your bathroom, but these projects require more resources, planning, and generally, professional assistance.
Changing your bathroom floor plan will usually involve:
- Rerouting electrical wiring
- Additional or changes to insulation
- Transferring and drilling joists for rerouted plumbing
- Framing costs
- Drywall costs
For example, if you're planning to install a very large and heavy cast-iron bathtub, your bathroom will require a minimum degree of strength and stability. To execute projects like this safely, you may need to hire the help of professionals such as:
- Architect
- Structural Engineer
- General Contractor
An architect or structural engineer can easily cost an average of $5,000 for your project.
On top of this, the materials and labor costs to expand or change your bathroom floor plan can add at minimum another $5,000.
How to Save Money for Your Bathroom Floor Plan Change or Expansion: One way to help reduce or minimize the cost of your bathroom floor expansion is to try to keep as much of the original plumbing and wiring as possible. This can help minimize or cut off the major costs of new wiring and plumbing.
Depending on your skill and comfort with the tasks of the project, a professional may be a good idea to ensure that your major investment will pay off in terms of security, functionality, and overall long-term value.
Universal Design and Accessibility
If you have aging or disabled family members living around your house, you may be considering ADA-compliant features for your bathroom. Some example of possible ADA-compliant features to help with universal accessibility include:
- Wide door frames
- Lower cabinet heights
- Zero-depth entry showers or tubs
- Grab bars
Although adding these items can increase the cost of your bathroom remodel, proper early planning can significantly cut costs.
Average Cost to Install Bathroom Grab Bar: $120 - $339 per Bar
Average Cost to Install Walk-In Tub: $2,500 - $8,000
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