How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in 2024? Contractors reveal all

We all dream of two things for our homes – a new kitchen, and a bathroom remodel. But how much does it cost to remodel a bathroom? 

From contractor costs to materials to the finishing touches, it is not a cheap endeavor – especially if you want to install a spa bathroom or rearrange your plumbing for a whole new bathroom layout.

These are the figures you should consider when designing a bathroom to help bring your new bathroom ideas to life without a shock to your bank account. 

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

Remodeling a bathroom might involve anything from changing every element of the existing room, starting from scratch within an addition, converting a room that wasn’t a bathroom before, or simply swapping smaller fixtures. But whatever you choose to do, these guidelines will help you assess what you can expect to pay.

‘Bathroom remodels usually cost between $70 and $275 per square foot, depending on the size of the bathroom and the type of changes you make, according to our cost data,’ explains Mallory Micetich, home care expert at Angi.

Overall, a budget of around $5,000-$15,000 is average for a bathroom revamp, professional handyman Shlomo Cherniak says. 'As a general guideline, allocating
10-15% of the home's value for renovations is prudent.'

That being said, there are several layers to renovating a bathroom that can impact the cost and how long it takes to remodel a bathroom. This is what to keep in mind:

How much to budget for labor

Labor is one of the most costly parts of renovating a house generally, but this is particularly true of bathrooms, begins Mia Johnson, interior designer and owner of Mia Johnson Interior Design: 

'Bathrooms, though smaller, can be complex due to plumbing requirements, which is why they can be costly to renovate,' she warns. This is especially true if you are changing the size or shape of the space or relocating features. 

Mallory Micetich, home care expert, explains that $50 and $110 per hour for labor is the average if you are employing professionals to do all of the work for you, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the work. 

Mia Johnson

Mia Johnson is a Michigan-based interior designer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Her boutique firm focuses on making every home look and feel special.

How much to budget for bathroom fixtures

The next heaviest hitter in a bathroom is the fixtures themselves, such as bathtubs, showers, vanity units, counters, etc. A bathroom remodel could involve swapping out an old toilet, tub, and shower or perhaps only replacing some of these elements. 

The cost of your fixtures will vary wildly depending on the size, optional features, quality and materials, and how it is fitted into the space. For instance, a huge tub that needs to be lifted into your space will cost a lot more than a standard shower unit. 

This is why it is important to pick fixtures based on your personal preferences, not on bathroom trends, even if they can be good sources of inspiration. 

How much to budget for fittings

It’s possible to achieve a stylish bathroom remodel without changing the most expensive features of the room, allowing you to reduce costs if necessary. This is usually done by sprucing up the bathroom fittings, such as choosing new faucets, shower heads, bathroom mirrors, and lighting.

The cost of these items also varies widely depending on the quality. Still, it is usually best to allocate a good portion of your budget to buy the best you can afford, recommends Mallory Micetich, home care expert. You will use these areas every day, so you need them to stand up to the challenge without breaking or fading. 

'For good quality, you should expect to pay between $500 and $2,800,’ she says.

How much to budget for room adjustments

A bathroom remodel will often involve fitting new tiles, and you may wish to go for durable and stylish porcelain or beautiful natural stone. ‘You can add porcelain tiles for $860 to $2,600 or stone tiles for $900 to $2,800,’ says Mallory.

Factor in bathroom countertops and storage, too. ‘Upgrading your countertops costs between $200 and $1,000 or more, while bathroom cabinets tend to cost $250 to $3,000 or more,’ says Mallory.

Don’t forget that creating a bathroom where there wasn’t one before will bring additional costs. ‘If you’re converting another room into a bathroom, make sure the room has plumbing and electrical hookups. If not, you’ll need to bring in a pro to give you a quote to add plumbing and electricity to your bathroom,’ says Mallory.

The Perfect Bath, Barbara Sallick | View at Amazon
Learn more about the fundamentals of bathroom design in this bestselling book. Find practical advice as well as hundreds of images to inspire your own remodel

View Deal

FAQs

What factors influence the cost of a bathroom remodel?

The overall cost of your project will depend on labor costs, the size of your bathroom, the upgrades you choose, and the materials you use, meaning no two budgets will be the same.

Often, it is the size of your bathroom that determines the cost of your bathroom remodel. Large bathrooms require more materials and labor time to renovate, which makes them more expensive than smaller bathrooms.

How do you make your bathroom remodel budget go further?

If what you have available to spend doesn’t fulfill your goals for a bathroom remodel, you could take on some of the work yourself. If you do want to DIY your bathroom remodel, consider taking on minor projects, like painting and swapping out knobs and light fixtures.

You might want to consider laying bathroom floor tiles or tiling in a shower, depending on your skill level and the time you have available for the project.

There are several ways you can update a bathroom without replacing it that are a lot more affordable than a full remodel. If you need to cut your budget without cutting on quality, you might remodel certain parts of your bathroom and update other features yourself to save on labor or replacement costs.