A bathroom remodel can range from a simple cosmetic update to a full renovation with new plumbing, fixtures and finishes. The final cost depends on the bathroom size, project scope, materials, local labor rates and any hidden damage.
This guide explains bathroom remodel costs by size and project type. It also shows what different budgets may cover, which choices increase the price and how to compare contractor quotes.
Most bathroom remodels cost between $6,500 and $24,700, with an average of about $15,600. Keeping the existing layout can help control the cost. Moving plumbing, choosing premium materials or repairing hidden damage can increase the final price.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026?
Bathroom remodel costs depend on the amount of work required. A cosmetic refresh may cost $3,000 to $10,000, while a partial remodel may cost $6,000 to $25,000. A full remodel often starts near $15,000 and can exceed $35,000. Moving plumbing or changing the layout can raise the cost further.
| Project type | Planning range | What it may cover |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $3,000 to $10,000 | Paint, mirror, lighting, faucet, hardware and accessories |
| Partial remodel | $6,000 to $25,000 | New vanity, flooring, selected fixtures and a shower or tub update |
| Full remodel, same layout | $15,000 to $35,000 | Demolition, tile, waterproofing, fixtures, lighting and finish work |
| Layout or plumbing change | $25,000 to $60,000 | Fixture relocation, new plumbing lines, framing and floor repairs |
| Large or high-end remodel | $35,000 and up | Custom tile, stone, specialty glass and custom cabinetry |
These are national planning ranges, not contractor quotes. Actual prices vary by location, bathroom size, materials, labor rates and project scope. For comparison, This Old House estimates that a 50-square-foot bathroom costs $8,478 to $10,883 for a basic refresh, $14,609 to $19,040 for a midrange remodel and $27,492 to $35,808 for a high-end remodel. Fixr estimates bathroom remodeling costs at about $70 to $400 per square foot. Use per-square-foot pricing only as a general guide because small bathrooms, plumbing changes and complex layouts can cost more per square foot.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Size
Bathroom size affects how much flooring, tile, paint and labor a project needs. However, smaller bathrooms can still cost more per square foot because they require many of the same fixtures and skilled workers as larger rooms.
According to This Old House, estimated costs by size include:
| Bathroom size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Small, 40 to 60 sq. ft. | $12,695 to $14,845 |
| Medium, 70 to 90 sq. ft. | $15,920 to $18,070 |
| Large, 100 to 120 sq. ft. | $19,166 to $21,295 |
| Primary, 130 sq. ft. or more | $22,370 to $24,715 |
These are national planning estimates. Your cost will depend on the location, materials, layout and work required.
Tiny Bathroom and Half-Bath Cost
A half bath has a toilet and sink but no shower or bathtub. It often costs less to remodel because it has fewer fixtures.
Fixr estimates that a powder-room remodel may cost $1,200 to $15,000. A simple update may include paint, lighting, flooring, a mirror and a standard vanity. Custom cabinets, stone surfaces and premium fixtures can raise the price.
For a lower-cost update, focus on the mirror, lighting, faucet, paint and flooring without changing the plumbing.
5×7 Bathroom Remodel Cost
A 5×7 bathroom has 35 square feet of space. This compact layout is common in older homes and apartments and usually includes a toilet, vanity and bathtub or shower. According to Badeloft, a 5×7 bathroom remodel usually costs $5,000 to $15,000.
At the lower end, you may replace the toilet, vanity, flooring and paint while leaving everything in place. A higher-cost remodel may include full-height shower tile, a glass screen, upgraded fixtures or additional plumbing and electrical work.
5×10 Bathroom Remodel Cost
A 5×10 bathroom has 50 square feet of space and is commonly used as a full bathroom. According to Badeloft, a professional midrange remodel costs about $12,000 to $20,000. A cosmetic or partly DIY update may cost $6,000 to $10,000 if the plumbing stays in place. Premium materials or layout changes may raise the cost above $30,000.
Primary Bathroom Remodel Cost
A primary bathroom usually costs more because it is larger and may include a double vanity, walk-in shower, separate bathtub and more tile and lighting.
Plan for about $20,000 to $50,000 when keeping a similar layout. Custom cabinets, premium materials and major plumbing changes can increase the cost.
Fixr lists a general range of $70 to $400 per square foot. At the top of that range, a 150-square-foot primary bathroom could cost about $60,000. This is a planning estimate, not a standard price.
Basement Bathroom Cost
The cost of a basement bathroom depends more on the plumbing than the room size. Remodeling an existing bathroom may cost less than adding a new one.
If there is no nearby drain line, the work may require breaking concrete, installing new pipes or adding a sewage pump. Check the plumbing and drainage requirements before choosing fixtures and finishes.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator
The ranges above are national averages. Yours will differ by the size of the room, the level of finish you pick, what your local trades charge, and whether anything moves. Set those below and the estimate updates, with a breakdown of where the money goes and how much to hold back for what demolition uncovers.
Bathroom Remodel Cost per Square Foot
According to Fixr, a bathroom remodel costs about $120 per square foot on average. Prices may range from $70 to $400 per square foot, depending on the materials, location and amount of work required. Use this range as a general guide. It cannot give you an exact budget because many bathroom costs do not depend only on room size. A small bathroom still needs a toilet, sink, lighting, ventilation and plumbing. It may also need the same plumbers, electricians and tile installers as a larger bathroom. This is why small bathrooms can cost more per square foot.
What Your Budget May Cover
Your budget will depend on the bathroom size, materials, labor rates and room condition. The table below shows what different budgets may cover.
| Budget | Suitable for | What it may include |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | Cosmetic update or basic powder room | Standard vanity, faucet, mirror, lighting, toilet, hardware and paint |
| $10,000 | Small bathroom update | Stock vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, paint, faucet and basic shower surround |
| $20,000 | Midrange remodel in a small or average bathroom | Demolition, flooring, vanity, lighting, tile, waterproofing and a replacement tub or shower |
| $30,000 | High-quality guest bathroom or simple primary bathroom | Frameless shower, double vanity, better storage, larger tiles and detailed finish work |
| $35,000 or more | Large primary bathroom or high-end remodel | Layout changes, custom cabinets, natural stone, large shower, freestanding tub and heated flooring |
These budgets work best when the plumbing stays in place. Moving fixtures, repairing hidden damage or choosing custom products can increase the final cost.
Should You Remodel or Refresh Your Bathroom?
First, decide whether the bathroom works well but looks old, or whether it has problems that need more work.
| Bathroom condition | Possible project | Planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Everything works, but the room looks dated | Cosmetic refresh | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| The shower, tub or selected fixtures need replacing | Partial remodel | $6,000 to $25,000 |
| The wet area has major damage or several parts need replacing | Full remodel with the same layout | $15,000 to $35,000 |
| The current layout does not work well | Layout change | $25,000 and up |
Small cracks, damaged grout or a minor leak do not always require a full remodel. Ask a qualified professional to check the cause and the amount of damage before choosing the project scope. According to This Old House, a full remodel with demolition costs about $18,706 on average. A cosmetic remodel costs about $11,582. The difference is about $7,100. A full remodel may include demolition, disposal, waterproofing and repairs behind the walls. If the bathroom works well and only looks dated, a cosmetic refresh may be the more practical choice.
Where the Bathroom Remodel Budget Goes
Bathroom remodel costs include materials, fixtures and professional labor. The following average component costs come from This Old House.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Shower installation | $8,044 |
| Plumbing | $5,545 |
| Cabinetry | $2,929 |
| Insulation and drywall | $2,338 |
| Water-heating upgrade | $1,478 |
| Tiling | $1,326 |
| Painting | $1,145 |
| Bathtub | $1,123 |
| Flooring | $1,114 |
| Toilet | $467 |
| Electrical work | $456 |
| Bathtub faucets | $423 |
| Countertops | $332 |
These are average costs for individual parts of a remodel. They do not represent one complete project, so you should not add them together to estimate your total cost. Shower installation and plumbing are often among the largest expenses. Costs can rise when the project needs new pipes, custom tile, extra waterproofing or a different layout.
Labor Costs
According to Block Renovation, a typical midrange remodel may include:
- Labor: 50% to 65%
- Materials: 30% to 45%
- Permits, demolition and waste removal: 5% to 10%
Bathroom remodeling often requires plumbers, electricians and tile installers. Their rates depend on the location and difficulty of the work. Choosing affordable materials can help, but changing the layout or adding complex installation work usually has a greater effect on the final price.
Hidden and Additional Costs
- Water or mold damage: Problems may appear after removing the old tile or flooring. Fixr estimates mold treatment at $500 to $1,500 and water-damage repairs at $500 to $4,500.
- Permits and inspections: Plumbing, electrical or layout changes may require permits. Check the local rules and confirm who will pay the fees.
- Change orders: Hidden problems or late design changes can increase the price and delay the work.
- Temporary bathroom arrangements: If this is your only bathroom, you may need another place to shower or stay during part of the project.
Set Aside a Contingency Budget
Save 10% to 20% of your total budget for unexpected work. For a $20,000 remodel, this means setting aside $2,000 to $4,000 for hidden damage or required repairs. Cost is only one part of the plan. You should also know how long the bathroom may be unavailable.
How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?
According to Block Renovation:
- Cosmetic update: Two to three weeks
- Standard remodel: Four to six weeks
- Complex remodel: Eight to twelve weeks
Permits, inspections, custom products and delivery delays can extend the timeline. Ask the contractor for the expected start date and working time.
Which Choices Affect Bathroom Remodel Costs?
- Tile: Detailed patterns and custom cuts increase labor costs.
- Shower: A tiled walk-in shower costs more than a standard tub surround.
- Vanity: Custom and floating vanities usually cost more.
- Countertop: Quartz and natural stone cost more than basic materials.
- Lighting: New lights, switches and wiring increase the price.
- Accessibility: Grab bars, low-threshold showers and slip-resistant flooring may require extra work.
What Can You Skip to Reduce the Cost?
If the quote is higher than your budget, consider removing or changing the following items:
- Keep the current layout. Moving the toilet, sink, bathtub or shower can add plumbing, framing and permit costs.
- Reglaze a usable bathtub. If the bathtub is in good condition but looks old, reglazing may cost less than replacing it.
- Tile only the wet areas. Use tile around the shower or bathtub and moisture-resistant paint on the other walls. Full-height tile throughout the room is optional.
- Update the existing vanity. If the vanity cabinet is still strong, you may be able to replace only the doors, hardware, sink or countertop.
- Remove heated flooring from the plan. Heated floors add comfort, but they are not essential. Removing them may reduce material and electrical costs.
Do not reduce the budget for proper waterproofing or ventilation. Both help protect the bathroom from moisture, mold and future damage.
How to Compare Bathroom Remodel Quotes
Before contacting contractors, decide:
- The bathroom size
- Whether any fixtures will move
- Whether you need a refresh or full remodel
- Your budget before the contingency fund
- Who will buy the materials
- Where you will use a bathroom during the work
Give each contractor the same written project details. Check whether every quote includes:
- Demolition: Removing old materials and waste
- Plumbing: Pipes, valves and fixture changes
- Waterproofing: The system and installation
- Materials: Products, delivery, grout, trim and waste
- Permits: Application and inspection fees
- Allowances: Estimated prices for unselected products
- Schedule: Start date, project length and payment stages
Get at least three quotes and compare the same scope. A cheaper quote may leave out permits, waterproofing, demolition or other important work. Also set aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unexpected repairs.
Give every contractor the same layout, fixture list and material choices. This makes the quotes easier to compare and helps you find missing costs.
Try Bathroom Ideas with DecorAI Before You Remodel
Bathroom costs depend on the size, layout, materials and plumbing. Before paying a designer or requesting quotes, you can use DecorAI to see different ideas in your own bathroom.
Upload one photo to DecorAI’s AI bathroom design tool. You can try different tiles, vanities, showers, lighting and styles. You can keep the current layout or test a different design. No design skills are needed, and results usually take about 30 seconds.
DecorAI offers a one-day trial with 3 designs, no watermarks and access to its design tools. A payment card is required for the trial. After that, the monthly plan renews at $24 per month and includes unlimited image designs, more than 175 styles, editing tools and high-resolution downloads. Cancel before the trial ends if you do not want the paid plan.
Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It?
A bathroom remodel can improve comfort, function and home value. However, you may not recover the full cost when selling your home.
According to NerdWallet, a bathroom remodel may recover 60% to 80% of its cost. Midrange projects often provide a better return than high-end remodels.
If you need design help with colors, materials or furniture, this guide explains how much an interior decorator costs.
How We Sourced These Cost Figures
DecorAI is a design visualization tool. It is not a contractor or bathroom-remodeling cost database. DecorAI does not collect contractor bids or publish its own national cost average. The prices in this guide come from This Old House, Fixr, Block Renovation, Badeloft and NerdWallet. Source links also appear beside the figures used throughout the guide. These prices are planning estimates. Actual costs depend on your location, bathroom condition, materials and project scope. A written quote from a local contractor will provide a more accurate price.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom remodel costs depend on the room size, materials, labor and whether the layout changes. Keep the plumbing in place when possible, compare at least three detailed quotes and save 10% to 20% for unexpected repairs.
Plan the design before spending money on materials or hiring a contractor. A clear idea can help you avoid unnecessary changes and explain what you want.
Frequently asked questions
A bathroom remodel costs about $15,600 on average. Most projects cost between $6,456 and $24,715. A cosmetic update may cost $3,000 to $10,000, while a full remodel can cost $15,000 to $35,000 or more.
Yes, especially if the bathroom is small and the layout stays the same. A $10,000 budget may cover a new vanity, toilet, lighting, flooring, paint and shower surround.
A 5x7 bathroom remodel usually costs between $5,000 and $15,000. The price increases if you choose custom tile, better fixtures or move the plumbing.
The shower and plumbing are often the most expensive parts. Moving the toilet, sink, tub or shower can add thousands of dollars to the total cost.
The average cost is about $120 per square foot. Depending on the materials, labor and project scope, the price may range from $70 to $400 per square foot.
A cosmetic update may take two to three weeks. A standard remodel often takes four to six weeks, while complex work may take up to twelve weeks.
You may need a permit for plumbing, electrical, structural or major layout changes. Simple updates such as painting or replacing a mirror may not require one, but local rules vary.
A bathroom remodel can improve comfort, function and resale appeal. It is often worth considering when the room has leaks, poor ventilation, limited storage or an impractical layout.
Set aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unexpected work. This money can cover water damage, old plumbing or damaged flooring found during demolition.
Yes. Keeping the toilet, sink, tub and shower in the same locations can reduce labor and construction costs. Moving them may require new pipes, drains and floor repairs.
