A bathroom remodel is a major project. Whether you’re looking to do a cosmetic refresh or a total gut job with all new high-end fixtures, the process takes planning, time, effort, and money. But the end product can be well worth it: A beautifully updated bathroom can significantly improve your home, bump up its resale value, and make your everyday life more enjoyable.
How much will it cost? Depending on the scope of work, a bathroom remodel could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $80,000, but many homeowners in the U.S. will pay around $26,000 for a midrange bathroom remodel. If you live in a major metro area (where the cost of living is generally higher) and you choose a luxury renovation, you may pay as much as $80,000 for a bathroom remodel.
Your bathroom budget will greatly depend on the purpose of your remodel. Whatever you have in mind, this guide will help you plan appropriately, anticipate problems, and ensure you end up with a room you love.
Key Points
• The national average cost for a midrange bathroom remodel is about $26,000, but costs can range from $3,000 to $80,000 depending on the scope.
• The size of the room and the extent of the renovations are the most important factors influencing total cost.
• A successful remodel requires determining the primary goal, researching costs, budgeting for a 20% cushion for unforeseen expenses, and meticulously planning every detail before demolition begins.
• For complex projects involving structural or system changes, you should hire professionals such as a designer, architect, or a general contractor.
• After completion, create a punch list of any issues that need fixing, and hold off on making the final payment until all corrections and finish work are satisfactorily completed.
Why Homeowners Remodel Bathrooms
Here’s a look at the most common reasons why homeowners decide to remodel a bathroom. For many, it can be a combination of reasons.
Updating the Look
Happy with the layout of your current bathroom but feel it just needs a refresh? Focus your attention on material selection, and perhaps add new cabinetry or plumbing fixtures. You can find plenty of inspiration online, including ideas for how to make a small bathroom look bigger.
Even if you’re not making a major structural change, you’ll still want to pay attention to the age of your home and the remodels done by previous homeowners. After all, laying new tile over a foundation rife with mold or making do with an outdated electrical system may mean inviting big problems down the road.
Resale Value
If you’re updating your bathroom in preparation for selling your home, think about what potential buyers might look for. While it’s impossible to anticipate what any one individual might want in a new home, you can research your local real estate market to learn what appeals to the majority of homeowners.
You also can find out the resale value of bathroom remodels by using an online home project value estimator.
Better Functionality and More Storage
Perhaps you’ve always hated how the door hits the vanity as it swings open, or you’re tired of stacking toilet paper on the tank and seeing makeup on the counter. Or maybe you never use the bathtub and long for a large shower stall, or would prefer two sinks instead of one to expedite the family’s morning rush. Is your bathroom a dark, moist cave? It may be crying out for more natural light and better ventilation.
This level of bathroom remodel may require gutting the entire space, possibly rearranging the fixtures and rerouting plumbing. Not only will your bathroom be brand new in that case, it could be higher end, too.
Recommended: Guide to Bedroom Remodels
Factors That Influence Bathroom Remodel Costs
There are two important factors to consider as you’re budgeting for a bathroom overhaul: the size of the room and the extent of the renovations. Let’s say that you’re planning more than a cosmetic refresh. A minor renovation on a small bathroom (say 3×5 feet) might cost as little as $2,300. A major remodel on a large bathroom of, say, 200 square feet, could cost as much as $60,000. As noted above, in areas with an especially high cost of living, the cost to renovate a house is typically high too, and these numbers could be even higher. Prices of materials and labor have increased in recent years. Even the costs to remodel a basement are nothing to sneeze at these days.
Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel
Now it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. Exactly how much does it cost to remodel a bathroom? Assuming that you’re planning more than a cosmetic refresh, let’s look at the average costs according to home services and project management site Angi:
• A minor renovation: $3,000 to $10,000
• A moderate renovation: $10,000 to $20,000
• A complete renovation: $25,000 to $80,000
To keep your project on the lower end of the range, avoid moving walls, plumbing lines, or electricity. Removing a bathtub and replacing it with a shower enclosure can be one of the more costly aspects of a project. Many homeowners are surprised to find that demolition (both the labor and the disposal of rubble) can be a costly part of the project.
How much to renovate a bathroom will depend on your budget as well as factors such as how badly deteriorated the conditions are and when you might be planning to sell the property. Rest assured, there are inexpensive ways to refresh your home if you know where to look, and doing the research and brainstorming can actually be fun.
Budgeting for Your Bathroom Remodel
As you prepare your finances for a bathroom remodel it’s helpful to start with a general idea of how much you think you might want to spend. This will inform your discussion with a designer, architect, or contractor (depending on the extent of your project), which will in turn govern your bathroom remodel price. Once you’ve closed in on a general budget, you’ll get bids from a general contractor or from individual tradespeople, depending on how you are managing the project.
The next step in budgeting is to determine where the funds will come from. Perhaps you’ve been saving up for this project and have the cash on hand. If so, congratulations. If you need to borrow money to get the project off the ground, consider a home improvement loan, which is a lump-sum loan specifically designed for household renovations. This type of loan could be anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on your needs and your credit profile.
You might also use an existing line of credit such as a home equity line of credit if you have one in place. Your contractor or other project manager will provide details on when you’ll need to make payments for the project, so whatever method of financing you choose, remember that it’s unlikely you will need all the funds from Day One. You might be able to make a deposit using savings and then fill in the rest of what is owed with a home improvement loan.
How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel
Embarking on a bathroom remodel can be daunting, and there are many parts of the process where things can go disastrously wrong. What follows are 10 steps that can help streamline the process and ensure your remodel is a success.
1. Determine What Your Bathroom Remodel Should Achieve
When starting any home improvement project that requires a good chunk of time and cash, you want to determine what the overall goal is. Is it to expand the existing space? To add a shower or a tub? To improve your home’s value? To update a vintage bathroom to one that is more modern in design and functionality? Your answers will factor into your design and budget.
Other considerations to make when planning a bathroom remodel include:
• How many people will use the room?
• How much time do you spend in the bathroom in the morning, afternoon, and evening?
• What’s your routine? How does your current space hinder it? How could a new space improve it?
• Do you just want something that’s easy to clean? Or do you want to improve the look for resale?
2. Research and Budget
Before you get too far with planning, it’s good to know how much bathroom you can afford. Depending on the type of bathroom reno you’re looking to do, most projects will come in between $70 and $250 per square foot.
Before proceeding with your dream plans, think about whether you’re after a basic update, a mid- to upper-range remodel, or a deluxe spa getaway. It’s also a good idea to factor in a cushion of 20% for unforeseen costs. An online home improvement cost calculator can help you get a ballpark estimate of what your plan will cost.
A significant way to cut expenses is to avoid moving the existing plumbing and wiring. Some homeowners focus on just a shower remodel, which can run anywhere from $500 to $20,000.
“One strategy to approaching home improvements is to create your dream list but have alternates in mind in case your budget or material availability creates a need to alter the project down the road. For example, you may love the look of marble flooring, but its price point might be higher than you initially estimated. Having a cost-efficient back-up plan can keep your budget in check,” says Brian Walsh, CFP® and Head of Advice & Planning at SoFi.
3. Hire the Right Professionals
Given the complexity of rerouting plumbing, laying tile and flooring, and installing vanities and toilets, you may need to hire a few different professionals to get the job done:
• Interior designer, to reimagine the space and source materials
• Architect, to handle structural changes
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Tile installer
• General contractor, to manage them all
What exactly will all these folks be doing, besides spending your money? We’ll walk you through it.
First, a professional interior designer will think of things a homeowner will not. For instance: which way the cabinet doors open, if there’s room for a washer/dryer, how a skylight could brighten the space, or ways to rearrange the room in a creative way that maximizes both functionality and efficiency.
On the other hand, if you know what you want and where to find the products you need — and have an eye for good design — then you might take on the design process yourself.
A general contractor will hire and supervise the various subcontractors, and keep the project on schedule and on budget. If you have DIY experience and are comfortable tackling (or supervising) the demolition, construction, and installation, you may not need a general contractor. Just remember that once you start exposing layers of old work, a straightforward update can devolve into something more complex.
For major structural changes, you’ll want to hire an architect, and consider bringing in an experienced plumber and electrician, too. In some places, it’s required by law.
While you’re keeping an eye on the budget, don’t forget about your valuable time. Even with DIY experience, a bathroom remodel can take homeowners several times as long as a professional to complete — and your results may not be up to your high standards. To keep your budget on track, you might take on simpler tasks like demo and painting and hire out the rest.
Recommended: How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs
4. Refine Your Bathroom Remodel Plan
If your dream bathroom couldn’t ever fit in the space you have, think about what’s on the other side of the bathroom walls. Can you steal square footage from an adjacent closet, adjoining bedroom, or underused hallway? Is it possible to punch out an exterior wall to add square footage?
Other options to consider: whether you want the toilet out in the open or housed in its own private water closet, and what kind of special storage you may need — for hair tools, makeup, and other everyday essentials.
Choosing the style of bathroom you want can also be tricky. You may love the look of the industrial-style bathroom in your favorite restaurant, but will it look right in your Craftsman bungalow? Designers recommend that you look to the rest of your house for inspiration. You may also want to consult resources like Pinterest for ideas.
5. Approve Your Bathroom Remodel Design
Next you’ll consult with your interior designer and/or architect to review preliminary floor plans and sketches. These will show how the room’s components — shower, vanity, any cabinetry — fit in the space.
At this point, you’ll focus on the big picture: where the major elements go and the functionality of the space. Don’t worry about the finishing touches like colors and materials. These drawings and scope of work will be used to interview contractors and solicit estimates.
6. Get Estimates From Contractors
It’s a common process to get three separate estimates from licensed contractors for each home remodel project in which you bring in professional help. If you’re already working with a designer, they may know skilled contractors or can help you interview professionals to make sure they’re right for the job.
You’ll want to carefully evaluate each contractor’s bid. Don’t let the highest bid scare you, or immediately jump on the lowest bid.
Once you have a few bids you can make a first decision about how you might pay for the renovation and whether you have the funds available or need to consider borrowing.
Recommended: How Do Home Improvement Loans Work?
7. Choose Your Bathroom Materials, Finishes, and Colors
Now it’s time to research materials, so you’ll have a basic knowledge of what you need and final costs. Marble may look great, but it’s not stain-resistant and is a pain to maintain.
Maybe you want to look at easy-to-clean options. Or perhaps you didn’t know that wood can indeed work for countertops in bathrooms if properly sealed, or you weren’t aware of the vast stone possibilities that could work with your design.
8. Work on Design Development and Construction Documents
At this stage, you should be actively reviewing the floor plan, elevations, tile layout, and any other relevant drawings associated with your project. More planning on the front end of the project can mean fewer mistakes will arise later in the process.
You’ll also want to be kept up to speed on everything that goes into your project: what materials will be used, and how they will be laid out. If something in construction drawings isn’t specified — such as general tile layout or how you want trim pieces in your shower niche to look — chances are your tile installer will make a decision on the spot, especially if you’re not around on the install day.
This stage will also involve pulling permits. If you’re working with a knowledgeable contractor, they will likely take this on. Many are skilled at navigating the process with contacts they’ve made at the local planning office. If you’re doing much of the work yourself, you’ll need to brush up on what permits you’ll need, and where and how to submit drawings for approval.
9. Plan for Installation and Prepare for Bathroom Demo
In an ideal world, you will have every last detail planned and every material picked out and ordered before construction starts. The last thing you want is to get halfway through your remodel and have to tell your construction crew to take a two-week break while you wait for that back-ordered lavatory fixture to arrive from Italy.
You’ll also want to nail down the nuts and bolts of how construction will flow and where supplies will be stored. You’ll need a dry space inside for most materials, so you’ll need to decide where you’re going to keep displaced furniture and household items while construction is underway. Can you make space in your garage or on the side of your house?
Other questions to consider:
• Are you prepared for the disruption?
• What time will the workers be there, and will someone be on-site to answer questions and oversee the construction?
• Will it affect your work schedule or any trips planned?
• Where will you shower during construction?
• Do you have an alternate place to stay should the inconvenience of not having a bathroom become too much?
• Who in your family will be available should a construction question come up?
Any last-minute decisions need to take top priority to ensure a smooth-running bathroom remodel that stays on budget and on time.
10. Make a Post-Completion Punch List
Despite meticulous planning, it’s likely that something with your bathroom remodel will go wrong. Maybe you overlooked something, materials arrived broken or scratched or not at all, there’s a dent in the wall, or the caulk was too messy.
Now is the time to make a list of these things, either in an informal email or more formal document with your contractor. Get it into the hands of the person responsible for correcting the mistakes and include a date by which the fixes and finish work should be completed.
It’s normal for a contractor to return several times to address any post-project concerns, so try not to worry. Everyone makes little mistakes in a big, complicated project like a bathroom remodel. Just hold off making your final payment until the problems are fixed.
Navigating Permits and Local Building Codes
Whether or not you will need a permit for your bathroom remodel will depend on local building codes. Generally speaking, a permit is required if you are moving walls, windows, doors, floors, or making changes to plumbing or electricity. Installing a new drain line or new lighting fixtures might make a permit necessary, for example.
Your contractor can tell you if a permit is needed and can also file the necessary paperwork. Ask about this at the bid stage, as there are charges for filing and expediting permits that should be factored into your costs. You’ll also want to build in time for an inspection after the work is done if obtaining a permit is involved.
Tips for Living at Home During a Bathroom Remodel
If your home has more than one bathroom, and your renovations are confined to the bathroom, you will likely be able to live at home during the renovation. When interviewing contractors and checking their references, you’ll want to ask about cleanliness. Especially if you are going to remain in your home during renovations, you’ll want a contractor known for containing their dust and tidying up their tools well at the end of the day. (Don’t just take the contractor’s word for it; ask references specifically about cleanliness.)
Ask workers to seal off the work area with plastic sheets to minimize exposure to the dust that will inevitably arise. If water will be shut off for long periods, having a second bathroom won’t really help you. Check in with a neighbor to see if you might borrow their bathroom. Or consider getting a membership to a gym with shower facilities.
The Takeaway
A bathroom remodel can be a complex and costly project. Before you jump in, consider the purpose of your remodel, the scope of work it will involve, and your budget. Costs vary widely, anywhere from $3,000 on the low end up to $80,000 on the higher end, with the average falling at about $26,000. To keep costs down, take the time to plan meticulously and get multiple bids from contractors.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named a NerdWallet 2026 winner for Best Personal Loan for Large Loan Amounts.
FAQ
What is the average cost of a bathroom remodel?
The average cost of a bathroom remodel is $26,000, but costs can range widely based on the size of your bathroom, the extent of the renovation, whether moving plumbing or electrical lines is necessary, and the cost of the fixtures and materials (such as tile) you choose.
How long does a typical bathroom remodel take?
A minor bathroom remodel might take just two or three weeks, while more extensive renovations could require six to eight weeks. This doesn’t include the time you’ll spend designing the bathroom or getting bids from prospective contractors. This cost estimate also assumes that you have all your materials ready at the point that you begin demolishing your existing bathroom. Waiting for deliveries of fixtures, tile, or other materials can delay your progress. If your bathroom requires a building permit, allow additional time at the end for a building inspection if one is necessary.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom?
Permit requirements differ based on location so it’s always a good idea to check your local rules. Generally speaking, you will likely need a permit if you plan to demolish or move walls or windows, move plumbing or electrical lines, or make other major changes. Your contractor can also help you understand whether a permit is needed in your area.
What should I prioritize when remodeling a small bathroom?
Functionality is a top concern when remodeling any bathroom, and this is especially true when you are dealing with a small space. Take time before meeting with a designer or contractor to think about how you use the space and what is currently inconvenient about it. Does it lack storage, for example? An experienced designer can help you maximize storage with efficient cabinetry or shelving, as well as encourage a feeling of spaciousness by using lighting, paint colors, and well-placed mirrors.
Can I remodel a bathroom myself, or should I hire a contractor?
Whether or not you can do your own bathroom renovation will depend on the extent of the changes you’re making and the degree of your skills. In a bathroom, even something that seems relatively simple, like a new coat of paint, can be made more complicated by the need of the surface to withstand repeated exposure to damp conditions. Unless you have experience, it’s unwise to try making changes to plumbing, electrical fixtures, or tile work on your own.
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