A bathroom remodel is the second most popular home renovation (after kitchens) and one of the best investments — a mid-range bath remodel recoups about 70% of its cost at resale. But with labor running 40-60% of the budget, it’s one of the easiest projects for contractors to inflate.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Scope
| Project Scope | Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $3,000–$8,000 | Paint, new fixtures, mirror, hardware, light fixtures |
| Basic remodel | $6,000–$15,000 | New vanity, toilet, tile floor, tub refinish, paint |
| Mid-range remodel | $15,000–$25,000 | New tile shower, vanity, flooring, toilet, lighting, exhaust fan |
| High-end / master bath | $25,000–$60,000+ | Custom tile, frameless glass shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floors |
Line Item Breakdown
| Item | Materials | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vanity + countertop | $300–$3,000 | $600–$4,000 |
| Toilet | $150–$800 | $300–$1,200 |
| Shower/tub tile (per sqft) | $5–$25 | $10–$40 |
| Floor tile (per sqft) | $3–$15 | $8–$25 |
| Plumbing rough-in changes | — | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Electrical (GFCI, fan, lighting) | — | $500–$2,500 |
| Frameless glass shower door | $600–$2,000 | $800–$3,000 |
Where Contractors Inflate Prices
Tile work labor: Quality tile installation takes skill and time, but some contractors charge $40+/sqft for standard subway tile that should be $12-$18/sqft installed. Ask for per-sqft pricing and compare.
Demolition fees: Demo for a small bathroom should be $500-$1,500 including haul-away. Over $2,500 for a standard 5x8 bathroom is inflated unless there is hazardous material (lead paint, asbestos tile).
Vague “plumbing allowance”: If the quote says “plumbing — $3,000” with no detail, you don’t know if that covers moving a drain, adding a line, or just connecting a new faucet. Always ask for a breakdown of what plumbing work is included.
Missing permits: Most bathroom remodels that touch plumbing or electrical require permits ($100-$500). If permits aren’t in the quote, either they’re planning to skip them (risky for you at resale) or they’ll add them as a surprise later.
Tips to Save Money
Keep plumbing in place — moving a toilet drain or shower supply lines can add $2,000-$5,000 in labor. Refinish your tub ($300-$600) instead of replacing it ($1,500-$5,000). Choose porcelain tile over natural stone for a similar look at 40% less cost. And always get 3 quotes.
Related Cost Guides
Renovating more than just the bathroom? See our pricing guides for kitchen remodels, roof replacement, and HVAC replacement. For auto repairs, check our brake job cost guide.
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