Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel

Are you ready to say au revoir to the floral wallpaper in your master bath? Or maybe you want to gut your downstairs powder room? If so, a bathroom remodel might be on the horizon.

However, anticipating costs associated with a major home renovation can be tricky. Though an average bathroom remodel starts at $5,000, upscale features like marble tile and a soaking tub can add up quickly. Water damage, mold, and other unforeseen issues can also affect your price tag.

This guide provides tips for budgeting a bathroom remodel. It also offers a cost breakdown for different types of lavatory renovations.

COSTS OF A BATHROOM REMODEL

Before you begin wandering the aisles of your local hardware store, ogling over faucets and lighting fixtures, you need to create a budget for your bathroom remodel.

The cost of your bathroom remodel will depend on many different factors, including:

  • What materials you choose
  • Any unexpected costs (like material delays)
  • The extent of the remodel

BATHROOM MATERIAL COSTS

As a homeowner wading into the waters of a bathroom renovation, you’ll have lots of decisions to make. More specifically, you’ll need to select:

The materials you choose can make or break your budget. A basic acrylic shower stall, for instance, typically costs $500. But if you want to add an element of luxury with custom tilework, that cost can easily jump to $5,000. If you’re torn between vinyl flooring or marble or two different vanities, consult your contractor. As a trained professional, he or she can suggest budget-friendly materials that still align with your style and vision.

EXTENT OF THE REMODEL

Depending on the scope of your project, your project might require other skilled professionals to complete the job. For instance, you or your general contractor might need to hire:

  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Structural engineers
  • Architects

Since labor costs are daunting, many homeowners are tempted to tackle remodels themselves. But unless you have a professional background in construction, this isn’t a good idea. Botching a bathroom remodel could result in costly issues like:

  • Inconsistent water pressure
  • Water leaks, which later cause mold
  • Broken tiles that require regrouting
  • Poor bathroom ventilation
  • Not enough or too much lighting

UNPLANNED EXPENSES

As the adage goes, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” This applies to bathroom remodels, too. Hidden problems like leaking pipes and mold can crop up.

More common, however, are material delays or out-of-stock issues, forcing you to select a different material. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t account for these unforeseen costs. However, your contractor will! They will walk you through potential hiccups and will keep you in the loop when they come up.

As you create your bathroom remodeling budget, set aside an extra $1,000 to $2,000 for problems like:

  • Water damage
  • Electrical malfunctions or safety issues
  • Broken materials
  • Structural problems
  • Mold or mildew
  • Rotted wall framing
  • Code violations
  • Termite damage

AVERAGE COSTS BY BATHROOM REMODEL SIZE

Do you just want to brighten up your bathroom with a splash of new paint? Or are you interested in a major overhaul? We crunched some numbers to give you a better idea of your approximate bathroom remodel costs.

BASIC BATHROOM REMODEL

A basic bathroom remodel is stylish but also practical. It incorporates budget-friendly materials and keeps the original layout. The average cost is $4,500 to $15,000.

Typical basic remodel projects include:

  • Bathtub replacement: $400 to $1,500
  • New cabinets: $1,200 to $3,500
  • New countertops: $900 to $2,000
  • New or additional lights: $450 to $2,000
  • New flooring: $800 to $2,000
  • Shower replacement: $450 to $2,000
  • New sink: $190 to $900

MID-RANGE BATHROOM REMODEL

The average bathroom remodel is considered “mid-range.” In a mid-range remodel, the homeowner balances budget-friendly materials with a few splurges like subway tile or a large vanity mirror. The average cost is $15,500 to $25,500.

Typical projects include:

  • Bathtub replacement: $2,600 to $4,100
  • New cabinets: $4,700 to $7,000
  • New countertops: $2,800 to $4,100
  • New flooring: $2,500 to $3,600
  • New or additional lighting: $1,100 to $1,700
  • Shower replacement: $3,000 to $4,800
  • New sink: $1,400 to $2,300
  • New toilet: $340 to $480
  • Fresh paint: $200 to $300

DELUXE BATHROOM REMODEL

A deluxe bathroom remodel pulls out all the stops, transforming your en suite bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Common features include double vanity sinks, jacuzzi tubs, and heated floors. The average cost is more than $30,000.

Typical projects include:

  • Bathtub replacement: $6,000 to $8,000
  • New cabinets: $8,000 to $13,000
  • New countertops: $5,000 to $6,500
  • New flooring: $5,000 to $7,000
  • New or additional lighting: $2,500 to $4,000
  • Shower replacement: $6,000 to $10,000
  • New sink: $3,500 to $6,500
  • New toilet: $550 to $780
  • Fresh paint: $400 to 500

AVERAGE COSTS BY BATHROOM TYPE

Bathroom type, like the master or guest, doesn’t always predict price. For instance, you can deck out a guest bathroom with all the bells and whistles. However, homeowners usually invest more time and money renovating bathrooms that are frequently used, like a master bath.

POWDER ROOM

A powder room remodel is a penny pincher’s dream. Since these spaces are fairly tiny – often less than 40 square feet – and don’t have a shower or tub, they’re easy on the budget.

The average cost for a powder room reno is $3,000. Of course, that price depends on the extent of the remodel and the materials being used.

GUEST BATHROOM

A guest bathroom is simply a bathroom with a single sink, toilet, and a shower or tub. Since the average square footage varies between 40 and 150 square feet, remodeling costs vary, as well.

If you don’t plan on changing the layout of your guest bath, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000. If you plan on making more extensive modifications, such as moving the location of the shower or sink, expect to pay almost double.

MASTER BATHROOM

A master bath, or en suite, is often the largest bathroom in the house because it’s built to accommodate two people. It will usually have two sinks and a nicer bathtub, such as a jetted or garden tub. Some have a shower stall, too.

Because of this, remodeling costs tend to be pricier. The average cost for a master bathroom remodel is $10,000. However, if you’re hoping to incorporate upscale materials, budget for more.

DON’T COMPROMISE BATHROOM STYLE FOR AFFORDABILITY

Budgeting for a bathroom remodel can be challenging, especially if you want to incorporate contemporary accents and luxurious amenities. Though this guide provides insight into expected costs, only a general contractor can determine exactly what resources your project will require.

That’s why when you contact Portico, our knowledgeable general contractors will review your project scope in person in order to provide an accurate quote. We can also suggest budget-friendly materials and money-saving modifications that will help you make your vision come to life for less money. After all, we believe you shouldn’t compromise style for affordability. Don’t you?

Contact Portico online or give us a call at 704-742-2720 today to get started on your bathroom remodeling project.