How Much Does an Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2024?

Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors

The final cost of your bathroom remodeling project depends on several factors, including the size of your bathroom and the labor required for minor, moderate, or extensive remodeling. 

Size

The bathroom size—half-bath, full-bath, or primary bathroom—significantly impacts the cost of your remodeling project. Prices vary significantly even within these categories. Remodeling includes everything from changing a few fixtures to retiling, updating cabinets, adding a new bath or shower, and other major changes.

Labor

Labor costs typically account for 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel costs. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $75 per hour for bathroom remodeling labor.

Homeowners on a budget may choose to DIY some tasks, like painting. However, plumbing and electrical work should be left to the pros. Installing toilets, showers, sinks, and bathtubs is worth the labor costs. If you’re installing custom cabinets or countertops, a professional carpenter or contractor will get the job done properly while preserving the quality of the new fixtures.

Location

Your location can significantly impact bathroom remodeling costs. If your state has high labor costs or you live in a rural area and your contractor must commute to your home, you’ll want to budget for these additional costs.

Labor and materials costs vary by state. For example, a $20,000 bathroom remodeling project in Alabama might cost around $30,000 in California, even if the same materials are used and the project takes the same time to complete.

Materials

Some elements of bathroom remodeling, like retiling, reflooring, or adding new countertops, require a significant quantity of materials. The type of material you choose impacts your overall cost.

For example, the cost to tile a bathroom varies. Ceramic, slate, porcelain, and vinyl tiles cost an average of $3 per square foot, while other bathroom tile types, like limestone or marble, range from $15 to $45 per square foot.

Additional Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors

In addition to standard cost factors, you may have to account for location-based extras like permits or optional factors like demolition and plumbing.

Permits

Depending on local regulations, you may require a permit to remodel your bathroom. You’re more likely to need a permit for extensive remodeling projects with a high price tag or those that require you to move plumbing fixtures. Permits typically range from $100 to $1000.

Demolition

If you’re performing an extensive bathroom remodel, you may require demolition for the existing design. The cost to completely demolish an old bathroom ranges from $1000 to $3000, depending on the size of the bathroom and labor costs in your area.

Plumbing

If you’re planning a major remodel involving plumbing fixtures, you’ll need to bring in a pro. A licensed plumber can move plumbing fixtures for sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs and manage alterations like converting a tub to a shower. Expect to pay between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on your plumber’s experience and the complexity of the job.

Maintenance

Staying on top of maintenance is important to retain the added value from a bathroom remodel. When planning your project, consider features like exhaust fans to remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew. Bathroom fan installation costs $400 on average but can save you significantly on future moisture problems.

Cost by Fixture Type

The type of fixtures you choose to change or install has a major impact on the total cost of your bathroom remodel. The following chart outlines the average cost of common fixtures for a bathroom remodel.

Sink

Simple drop-in and freestanding vessel sinks are the most affordable options at around $200, while prices typically increase to up to $1,600 for pedestal and wall-mount sinks. Installing a multi-sink option like a dual sink also increases materials and installation costs.

Toilet

On average, a new toilet costs around $500. Low-flow toilets are now one of the most cost-efficient options, with prices starting around $100. Low-flow and dual-flow options help conserve water, saving you money on your utility bill.

Prices rise for wall-hung toilets and double-cyclone toilets. Luxury models such as Smart Toilets or toilets with extra features like seat warming or integrated bidets command the highest cost, with some Smart Toilets ranging up to $2,000. 

Bathtub

A simple all-purpose tub costs around $300, though most tubs average about $600, including installation. Freestanding and soaking tubs cost around $800, while whirlpool and walk-in tubs typically average $7000 to $9000 for fixtures and installation.

You may also consider refinishing the bathtub to save on materials and labor costs. Bathtub refinishing costs $500 on average.

Shower 

The most affordable option for a new shower installation is a premade shower kit, which costs as little as $500 for material and installation, with an average cost of $1000. Walk-in showers average $14,300 for a new installation. Additional details may increase the price. For example, a glass shower door costs $950 on average for door and installation.

Some homeowners choose to combine their bathtub and shower, with combination models averaging around $4,400. A tub-to-shower conversion typically costs closer to $4,100.

Cabinetry and Vanities

Cabinetry costs depend on the material used, the number of cabinets, and whether you choose ready-made or custom options. The most affordable material is usually prefabricated fiberboard, while hardwood commands a higher price. The typical cost per cabinet ranges from $200 to $500. Ready-made cabinets are the most budget-friendly option, while custom-made pieces are more costly.

A vanity replacement costs around $1,500 on average but can range from $300 to $3,800. Costs depend on the size, material, and whether the vanity is prefabricated or custom-made.

Countertops

Countertop costs depend primarily on material, with ceramic, porcelain, and laminate being the most affordable options. Ceramic countertops cost about $10 per square foot on average, while porcelain and laminate average $20 per square foot.

Costs increase for luxury and stone materials. Granite slab countertops cost $80 per square foot, while marble and quartz regularly cost $115 per square foot. You’ll also have to factor in labor costs in addition to the raw material costs for new countertops.

Bathroom Remodel vs. Repair

Remodeling refers to extensive changes to your space, such as adding new bathroom paint and appliances, removing walls, or changing the location of plumbing systems. In contrast, repairs are simpler and involve fixing existing fixtures or elements. 

Whether it’s better to remodel or repair depends on your budget, timeline, and goals for your space. Remodeling is more expensive and time-consuming than repairs because it involves more extensive changes. However, a remodel provides a greater return on investment. Bathroom remodeling can change the comfort, style, and function of your space and increase home value. While repairs are recommended for everyday function and resale value, they’re considered a basic necessity rather than an upgrade. 

Does a Bathroom Remodel Increase Home Value?

Bathrooms have one of the highest returns on investment of any home room remodeling project. On average, the return on investment for a bathroom remodel is around 60%.

Remodeling your bathroom can improve efficiency and add style. Low-flow toilets and showerheads are increasingly popular, offering a comfortable experience while minimizing water use. These fixtures come in many affordable options and can save you money on your utilities—a bonus for you and a selling feature for potential home buyers.

Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom requires professional expertise, especially with plumbing and custom fixture installations. However, there’s a lot you can do to keep your project on budget:

• Make the most of your existing bathroom layout. Adding new plumbing fixtures is costly and labor-intensive, so keeping the same basic floor plan and layout for sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers helps save on major renovation costs.

• Stay flexible about details. While it’s important to have a clear plan for the style you want to achieve, leave some flexibility regarding specific fixtures and materials. Your contractor may have helpful tips on how to get the bathroom you want with more budget-friendly pieces.

• Shop ahead for fixtures to take advantage of sales.

• Consider the money-saving benefits of fixtures like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets.

• Contact several bathroom remodeling pros in your area and compare quotes.

You may also want to consider hiring a contractor to oversee your bathroom remodeling project. They may have access to special prices for materials and fixtures and can help keep your project on track and within budget.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.