Planning a bathroom remodel in an older home? Costs can add up quickly, especially when dealing with outdated plumbing, old wiring, or structural surprises. Whether you're working with a tight budget or designing your dream spa-style retreat, this detailed bathroom remodel cost breakdown—based on estimates from sources like Home Depot and Lowe's—will help you understand where your money goes.
From demolition and plumbing to tile work and whirlpool tubs, we’ve outlined the average price ranges for every major upgrade. Plus, we’ll share some smart ways to save if you're open to a little DIY. If you're searching for bathroom design ideas or comparing options for bathroom decor upgrades, this guide will help you plan confidently and spend wisely.
Average Cost Range
- Low-End Remodel: $3,000 - $12,000
- Mid-Range Remodel: $12,000 - $25,000
- High-End Remodel: $25,000 - $50,000+
Cost Breakdown
1. Demolition and Removal
- Cost: $500 - $2,500
- Includes: Removing old fixtures, tiles, and drywall. Disposal fees for old materials.
2. Plumbing
- Cost: $1,000 - $5,000
- Includes: Replacing or updating plumbing pipes, installing new fixtures like toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. Older homes may require significant plumbing updates, adding to the cost.
3. Electrical
- Cost: $500 - $2,500
- Includes: Updating wiring, adding new lighting fixtures, installing exhaust fans, and ensuring the bathroom meets current electrical codes.
4. Drywall and Paint
- Cost: $600 - $3,000
- Includes: Installing new drywall, repairing existing walls, and painting.
5. Flooring
- Cost: $800 - $3,500
- Includes: Materials (tile, vinyl, wood) and labor for installing new floors. Costs vary based on the type of flooring chosen.
6. Tile Work
- Cost: $1,000 - $5,000
- Includes: Wall tiles, shower tiles, and backsplash. Labor for detailed tile work can add significantly to the cost.
7. Fixtures and Hardware
- Cost: $500 - $4,000
- Includes: New faucets, showerheads, towel racks, and cabinet hardware.
8. Vanity and Countertops
- Cost: $1,000 - $6,000
- Includes: New vanity, sink, and countertops. Materials can range from budget options like laminate to high-end options like marble or quartz.
9. Bathtub/Shower
- Cost: $800 - $6,000
- Includes: New bathtubs or shower systems, including whirlpool tubs. Walk-in showers or custom designs will be on the higher end of the scale.
10. Toilet
- Cost: $150 - $800
- Includes: New toilet and installation.
11. Cabinetry and Storage
- Cost: $500 - $3,500
- Includes: New cabinets, shelves, and custom storage solutions.
Additional Costs
- Permits and Inspections: $100 - $1,000
- Design Fees: $500 - $3,000 (if using a professional designer)
- Contingency Fund: 10-20% of the total budget for unexpected expenses.
Example Cost Breakdown for a Mid-Range Remodel
- Demolition and Removal: $1,000
- Plumbing: $3,000
- Electrical: $1,500
- Drywall and Paint: $1,500
- Flooring: $2,000
- Tile Work: $3,000
- Fixtures and Hardware: $1,500
- Vanity and Countertops: $3,000
- Bathtub/Shower: $4,000
- Toilet: $500
- Cabinetry and Storage: $2,000
- Permits and Inspections: $500
Of course, there are so many ways to reduce costs on this list just by DIY'ing so much of the labor.