Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel.

If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to update the look, increase resale value, add functionality, amenities and storage or a combination of all or some of these. Simple enough.

But the scope of the project depends on a variety factors — most of all budget, but also how long you’ve been in the house and how long you plan to stay there. As with most things, there are three levels of bathroom remodeling: good, better and best, says Leslie Molloy, a design consultant. In this new series, we’ll take you through the planning and execution process for remodeling your main bathroom.

Of course, the costs below are all relative and will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live, how old your home is and what kind of renovations have already been done. Remodeling a bathroom from the 1990s is a lot different than overhauling one built in the 1920s with mud-set floors and galvanized plumbing. “Older houses likely have had a series of previous remodels that we usually have to peel back the layers and see what’s there,” says Brad Little, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A look at three typical cost ranges

The first step is deciding which level of remodeling is right for you. Let’s take a look at three different cost ranges for bathroom remodels and common materials and finishes for each.

• The Basic Bathroom Remodel

Often runs from $3,000 (DIY) to $12,000

What you might get: You probably won’t be able to move any plumbing around, but you could replace fixtures and other materials with stock, off-the-shelf products like you’d find in a big-box store. “Off-the-shelf options have gotten a bit better in recent years,” “You can get a little creative by doing an interesting backsplash to make things look more high-end.”

Countertops: At this level, low-end granite and cultured marble are most popular.

Tile: Don’t expect to tile an entire bathroom, but you could do a bathtub or shower area with ceramic tiles or standard white subway tiles.

Walls: Apart from a bathtub tile surround or counter backsplash, painting the walls is the most affordable choice here.

Cabinets: If your cabinets are in good condition, you might just want to refinish or repaint them. Otherwise, you’re looking at off-the-shelf units.

Lighting, fixtures and finishes: All basic, off-the-shelf products. Keep in mind that because the plumbing fixtures at this level have plastic pieces on the inside, they will likely need to be replaced every five to seven years.

Tip: You can make up for the stock materials by putting more focus on the accessories. Splurge on a nice light fixture or cabinet hardware. “Accessorizing will draw the eye more so than the type of tile you have, especially if you put up a shower curtain that hides it all anyway,” says Little

Who to hire: It’s recommended that you consult with a designer for any project, but if you’re somewhat knowledgeable, you can do it yourself or hire an experienced contractor to help. Generally, permits are not needed at this level.

A basic bathroom remodel is good for you if: Your budget is limited, obviously. “Or if you’re looking to resell your home but don’t want to spend a ton to make it look nice, this is for you,” says designer Marlene Ritland.

• Mid- to Upper-Range Bathroom Remodel

$10,000 to $35,000 Why the broad range? Well, location, materials, cost of labor and project scope play into it.

What you might get: Better fixtures, like a toilet with better flushing capabilities or faucets with better flow. And new features like flooring, a vanity, a sink, lighting, window treatments, hardware, a comfort-height toilet, a 36-inch countertop, a framed mirror that matches the vanity and a recessed medicine chest — all of which are slightly better quality than from a big-box store.

Plus, you can make a few more adjustments to the layout. Maybe you’ll put in a slightly smaller bathtub to make way for a slightly larger shower. Maybe you’ll slide a sink down and move the plumbing slightly to add a tall linen cabinet.

Countertops: A higher-grade remnant or custom piece of granite, marble or quartz.

Cabinets: Semicustom pieces with higher-end finishes — glazed instead of just stained — and decorative details like cabinet legs and intricate door panels. “Maybe something made locally or in the U.S. that maximizes every inch in your bathroom for counter space,” says designer Nathan Reynolds-Poulin.

Plumbing: You can make moderate adjustments to the plumbing, like moving the faucets or shower, but the toilet will likely stay in the relative same spot. “The toilet location is the tree trunk of the drainage lines,” says Little. “If you move that to an opposite side of the room, you’ll then have to change the showerhead, drain and faucet locations. If you can keep that where it is, do it.” You might also add separate valves for temperature and flow control and showerhead pressure.

Fixtures: You can upgrade the fixtures for ones with higher-quality copper or bronze inside, which will last considerably longer than off-the-shelf units.

Tile: At this level porcelain will be your new best friend. It’s more durable than ceramic and slip resistant, and there are more color, size and design options. “Even the low-end porcelain is nearly indestructible,” says Little. Porcelain tiles are designed to mimic natural stone, and the untrained eye can’t tell the difference. “Sometimes if you look closely, you’ll see repeating patterns of the same swirls,” he says. “That’s because it’s basically a photograph of natural stone tile printed on porcelain.”

You’ll have the option of doing more interesting borders and accent tiles, and you can tile the entire room instead of just a shower or bathtub area.

Walls: You can get a bit more creative with materials and do tile walls or real beadboard for a custom look.

But it’s wise to spend the amount in there, Little adds. “You wouldn’t spend $300 per square foot in a bedroom. That’s just drywall, framing and carpeting. In the bathroom there are so many more durable finishes that will last 20, 30, 40 years. So it makes sense.”

Who to hire: You’ll likely have a team that includes a designer, plumber, plasterer, tiler, painter and other specialists.  This level requires permits.

A midrange bathroom remodel is good for you if: You’re doing a remodel for yourself and not because you plan to sell and move. You’re limited in the space or footprint, but you’ll still be able to do a lot more with finishes and fixtures and cabinetry.

• The Deluxe Bathroom Remodel

$30,000 to $100,000-plus

This level is also known as a full gut job. Everything will go away, and you’ll put things where you want. You might also punch into an adjacent room for more space or punch out the exterior. The toilet and shower might switch locations, the bathtub might go away and a sauna might come in; all-new high-end fixtures, materials, cabinets, lighting and finishes can be added. The room is likely to be larger. Detailed molding, trimwork and tilework might also be included.

Cabinetry: Solid wood construction with custom finishes and decorative accent pieces.

Tile: Natural marble, limestone or granite, all of which are more labor intensive and difficult to cut. Natural stone requires more maintenance, but every single tile has its own unique character.

Plumbing: High-end finishes and parts.

Amenities: Steam showers and radiant floor heating.

Who to hire: Depending on the scope, you might have an architect, engineers if you’re changing the footprint, a designer and all sorts of subcontractors, like a mason, a tile layer, a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician and a general contractor. It will require permits, plumbing inspections etc.

A deluxe bathroom remodel is good for you if: You have the funds, obviously. But at this level, you’re really getting the bathroom you want. Maybe you had been saving up for a new house, but with the economy you decided to stay put. Putting some money back into your home and making it more enjoyable for you is a good investment.

Planning for a Bathroom Remodel

Budget breakdown: Once you establish your budget and start hunting for materials, consider the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s cost breakdown as a guide:

• Design fees: 4 percent
• Installation: 20 percent
• Fixtures: 15 percent
• Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
• Countertops: 7 percent
• Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
• Flooring: 9 percent
• Doors and windows: 4 percent
• Walls and ceilings: 5 percent
• Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
• Other: 1 percent

Of course, it’s up to you where to spend and where to splurge, but this breakdown is a good starting point. Plus, remember to reserve an additional 10 to 20 percent for unforeseen costs that might come up during construction.

When to remodel: You can do a bathroom remodel pretty much any time of year. The most common time to start is during the winter or spring.

How long it will take: Expect a month or two of planning and picking out materials and finishes. Designer Leslie Molloy says many of her clients usually spend about four to six months doing their own research and figuring out their budget and project scope before contacting a designer. Expect three to eight weeks for construction, depending on the scope.

First step: Figure out which of the three levels of remodeling your project falls into, then start looking at photos of bathrooms to figure out what style, materials and amenities you want. Molloy advises not to get too carried away with planning before reaching out to a designer for help. Professionals can quickly assess your goals and budget to steer you toward what will work for you.

Mitchell Parker