How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Really Cost?

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By Trinity Archie

Updated: Mar 04, 2025

8 min read

Bathroom Renovation Cost
Photo: @bathroomplace

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    Renovating bathrooms is often prioritized more than renovating other areas in homes. People prefer to have a fresh, appealing, and welcoming bathroom for themselves, their families, and guests. However, renovating your bathroom can be a hectic and challenging task, depending on various factors such as the cost of Renovation, the cost of different items used in Renovation, the cost of materials used according to their quality, and the cost of hiring professionals such as a contractor or laborers, etc.

    Average Costs According to Some Bathroom Renovation Marketplaces and Sites

    The average cost for bathroom renovation can range from $2,500 to $80,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Angie Suggests a mid-range cost of $12,350 to $13,650. Houzz reports an average of $6,634 to $17,571, with luxurious projects reaching up to $30,000. Leading real estate agents provide an estimate for bathroom remodels at $15,000 to $20,000, depending on location.

    How Does Overall Home Value Impact Bathroom Upgrade Costs?

    According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), you should spend 5% to 10% of your home's value on bathroom renovation as a general rule. If your home's value is $250,000, a bathroom renovation project may cost an average of $12,500 to $25,000. Similarly, if your house value is $500,000, you can expect to spend $25,000 to $50,000. However, the cost can be higher or, in some cases, lower than this, depending on various factors.

    Bathroom renovation costs vary depending on various factors. Let's discuss how various types of bathrooms affect the renovation costs.

    En-Suite Bathroom Renovation Cost

    En-Suite Bathroom Renovation
    Photo: @coastalbathroomrenovations

    A primary bathroom, often referred to as "en suite," is connected to the main bedroom and is usually the largest bathroom in the home. These bathrooms are equipped with features like a sink, toilet, standing shower, cabinets, etc. They do not typically include bathtubs, although primary bathrooms in larger homes or luxurious settings often do have bathtubs.

    According to data, renovating primary bathrooms can cost around $7,000 to $30,000, with the average cost being around $12,000.

    However, the cost can be higher for a larger primary bathroom. The cost of renovating a primary bathroom varies widely based on factors such as the size of the bathroom, materials used, labor costs, and the level of luxury desired. The cost can go as high as $50,000 and can be more. Extremely luxurious renovations, including custom designs, high-end finishes, and advanced features, could exceed $70,000.

    Main Bathroom Renovation Costs

    Main bathrooms have a separate door from the main bedroom, while other bathrooms may have an open entrance far from the bedroom, with a small room housing the toilet (a water closet). This is generally a separate bathroom accessible from a hallway or other common area, not directly attached to a bedroom. It often serves the rest of the household or guests. For renovating a main bathroom, costs generally fall into these ranges:

    Basic Renovation: $6,000 - $12,000. This includes updating essential fixtures, flooring, and paint.

    Mid-Range Renovation: $12,000 - $20,000 Covers better quality fixtures, upgraded tiles, and new cabinetry.

    High-End Renovation: $20,000 - $35,000 Features premium materials, custom features, and extensive upgrades.

    Guest Bathroom Renovation Costs

    Guest bathrooms typically include essential fixtures like a bathtub, shower, toilet, sink, cabinets and other necessary items. These bathrooms are often located in guest rooms or guest quarters but can also be situated in a hallway for easy access by guests and other household members.  According to home improvement sources, the cost of renovating a guest bathroom is generally estimated to be around $4,500 to $9,000; the cost can be higher depending on the scope of the Renovation and materials used.

    Powder Room Renovation Cost

    A modern sink in the powder room
    Photo: @visualcomfort

    A half bath or powder room typically includes a toilet and sink and is usually located near a foyer or entryway of the home. The small size makes it relatively inexpensive to maintain and renovate. The cost of renovating a powder room can range from $1,500 to $4,000, according to some home improvement sites' estimates. However, one factor that can influence the cost is the location, as material and labor costs vary. For example, half-bath remodeling can cost around $13,000 in New York City, reflecting the higher local costs.

    Average Cost of Bathroom Renovation Per Square Foot

    The size of your bathroom plays a significant role in calculating the expenses for a remodeling project. Bathroom sizes are usually proportionate to the overall house size, whether it's a primary bathroom, a guest bathroom, or even a powder room in larger, more luxurious homes. You can calculate the average cost by considering the square footage. Costs shared by Home improvement sites are often listed based on the size of the bathrooms.

    The cost for 25 square feet ranges from $1,800 to $6,300.

    The cost for 40 square feet ranges from $2,800 to $10,000.

    50 square feet bathroom renovation cost can be around $3,500 to $12,500.

    A 75 square feet" bathroom can be renovated for around $5,300 to $18,800.

    100 square feet bathroom remodeling Costs can be around $7,000 to $25,000.

    Average Cost of Bathroom Renovation Per Square Foot
    Infographic: Heavengables

    The Average Cost for Remodeling Bathroom by Location

    The average cost for remodeling bathrooms may vary in different areas or cities across the country, just as average home prices do. The same square footage may have a less or more expensive remodeling cost in different areas based on various factors. Some of the major U.S. cities have average cost for bathroom renovation as follows:

    1. Atlanta-$16,500 to $38,000.

    2. Boston-$17,500 to $39,500.

    3. Chicago-$16,500 to $37,500.

    4. Houston-$15,500 to $35,500.

    5. Los Angeles-$18,000 to $40,500.

    6. Miami-16,500 to $38,500.

    7. New York City-$18,000 to $40,500.

    8. Washington, D.C.-$16,500 to $38,000.

    What Items Do You Need to Allocate a Budget for Your Bathroom Renovation Project?

    Bathroom Remodel Budget
    Photo: @bathrooms_of_insta

    The cost ranges for different types of bathrooms are important to determine if you're considering a remodel. It is essential to know where you will spend the money to plan a budget and other expenses. Here's what you need to allocate a budget for your bathroom renovation project, according to various home improvement sites and lists.

    When planning a bathroom remodel, consider budgeting for the following items and their typical costs:

    • Bathroom Vanity: Costs range from $300 to $3,800. For example, the Ridgemore 71 x 22 x 35-inch vanity in white is priced at $1,599.

    • Vanity Countertop: Expect to spend between $400 and $4,300. This typically includes options such as a granite top and sink.

    • Glass Shower Door: Prices range from $600 to $1,900, with options like the Kohler Levity frameless sliding shower door costing around $688.

    • Bathtub: Costs for a bathtub range from $1,961 to $9,239. For instance, the Kohler Bellwether 66-inch Rectangular model is available for $1,356.

    • Tilework: Budget $400 to $6,500 for tile installation. An example is the Jeffrey Court Subway Gloss Ceramic shower wall tile, which costs $3.58 per square foot.

    You need to allocate a budget for additional costs such as paint, mirrors, fixtures, cabinetry, and potentially a bathroom linen closet. A double-sink vanity is a feature that many home buyers look for and is considered a top bathroom feature. As you plan your budget and allocate funds for different items in your bathroom renovation project, keep this in mind.

    Conclusion

    Remodeling a bathroom involves careful consideration of various cost factors and features. Understanding the range of expenses for different types of bathrooms, from primary to half baths, helps in creating a realistic budget.

    Allocating funds for essential items like fixtures, cabinetry, and desirable features such as a double sink vanity ensures a well-planned renovation. By considering both the costs and buyer preferences, you can make informed decisions that enhance the functionality and appeal of your bathroom, ultimately adding value to your home.

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