Bathroom Remodeling
Full gut or a lighter refresh. Tile, shower, vanity and layout, done by licensed local remodelers.
What is bathroom remodeling?
A bathroom remodel replaces some or all of the room down to the studs: tile, tub or shower, vanity, toilet, lighting, ventilation and often the plumbing behind the walls. You get to change anything, and it does the most for resale. It is also the job with the most ways to go wrong, so the contractor, the permit and a written scope matter more than which faucet you pick.
Timeline: 3 to 6 weeks of work for a typical hall or primary bath, plus 1 to 4 weeks before start for design, permits and material lead times.
Estimate your bathroom remodel cost
US average prices. Your city page has local numbers.
Project level
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
National installed price ranges. Open your city below for prices adjusted to local labor and housing costs.
Refresh
Same layout. New vanity, toilet, fixtures, lighting, paint and a tub or shower surround.
Mid-range remodel
Down to studs. New tile floor and shower walls, tub-to-shower conversion, fan, updated supply lines.
Upscale primary bath
Layout changes, curbless shower, double vanity, heated floor, custom glass and stone.
Cost breakdown
| Line item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Plumbing rough-in and valves | $1,500 – $5,500 |
| Tile (floor and shower walls), installed | $2,500 – $9,500 |
| Shower pan, waterproofing, niche | $900 – $3,200 |
| Vanity, top and faucet | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Toilet, installed | $400 – $1,400 |
| Glass shower door / enclosure | $900 – $3,500 |
| Electrical, lighting, exhaust fan | $800 – $3,000 |
| Drywall, paint, trim | $700 – $2,200 |
| Permit and inspections | $200 – $1,200 |
How it works
In-home measure and scope
The remodeler checks the subfloor, venting, supply lines and drain locations, then writes a line-item scope.
Design and selections
Pick tile, vanity, fixtures and glass before demo starts. A back-ordered vanity can stall the job for weeks.
Permit
Most cities require a permit when plumbing, electrical or walls change. Your contractor should pull it in their name.
Demo, rough-in, inspection
The room is opened up, plumbing and electrical are roughed in and inspected before walls close.
Waterproofing and tile
A bonded membrane or liquid waterproofing goes on before tile. Skimp here and the shower fails in 5 years instead of 30.
Finish and final walkthrough
Vanity, toilet, glass, trim and paint, then final inspection and a punch list walk with you.
Popular choices
Tub-to-shower conversion
The most requested change. Typically $7,000 to $16,000 with tile, less with an acrylic or solid-surface system.
Curbless / walk-in shower
No step in, linear drain, often with a bench and grab bars. Good for aging in place and small rooms.
Heated tile floor
Electric mat under tile, about $10 to $20 per sq ft installed. Popular in colder climates.
Large-format porcelain
Fewer grout lines, less scrubbing. The floor has to be dead flat, so prep runs a bit higher.
Get a free bathroom remodel quote
Licensed, insured installers. They measure at your house and the quote costs nothing.
Bathroom Remodeling by state
Largest cities we cover
Bathroom Remodeling FAQ
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
Nationally most homeowners spend $15,000 to $32,000 on a mid-range, down-to-the-studs remodel of a 40 to 60 sq ft bathroom. A cosmetic refresh can be $6,500 to $14,000 and a large primary bath with layout changes often runs $35,000 or more.
How long does it take?
Plan on 3 to 6 weeks of on-site work once demo starts. The schedule usually depends on the plumbing inspection and on special-order items like glass and vanities.
Do I need a permit?
Usually yes if plumbing, electrical, framing or ventilation changes. Swapping a vanity or toilet in the same spot usually does not. The contractor should pull the permit. If they ask you to pull it as the owner, that is a red flag.
Does a bathroom remodel add value?
At resale, a mid-range bath remodel usually gets back somewhere around two-thirds of what it cost, depending on the market. The bigger effect is speed of sale: buyers walk away from dated or water-stained bathrooms, and they notice the shower and vanity first.
Can I stay in the house during the remodel?
Yes, if there is a second bathroom. With only one, ask the contractor to reset the toilet every evening, or look at refacing, which is done in a day or two.